AFEA Congress President & CEO Elected President-Elect of IAPCO: A Milestone Achievement Paving the Way for the 2026 IAPCO AM&GA in Athens

AFEA Congress is honoured to have been part of the IAPCO Congress 2024 which was an astounding success, but also an important milestone for AFEA Congress' history, as its President & CEO, Sissi Lignou, was nominated and elected President-Elect of IAPCO, succeeding the incumbent President, Sarah Markey-Hamm at the #IAPCO2025 AM & GA in Taipei, Taiwan.

16 Apr 2024

Member News - AFEA Congress

Two photos from the AFEA Congress

“We are thrilled to welcome the new Council Officers and President-Elect to their respective positions,” said Sarah Markey-Hamm, IAPCO President. “Their extensive experience, diverse perspectives, and dedication will be invaluable assets as we navigate the evolving landscape of the business events industry and help propel IAPCO forward in its mission to shape the future of the international meetings and events industry.”

“I am honoured to be elected as President-Elect and look forward to working alongside the President and new Council Officers and the entire IAPCO team,” commented Sissy. “Together, we will strive to further elevate the professional standards of the PCO industry and advocate for the vital role of PCOs in the global business events landscape.”

We’re more than proud to not only support our CEO in this new challenging and exciting chapter but to also be represented internationally in the meetings industry.

This important recognition comes at the perfect timing, aligned with the announcement of the host city for the 2026 IAPCO AM&GA. This Is Athens in collaboration with active IAPCO PCO members AFEA Congress, ERA Congresses & Events, ERASMUS Conferences & Events S.A. and CONVIN S.A. will have the honour of welcoming IAPCO’s 2026 AM&GA in Athens! We eagerly anticipate being part of this extraordinary experience to be hosting the biggest event of the industry in Athens.

Let us persist in our commitment to working together to shape the trajectory of the meetings industry for years to come!

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IAPCO EDGE Auckland 2026

IAPCO EDGE Auckland 2026, taking place from 16–19 March 2026, marks 10 years of IAPCO EDGE and returns to the city where the EDGE journey began.

This highly interactive three-day seminar is designed for meetings and events professionals seeking to strengthen their skills, broaden their perspectives, and grow their global networks.

Combining expert-led sessions, case studies and collaborative group work, the programme focuses on practical tools, current trends and actionable insights. The seminar faculty comprises world-leading industry professionals and long-standing leaders within IAPCO: Stephen Noble, Chair of the IAPCO Training Academy and General Manager Asia Pacific, The Conference Company; Mathias Posch, IAPCO Past President, Chair of the Accreditation Committee, and President & Partner, International Conference Services (ICS); and Jan Tonkin, IAPCO Past President and Founder & Advisor, The Conference Company.

More than a seminar, EDGE is about connection, teamwork and shared experience—delivered with the distinctive manaakitanga (warmth and hospitality) that makes Auckland and New Zealand unique.

See more & Register