The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and the International Association of Professional Conference Organisers (IAPCO) will work together on thought leadership, research, the talent pipeline and education initiatives.
The collaboration will also provide discounted access to each association’s own education opportunities.
The MoU will see leaders from the two organisations appear together on high level panels, deliver a research and an education piece together each year and join up for at least one initiative aimed at students annually.
“This partnership reflects IAPCO’s commitment to meaningful collaboration that advances the professionalism and global impact of the business events industry across our communities,” said IAPCO’s president, Sissi Lignou.
“By partnering with PCMA on shared thought leadership, education access, research and Emerging Leaders engagement, we are creating tangible value for our members whilst jointly shaping the future of our industry.
“This collaboration brings together two global communities with a common purpose: to elevate standards, amplify insight and invest in the next generation of industry leaders, and we are thrilled to further develop our long-term collaboration with PCMA in this way.”
The MoU was signed at PCMA’s flagship event Convening Leaders, held earlier this month in the US city of Philadelphia. This is the first time the two associations have had a more formal partnership in place.
“Through this multi-year framework, IAPCO and PCMA are strengthening global connectivity, advancing leadership at every career stage and contributing informed insight to the evolving international business events landscape,” said PCMA CEO and president, Sheriff Karamat.
While PCMA is headquartered in the USA, IAPCO is based in Europe.
