Leagacy-A-Driving-Advocacy-for-Association-Events-by-Sissi-Lygnou.pdf

In her article for the HQ magazine, IAPCO President-Elect and President and CEO of AFEA Congress, Sissi Lygnou highlights the importance of advocacy for the meetings industry, emphasizing the significant economic impact and legacy creation of association events, with the research showing the industry's $1.6 trillion contribution to global GDP.

08 May 2024
Sissi argues that association events foster collaboration, innovation, sustainable development and community enrichment by gathering expertise and rotating among destinations. Sissi leads the advocacy initiative launched recently by IAPCO to raise the profile of accredited PCOs and calls for a unified global advocacy strategy to gain recognition and support from policymakers, leveraging the powerful legacy creation of association events as a driving force for advocacy efforts.
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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.

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