19 Jan 2026

Venue West Conference Services Celebrates 55 Years of Purposeful Global Conference Leadership

Venue West Conference Services is celebrating 55 years of delivering conferences that connect people, advance knowledge, and support organizations around the world. Founded in Vancouver in 1970, the company has grown into a globally respected Professional Conference Organiser, supporting associations and scientific societies across North America and internationally.

To mark this milestone, Venue West will host a private anniversary event in January at the Terminal City Club in Vancouver. The celebration, themed “Rooted & Rising,” reflects the company’s history of trusted delivery and its continued evolution as the meetings industry advances toward more strategic, global, and purpose-driven engagement.

Over five and a half decades, Venue West has delivered more than 1,000 conferences and events in over 30 countries, offering comprehensive services that include international congress management, virtual and hybrid meeting solutions, destination and trade show management, and association support. The organization has been a certified member of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) since 1979, reflecting a long-standing commitment to the highest professional standards in international conference organization.

“Our longevity comes from staying focused on what matters most—our clients, their communities, and the impact of the meetings we deliver,” said Richard Carlisle, President of Venue West Conference Services. “While the industry has changed significantly over the years, our role has remained consistent: to plan with purpose, adapt with intention, and deliver conferences that create lasting value. This milestone is both a reflection of where we’ve been and a signal of where we’re going.”

Venue West’s approach combines operational excellence with strategic insight, supporting organizations as they navigate increasingly complex conference environments. From scientific congresses to international association meetings, the company continues to deliver programs designed to align objectives, engage audiences, and foster meaningful connections.

About Venue West Conference Services
Founded in Vancouver in 1970, Venue West Conference Services is a full-service Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) specializing in the planning and delivery of international, national, and local conferences, congresses, trade shows, and association management services. Venue West offers end-to-end solutions, including virtual and hybrid meeting delivery, destination management, and strategic association support, and has been a certified member of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) since 1979. 

www.venuewest.com

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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