The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) is pleased to welcome Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau as their latest Destination Partner of the IAPCO community. The Destination Partnership programme at IAPCO was created in 2013 to better align IAPCO member PCOs with leading Convention and Visitor Bureaux (CVBs) around the world.  It was identified that through the facilitation of stronger collaborative dialogue and opportunities, PCOs and CVBs would be in a much more strategic position to drive success for their mutual clients.

Since then, the Destination Partnership Programme has grown to include 14 CVBs from around the globe, each providing unique opportunities and solutions that ensure the long-term success of the association and corporate business and professional events industry.

Individual IAPCO destination partners have reported that the economic impact of business events they have won and those in the pipeline directly through IAPCO members can reach well over 300 million euros, through the term of their partnership with IAPCO.

Sarah Markey-Hamm, President, IAPCO, said: “Welcoming Guadalajara to our Destination Partnership Community marks a significant milestone for IAPCO as we now have representation from every continent. Guadalajara brings a vibrant and dynamic offering that complements the diversity and excellence of our global partners. This addition reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class events by fostering deep-rooted connections across the globe, and we are excited for the collaborative opportunities that Guadalajara brings to our community.”

Martin Boyle, CEO, IAPCO, said: “Our Destination Partners are integral to the growth and development of the IAPCO community as they play a key role in the delivery of our clients’ meetings and events. It is of utmost importance to association and corporate clients that our PCO members have direct contact with the most senior policy-makers and influencers in destinations.  This ensures a truly whole-of-city partnership and delivery for the meeting and event.”

Gustavo Staufert, Director General, Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau, said: “Guadalajara as the Latin-American member of Best Cities Global Alliance is committed to sustainable meetings that may communicate the Mexican flavour in a professional warmth full of colours. We are glad to join our second global alliance, I am convinced that strategic alliances make us stronger. I’d like to thank IAPCO for this wonderful opportunity.”

For more information about IAPCO visit: https://www.iapco.org

ENDS

Notes to Editor
Interviews are available with the below IAPCO spokespeople:

Martin Boyle, CEO, IAPCO
Sarah Markey-Hamm, President, IAPCO and Chair of Quality Committee

About IAPCO

The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) is a not-for-profit membership association and the only international accreditation organisation for professional conference organisers.
IAPCO members are a beacon of knowledge and experience, continually strengthened through education and innovation. They meticulously hone their craft to deliver events and experiences that set new standards and elevate the art of congress curation to new heights.