IAPCO and ABEA Announce Strategic Partnership to Enhance Membership Value and Collaboration

The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) and the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) have announced today a new Strategic Partnership that will bring mutual benefits to members of both organisations. This collaboration will strengthen the global meetings and events industry through enhanced knowledge-sharing, increased visibility, and collaborative opportunities. 

Sissi Lignou, President of IAPCO said the on-going success and growth of the global meetings and events industry relies on collaboration between like-minded organisations and different stakeholders more than ever before.   

 “As we navigate an ever-evolving industry landscape, fostering collaboration between organisations who stand for the same values, is crucial for the ongoing success and growth of the global meetings and events industry.  My thanks to our Past-President, Sarah Markey-Hamm and Melissa Brown for facilitating this important Strategic Partnership,” said Lignou.     

Melissa Brown, CEO of ABEA, emphasised the value of partnership. 

“We are delighted to partner with the IAPCO. Our collective efforts will provide our members with exceptional value, critical industry knowledge, and the ability to connect on a global scale. There is so much knowledge to be shared. The more efficient we can share experience and knowledge across the globe, the easier it will be for our members to keep up to date with the latest developments,” said Brown. 

The Strategic Partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) set to last for three years. Key activities include: 

Membership Value-Add: ABEA and IAPCO members will benefit from collaborative engagements, including meetups at industry trade shows such as IMEX, IBTM, FIEXPO, and AIME. These opportunities will foster new relationships and potential business ventures. 

Knowledge-Share Collaboration: Both organisations will engage in ongoing collaboration through industry and online education initiatives. Planned activities include panel discussions featuring industry experts, the delivery of joint educational sessions, and discounted access for members to professional development courses. 

White Papers and Research: ABEA and IAPCO will co-write a White Paper to benefit both membership bases, along with sharing further relevant research and studies to enhance industry insights.