In event management, being organised, experienced and reliable makes all the difference.
For in-house event teams and Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs), recognition from the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) signals credibility and expertise. Yet, while many associations have dedicated event teams, few pursue IAPCO accreditation.
You might assume your team doesn’t qualify for IAPCO membership, but as you’ll see below, if your team regularly provides fourteen of the twenty-one listed PCO services for your events, you do!
What Defines an In-House Organiser?
A key question is: what defines an ‘in-house’ organiser? The distinction is simple – an in-house organiser runs events primarily for their own organisation, not external clients.
IAPCO establishes a clear benchmark for qualification: an organiser must manage at least fourteen out of twenty-one recognised PCO activities. This standard ensures members aren’t just event planners but professionals operating at a high level.
See the list of Standard PCO Service
Why Join IAPCO?
Being an IAPCO member is more than just adding a logo to your website. It offers tangible benefits that help organisations run smoother, better events. Here are a few reasons why in-house organisers should consider joining:
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.
Unlocking Community, Unlocking Excellence
‘Unlocking Excellence’ is more than just a motto – it’s a commitment embraced by the IAPCO Council and staff.
Each year, an increasing number of valued partners join, creating new opportunities for IAPCO members. Whether it's the chance for you or your team to be hosted buyers at major industry events or expanding your network with destinations, service providers and venues, IAPCO continually opens doors to growth and collaboration.
If your organisation consistently handles fourteen out of twenty-one key PCO activities, you’re already operating at a professional level. Why not make it official?
IAPCO membership isn’t just about prestige. It’s about unlocking support, resources and a network that makes event planning easier and more effective. If your team meets the benchmark, it’s time to consider joining IAPCO and being part of a global community that gets events done right.
