Hosting and EDGE Seminar

HOSTING an IAPCO EDGE Seminar

About IAPCO IAPCO is a not-for-profit membership association that represents 138 registered Professional Congress Organisers (PCO’s) in 40 countries. Membership is reserved for PCO’s that consistently meet IAPCO’s stringent accreditation criteria.

Our Mission IAPCO’s mission is to raise the standards of service amongst its members and other sectors of the meeting’s industry by means of continuing education and interaction with other professionals.

IAPCO Education IAPCO believes that education is necessary to advance and uphold a high professional level in organising and managing congresses, conferences, and other meetings or special events.

IAPCO’s education programmes are delivered under the EDGE banner; Experts in Dynamic Global Education and provide PCOs and their staff with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the meetings and events industry.

About EDGE Seminars Attending an EDGE seminar is a unique experience.

Meetings and events professionals make new connections and learn new skills through a mix of lectures and practical workshops which are taught by industry leaders during a two or three-day seminar.

EDGE Seminars are taught in English and the content is relevant to early career attendees as well as experienced industry players. Much of the learning is through interactive group work whereby EDGE attendees learn alongside their peers.

There are three annual EDGE Seminars in the IAPCO calendar : Europe January

LATAM October

APAC dates vary

Click the links below to view the highlights videos of :

EDGE Munich 2020

EDGE EDGEGeneva Geneva 2023 2023

Who attends an Edge Seminar?

EDGE seminars provide the opportunity for industry professionals to learn from respected leaders in a hands-on way and to advance their career while making life-long connections.

While content focuses primarily on professional congress organisation, EDGE seminars will benefit people with > 3 years’ experience from these sectors:PCOs/Meeting Planners National/International Organisations/Associations Convention Bureaux/Tourism Bodies Congress Centres/Conference Hotels Exhibition Managers Pharma and Medical Device Companies DMCs, AMCs, Travel Agencies Registration is open to IAPCO members and non-members. An IAPCO EDGE Seminar usually attracts +/-60 regional registrants but participants from across the world can attend. (Max. 75 participants)

Participant Type Other Convention Centres CVB PCO International Association Corporate Company

Corporate Company

1%

Testimonials from participants:

“This seminar is a REAL education programme. Not only are the speakers experts; they really know how to do great events” Hugo Rosas Guzman Powering Events, EDGE Guadalajara 2018

“No matter for how long someone has been active in this industry, this seminar is always an excellent opportunity to refresh your knowledge and make new contacts.”

Monique Andre de la Porte

Utrecht Marketing (Convention Bureau) EDGE Lillehammer 2022

“3 incredible days in Geneva at IAPCO Edge came to an end!

It were three days full of networking, learning and fun. Also, the opportunity to meet such great people” Aline Benkenstein

Messe Congress Center Basel. EDGE Geneva 2023

“Three days full of learning, understanding and listening.

Always amazing to spend time with new and old friends” Agnes Dallmer-Zerbe

Congrex Switzerland EDGE Geneva 2023

Benefits of hosting an EDGE seminar EDGE seminars are an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of the PCO and to showcase the destination to attendees who are influential in the selection process for future International Association Meetings and Congresses.

What is the cost of hosting an EDGE seminar?

Delegates pay a registration fee to attend EDGE seminars. However, Partnering with the host destination’s convention bureau, convention centre or other industry body is central to the success of the seminar, not only for financial support but also for the increased marketing reach to potential participants

What do EDGE Seminar hosts have to say?

IAPCO EDGE Geneva 2023 host “Organizing the IAPCO Edge Seminar in Geneva was a great experience. Bringing together professionals from various fields and countries was a rewarding endeavor.

The networking opportunities created a dynamic atmosphere, valuable connections and collaborations. With the support of the IAPCO HQ, organizing the event in Geneva was a seamless process. We are grateful for the opportunity to create such a memorable experience for all participants.”

