In order to become a member, PCOs must achieve accreditation from the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO).
“Our goal with the ‘Unlocking Excellence’ campaign is to highlight the rigorous standards that our members adhere to,” said IAPCO CEO Martin Boyle.
“We want to emphasise the importance of quality assurance in the global meetings and events industry.
“The accreditation process is designed to ensure that our members are recognised as the best in the industry.
“This process also includes a demonstrated commitment to ongoing education and innovation to keep up to date with the changes facing our sector.
“Our members are leaders, always striving to set new benchmarks for quality and innovation,” he said.
The campaign features endorsement of IAPCO’s accredited members from various stakeholders, including a convention bureau, an exhibition company owner and various associations and organisations who run events using IAPCO members.
There are 91 IAPCO member companies with 180 offices around the world and 17,657 event planners working for them. In 2022 and 2023, these companies and their staff organised more than 33,400 meetings, events and congresses which stimulated €27.7 billion (AU$44.56 billion) of economic activity.
A core mission of the association is to raise the professionalism and standard of congress management around the world.
