Steps to join
1. A Network That Works for You
Even the largest event teams don’t have experience in every city, venue or situation. But IAPCO membership means you don’t have to figure things out alone. Have a question about a supplier? Need insights on a destination? Someone in our global network always has the answer – just a message away.
Attending the IAPCO Annual Meeting expands this network even further, connecting you to other PCOs, suppliers and industry players. These interactions foster relationships that can support you, whether it’s through shared experiences, best practices or new collaborations.
2. A Stamp of Approval
For most participants to association events, IAPCO accreditation won’t mean much. But for industry insiders – venues, suppliers and destination reps – it’s a signal that they’re working with a reliable professional. The IAPCO stamp reassures partners that your organisation meets the highest standards. It builds trust, making negotiations smoother and partnerships easier.
Accreditation ensures that an event upholds the highest standards of quality and organisation. Even if participants aren't familiar with IAPCO standards, they still benefit from a seamless, professional and trustworthy experience – while the 'IAPCO accredited' logo serves as a clear mark of excellence, assuring them they are attending an event of the highest calibre.
3. Learning from the Best
Events are always evolving. Staying on top of trends, technology and best practices is a full-time job. IAPCO helps by offering workshops, seminars and online learning for members. And the best part is that the education is constantly updated. The industry moves fast, and so does IAPCO training. Attending IAPCO EDGE seminars and learning from other PCOs sharpens skills, broadens perspectives and helps event teams grow.
4. That Bit of Extra
IAPCO maintains a quality network of commercial partners, easily accessible through the IAPCO network, with some offering competitive rates exclusively for IAPCO members. For in-house organisers working with fixed budgets and high expectations, this kind of financial protection can be a game-changer.
Step 5 - Site Visit
Appraisal Visit Guidelines
On receipt of satisfactory references, the Applicant will be asked to host, (see guidelines) the appraisal visit by an IAPCO reviewer to the selected Congress/Meeting organised by the Applicant and to the Applicant’s Office. The reviewer's undertaking the appraisal visit will need to participate as a free delegate through the event registration and abstract processes.
During the visit to the Applicant’s Office, the Applicant will be asked to provide:
- Copies of printed promotional material for their future Events
- A copy of the Applicant’s Company’s Articles of Association, or other registration document or licence in English
- Details of the Company Board of Directors and / or Senior Managers and Administrators
- Access to office procedures, administration and financial information
The Process
A scoring system is in place to assess the application and consideration will be given to:- the year in which the congress was held
- the size of the event and the number of countries of delegates attending
- the services provided by the Applicant
- references received from clients and other IAPCO members
- review of the appraisal visit.
Observer Applications
This is a great way for PCOs interested in becoming an IAPCO member to get involved in the Association and provides an important steppingstone to fully accredited membership. By experiencing IAPCO for themselves, we are confident that they will see just what a big difference we can make to the reach and professionalism of their organisation.
Those wanting to become an IAPCO Observer must be proposed and seconded by an existing IAPCO member and to meet certain basic criteria. Their proposer then acts as a mentor, acting as a point of contact and helping them amass the necessary evidence for a successful membership application when they are ready.
The observer status entitles prospective members to the following entitlements for one year:
- One free registration at the Annual Meeting
- One free registration at an EDGE Seminar
- Multiple places on any EDGE seminar at the IAPCO member rate
- Free access to web-EDGE online learning facilities for one year
This costs €1.500.
Submit Observer Form and become an IAPCO Observer.
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