Bertrand Joehr, Co-Owner of Symporg

IAPCO EDGE Florence 2018 host “Hosting an EDGE Seminar, means showcasing the very best of the destination, bringing all the initial brainstormed ideas ‘to life’ through a rich and varied educational programme as well as a well-thought-out social programme. The outcomes of an EDGE are first-class learning, alongside marvellous mingling and networking with colleagues from around the world. So, in conclusion, hosting an EDGE, widens your perspectives, and that’s surely a wonderful thing! “ Ginevra Debellis, International Business Coordinator,OIC Group

IAPCO EDGE Lillehammer 2022 host

GYRO CONFERENCE

“Hosting an EDGE seminar is not just about imparting knowledge and expertise; it’s an opportunity to unlock new horizons.

Experience the benefits of a close partnership with the IAPCO headquarter, fostering seamless collaboration and invaluable support. In addition, the chance to network with renowned speakers and faculty, hosting an EDGE seminar creates a powerful platform for professional growth, collaboration, and inspiration.

Elevate your event management prowess and forge meaningful connections that extend far beyond the seminar itself.”

Anne Guri Sklet, Managing Director of Gyro Conference AS

“The Geneva Convention Bureau is convinced that hosting an IAPCO EDGE Seminar will benefit Geneva as a congress destination in the medium to long term.

Most of the EDGE seminar participants are young project managers who are making international contacts with peers for the first time, and who at some point in their careers in the meetings industry will be influencers or decision-makers in the destination selection process.”

Alain Pittet, Director of Geneva Convention Bureau

Social Programme Creativity is encouraged in the design of the social programme to maximise the PR exposure of a destination, before, during and after the seminar.

Optional local tours on arrival Welcome drinks reception & hors d’oeuvre Informal dinner incorporating local culture Final dinner & EDGE party Post EDGE local tours or ‘fam’ trip

Marketing IAPCO HQ works closely with the PCO and CVB to develop a marketing strategy to promote the EDGE seminar to their respective networks and to drive interested parties to the EDGE seminar website.

Site Inspection A team member from IAPCO HQ and IAPCO Training Academy will travel to your destination during the planning stages to meet the ‘Host’ team, discuss the programme and visit the venues.

Accommodation Accommodation rates should be appropriate to the destination and should be of a 4-star standard. Advantageous accommodation rates with breakfast should be negotiated with two hotels at different price points. Allow for early arrivals and late departures as some participants might like to extend their stay.

The event budget should include 4* Accommodation for 3 faculty members & 1 member of IAPCO HQ for 4/5 nights.

Catering Catering that reflects the destination is preferable as participants like to experience the local culture.

Breakfast and lunch should be informal with vegetarian/vegan/gluten free options available.

Lunch and all refreshment breaks should be included in the registration package and served in a separate area from the seminar, which can contain promotional materials for the host destination/other sponsors.

Hosts roles and responsibilities

Programme Outline Day of Arrival

Morning Part 1

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Registration

Session 3

Session 7

Opening & Welcome

Session 4

Session 8

Session 5

Closing of seminar

Session 6

Optional: Post Seminar tours

Refreshment Break Session 1 – Opening Keynote

Morning Part 2

Lunch Break Afternoon Part 1

Session 2 Lunch Break

Afternoon Part 2

Registration Local Tours

Group Discussions/Group Work

Group Discussions/Group Work

Optional: Fam trip

Evening

Welcome drinks reception

Informal dinner

Dinner & Party

Optional: Fam trip

Hosting criteria Bids to host an EDGE seminar can be submitted from the following: an IAPCO accredited PCO with the support of the local CVB CVB with the support of an accredited IAPCO PCO Bids must be submitted to education@iapco.org at least 12 months in advance for EDGE Europe and 9 months in advance for EDGE LATAM/APAC to allow for sufficient promotional activity.

For enquiries about EDGE Seminars, please email

education@iapco.org to request an informal meeting to ask questions and hear about the potential benefits of IAPCO education at your destination.