The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) has announced a new strategic partnership with Business Events Australia (BEA), launching joint initiatives to strengthen and accelerate sustainable practices across the global meetings and events industry at IBTM this week.
The partnership supports the implementation of IAPCO’s Sustainability Strategy and introduces two cornerstone initiatives: a new Sustainability Award powered by Business Events Australia, and the development of a new IAPCO Sustainability Toolkit designed to equip professional congress organisers (PCOs) with practical tools and insights to drive measurable environmental and social impact.
Sissi Lignou, President of IAPCO and CEO of AFEA Congress, said sustainability is no longer optional.
“It’s a defining principle for the future of our industry. Through this partnership, IAPCO and Business Events Australia are empowering our members to lead by example, demonstrating how creativity, collaboration, and responsibility can coexist to deliver exceptional and impactful events worldwide.”
Robin Mack, Acting Managing Director Tourism Australia, said: "Sustainability is increasingly important for the business events industry and one of Tourism Australia’s key strategic pillars, driving how we market, operate, and partner across the industry.
“Our new partnership with IAPCO will strengthen and help to accelerate sustainable practices. We look forward to announcing the first Sustainability Award winner and launching the Toolkit at IAPCO’s Annual Meeting & General Assembly in February next year."
The IAPCO Sustainability Award powered by Business Events Australia will honour outstanding achievements by IAPCO member companies demonstrating leadership and innovation in sustainable event management.
As part of the collaboration, Business Events Australia will also support the IAPCO Sustainability Toolkit, a new digital resource providing actionable strategies, checklists, and tools that PCOs can implement into their operations. Scheduled for release in March 2026, the toolkit will reflect the latest global best practices and standards in sustainable event delivery.
Ajay Bhojwani, IAPCO Sustainability Committee Chair and Managing Director at MCI Middle East, said the partnership represents a united commitment to driving change.
“This partnership represents a shared commitment to meaningful action. Together, we aim to showcase innovation, create practical tools that enable every organiser to make a real difference, as well as recognise the best-in-class implementation of sustainability actions and tools.
“Recent IAPCO member research found that 71% of members have a clear sustainability vision and strategy, and 58% have a designated sustainability role within their organisations responsible for implementing sustainability practices in their clients’ event.
“However, respondents identified the increased cost of implementation and a lack of sustainability subvention and subsidy programmes as key challenges in advancing sustainability across the events industry. Which is why this partnership is so important,” said Bhojwani.
The partnership will also include a comprehensive programme of branding, education, and engagement opportunities.
Through this collaboration, IAPCO reaffirms its endorsement as a signatory of the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) initiative. Both organisations share their commitment to advancing sustainability, celebrating excellence, and ensuring the meetings industry continues to play a leading role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
For more information, visit https://www.iapco.org/