The 2024 Annual Member Economic Impact and Business Strategy Report shows its members delivered 19,469 events during 2024 for 7,942,092 delegates.
The number of conferences organised by IAPCO members rose by 2,425 on the year prior.
Collectively, all of the 2024 events had an economic impact of €17.8 billion (AU$31.8 billion), an increase of €3.54 billion (AU$6.32 billion) – a 19.8 per cent rise – on 2023 figures.
Future business for IAPCO members was also laid out in the report, with 4,721 meetings and events confirmed for IAPCO members between 2026 and 2028 alongside a further 3,334 events pending for the same period.
The report highlights an opportunity for business events sellers, with 1,969 confirmed events yet to lock in a destination, a venue, or both, between 2026 and 2028.
“The 2024 report showcases the resilience and growth potential of the global meetings industry,” said IAPCO CEO, Martin Boyle.
“With an expanding membership and a significant pipeline of future events, IAPCO members are strategically positioned to influence the evolution of the meetings landscape while adhering to the highest standards of quality and sustainability.”
“Our results not only represent strong economic impact, but advancements in health, academia and research, science and engineering, energy, financial and professional services, technology and manufacturing – all sectors our members specialise in.
“The growth of our sector remains a constant in our increasingly uncertain world. The drive for people to gather and share knowledge has never been stronger.”
“The global meetings industry serves as a platform for professional, academic and scientific communities to converge, allowing them to debate, collaborate and expand their networks, creating opportunities and outcomes that drive real progress.”
In order to become an IAPCO member, companies have to gain accreditation through the association, guaranteeing a minimum quality standard for members.
In Australia and New Zealand, ICMS, MCI, Arinex and The Conference Company are IAPCO members.
