The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) is the only global accreditation body for Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs), representing the gold standard of excellence in the global meetings industry.
A for-purpose (not-for-profit), member-driven organisation, IAPCO exists to elevate professional standards in the planning and delivery of world-class conferences and meetings. IAPCO has over 95 members, operating from over 187 offices across the globe. Collectively, members delivered 19,469 events with an economic impact of over €17.8 billion.
Elevate your brand and influence the global meetings and events industry by partnering with IAPCO. Reach a vast network of industry leaders, professionals and experts. Collaborate with us to shape the future of the business events industry and create meaningful, lasting impressions.
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IAPCO firmly believes education is essential to further and maintain a high professional standard in the organisation and administration of congresses, conferences and other international and national meetings or special events.
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Recognising the best-qualified professional congress organisers and building strong and mutually focused relationships to achieve great results for the meetings and events industry.
View moreGlobal conflict, policy change and socio-political instability are increasingly impacting the international meetings and conferences industry.
Introducing IAPCO’s 2026 Global Socio-Political Impact Survey, conducted in partnership with AIPC, AMC Institute, ICCA, IFES and PCMA.
The research reveals that global conflicts have impacted 73.84% of respondent’s ability to plan or host international meetings, a significant increase from 53.92% in 2025.
The report explores the growing impact of global unrest on the events industry, while highlighting what IAPCO and IAPCO Accredited PCOs are doing about it.
Stay ahead of the game, read the full report today.
To celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) 2026, IAPCO shines a light on the scale, strength, and strategic value of the IAPCO community through our 2025 Annual Member Survey Results and Case Studies Report.
This new report tells a powerful story: a global community delivering measurable impact today while helping shape the future of the meetings industry.
In 2025, IAPCO Accredited PCO members organised 23,512 meetings and events worldwide, up 20.77% from 2024.
Across 187 office locations, they managed 7,718,808 participants, generating €17.36 billion in economic impact. These numbers represent global knowledge exchange, economic contribution, professional advancement and the power of expertly delivered conferences to move industries and communities forward.
Unlocking Excellence continues with the launch of Dear Destinations, a campaign speaking directly to convention bureaux, venues, government agencies and destination leaders about the power of meetings and conferences to drive economic, social and cultural outcomes for cities.
Dear Destinations and Policymakers,
Destinations that lead globally don’t wait for opportunities; they position themselves to secure them.
The world’s leading destinations partner with IAPCO members to secure and deliver conferences that drive economic growth, strengthen industries, and create lasting impact.
A strong pipeline of global events is confirmed for the coming years – many still to secure a destination or venue. These are real events, real budgets, real opportunities, creating a valuable opportunity for destination leaders and policymakers to engage early and influence outcomes for their city.
With rigorous accreditation standards and global expertise, IAPCO connects destinations to opportunity, helping them turn potential into long-term impact.
