Tsai Ing-wen, Former President of Taiwan (2016 to 2024) welcomed 130 leaders from 34 countries attending the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) Annual Meeting and General Assembly in Taipei held between 21 – 23 February 2025.
Delegates representing PCO member companies whose client events were valued at over €17.78 billion in Economic Impact in 2024, came together for intensive learning, networking and collaboration.
Tsai Ing-wen warmly welcomed the IAPCO delegation and drew similarity between building strong democracies and organising conferences.
“Through your work, you build bridges that connect the world…In Taiwan, we share this belief. Taiwan’s experience shows that progress is possible when people are willing to work together to plot a path forward.
International cooperation has been essential to Taiwan’s development and has allowed us to share success with friends around the world. In fact, the work you do as conference organisers has much in common with diplomacy. Both involve bringing together experts and fostering dialogue and collaboration.
I believe these principles also align closely with the values of the IAPCO community. Together, we can continue to create spaces where ideas flourish, connections deepen, and solutions emerge for the challenges of our time.
Taiwan is proud to be part of this global tribe, and we are honored to host you as you exchange ideas and strengthen your professional bonds,” said Tsai Ing-wen.
Taiwan's dynamic economy, cutting-edge technological, and strong commitment to global engagement makes Taipei an ideal location for this prestigious gathering. The support from the Taiwan government underscores the nation’s dedication to facilitating international dialogue and innovation.
Incoming President of IAPCO Sissi Lignou said the partnership between IAPCO which represents the highest levels of delivery in global meetings, and Taiwan’s creativity and professionalism has resulted in a hugely successful conference.
“Over 65% of the delegates hadn’t visited Taiwan before this General Meeting. Taiwan’s successful bid to host this event will have positive long-term impacts for the Taiwanese meetings industry. The top professional conference organisers of the world have now been introduced to the multitude of options available across the country, which will bring new opportunities and economic benefit in the years to come.
We sincerely thank the Former President, the Local Organising Committee and everyone involved for making this AM&GA so successful,” said Ms Lignou.
The Annual Meeting and General Assembly is always hosted by an IAPCO Member, in partnership with the local or national convention bureau or relevant government agency.
The 2026 Annual Meeting and General Assembly will be held in Athens, Greece.
Pictured (from left to right) are:
Nicola Testai, OIC Group, Italy
Giulia Sarri, AIM Group, Italy
Ajay Bhojwani, MCI Group, UAE
Martin Boyle, IAPCO CEO, UK
Sissi Lignou, IAPCO President and CEO of AFEA Congress, Greece
Tsai Ing-wen, Former President of Taiwan
Sarah Markey-Hamm, IAPCO Immediate Past-President and CEO of ICMS Pty Ltd, Australia
Jason Yeh, GIS Group, Taiwan
Limor Cunia, Kenes Group, Israel
Ellen Franck, Meetagain, Sweden
Stephen Noble, The Conference Company, Australia
Jimena Ruiz, BTC Group, Mexico
