The PCO - Issue #120 | Edition 5 (2025)

Listening to what participants really need

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Wellness-Centric Events: Listening to what participants really need

Hello

members of the IAPCO Community!

It is my pleasure to welcome you to another inspiring edition of our digital magazine, which explores a critical topic for our business, effective stakeholder management.

While PCOs, and especially IAPCO-accredited PCOs, serve as catalysts for the success of a conference, it is beyond doubt that true success and long-term impact depend on strong, flexible and creative stakeholder collaboration. Efficient stakeholder management requires not only expertise and attention to detail but also innovative thinking in engaging stakeholders in the entire event lifecycle. Additionally, understanding and respecting the established hierarchy within the collaboration process is essential.

The PCO plays a central role in bringing all the pieces of the puzzle together, ensuring stakeholders are effectively engaged and onboarded through a well-balanced and streamlined process – beginning with the bidding phase and continuing through to the event’s delivery and post-event follow-up.

I recently returned from the beautiful city of Poznan, where I had the honour of representing IAPCO at the ICCA Central European Chapter’s dynamic panel discussions, as part of IAPCO-ICCA strategic collaboration aiming in empowering the PCO capacity. It was a valuable opportunity to exchange views with key stakeholders of our Industry on the role of events in ‘building bridges’ and but also to agree on how our industry paves the way for long-term strategic partnerships.

At IAPCO high-quality stakeholder management, which is built on a deep understanding of the distinct roles and values of each stakeholder, is a priority. Effective stakeholder management builds resilience. It ensures events remain relevant, sustainable, and impactful.

I am looking forward to diving into our members' and community’s articles on such an important topic.

Sissi Lignou President, IAPCO

Welcome to our fifth issue of The PCO in 2025, where we turn our focus inward and upward to an ongoing evolution in our industry: designing events that prioritise wellness and inclusivity – not as an afterthought, but as a foundational principle. The heart of this edition is a question: how do we truly listen to what participants need and then translate that into event design that nurtures connection, belonging and wellbeing?

In January 2023, we launched our ‘Global Wellbeing and Connection Survey’, a first-of-its-kind industry-wide study into how professionals feel about work, connection and belonging. [Read report]

The findings remind us that the events ecosystem isn’t just about logistics and content, it is about human experience. In the pages ahead you’ll find ideas, case studies and strategies to craft events where flexibility, accessibility, mental-health awareness, physical comfort and genuine inclusivity sit front and centre. From breakout-spaces that encourage decompression, to schedules that foster connection opportunities and from dietary options that respect diversity to content that invites all voices. We hope that this issue is an invitation to reimagine ‘the conference’ as a place of both learning and of wellbeing.

Let us continue to turn the survey data into action. Let us design with empathy, build with intention and deliver experiences that leave participants feeling restored, connected and seen.

Here’s to making the next wave of our conferences and events not just successful, but sustainable in spirit

Martin Boyle CEO, IAPCO

Editor: Martin Boyle (pco@IAPCO.org)

IAPCO NEWS

Message from the President 03 and CEO

Wellness-Centric Events: Listening to what participants really need

Upcoming Education and Events 30 Dates for your diary for education, networking and professional development provided and supported by IAPCO.

Education

Calling all EDGE Alumni: 15

Be the Voice of #EDGEat10 –

Celebrate Ten Years of IAPCO EDGE

EDGE Stockholm 2026, 16 18–21 January 2026

Bridging Minds: A Collaborative Innovation Journey

#UnlockingEducation in Action: 20

IAPCO at PCMA Convening EMEA 2025

IAPCO at ICCA Congress 2025: 21

Charting the Course – Together Advocacy

Dear Associations of the World... 22

IAPCO at the Global Tourism Forum 24 Annual Meeting 2025

From Heritage to Impact: 25

IAPCO Council Convenes in Istanbul, Türkiye Community

IAPCO at IBTM World 2025 26

IAPCO AM&GA Athens 2026: 34

Meet the Master of Ceremonies & Main Stage Facilitator and “The Dialogues” Facilitators

NEXT GEN PERSPECTIVE

From Wellbeing to Belonging: 41 Why Real Learning Starts With How We Feel

How can we truly connect with the first digital-native generation? Our NextGen meeting professionals demand more than traditional event formats. They want authenticity, interaction and experiences that align with their values. This challenge is reshaping everything. From integrating gamification and user-generated content to leveraging social for preevent buzz, what are the dos and don’ts of engaging them?

By breaking down stereotypes and rethinking strategies, the industry can turn the "CODE" into a powerful opportunity.

Regional Feature: Europe

Deadline for all contributions: 30 November

Moments from the IAPCO 40 Community

We welcome submissions from all our members from around the world.

Editorial support is provided to non-English speakers.

Send your contributions for the next edition to pco@IAPCO.org

What is the Good Life, and What’s it Got to Do with Us?

Introducing a framework for embedding wellness into live events

Since antiquity, humankind has struggled to identify and articulate exactly what makes people happy – the pursuit of pleasure, a meaningful life or an existence that lies somewhere in the middle. What was eventually agreed upon was that, whatever it may be, wellbeing and happiness are processes, not destinations. They can only be experienced subjectively, through lived experiences.

For those engaged in creating live events, congresses, conferences, brand activations and other lived experiences, this presents an interesting opportunity – some would say, an obligation. While event creators always strive to design experiences that are interesting, engaging, fun and useful, might they also look more closely at exactly what they are building, and how it might positively impact the lives of those who encounter it? Could they deliberately set out to identify what makes people happy, and seek to engineer a little of it into their events?

Carl Rogers, one of the founders of humanistic psychology, identified the good life as a process of self-actualisation, involving experiences that are ‘enriching, exciting, rewarding, challenging and meaningful’. His system of ‘person-centred’ psychotherapy still dominates ideas of wellness, certainly in the West, but as a definition of wellbeing his list of adjectives is vague. For something more rigorous, specific and pragmatic, it is necessary to turn to a tool such as the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental WellBeing Scale (WEMWBS), a validated and evidence-based scale for measuring overall wellbeing among people aged thirteen to seventy-four in the UK. The WEMWBS, in its complete form, consists of fourteen simple statements that respondents rate from one to five, according to how much they agree or disagree. By abbreviating these fourteen statements down to five key clusters, one can arrive at a set of actionable generalisations – a simple basis for embedding wellness into events and experiences. This is referred to (in a strategist’s fondness for acronyms) as the Wellness SHAPE Index:

1. Social capital (access to a genuine support system: family, real friends, a community)

2. Having a purpose (a role to play, a difference to make, a reason to get out of bed in the morning)

3. Altruism (good deeds: doing something that doesn’t necessarily offer a tangible return, charity, etc.)

4. Positive outlook (feeling optimistic about the future, confident and energised)

5. Empowerment (having the capacity to solve problems and the ability to implement these solutions)

If events are designed to contain all five elements of the SHAPE index, one can be reasonably confident that the right boxes are being ticked. Regardless of what the event is actually about, qualities and activities are embedded that help participants feel fully well. To be clear, this is not about moving anything into delegates’ awareness, it is about creating an event that provides the best lived experience possible.

So, what SHAPE is the event in? Does it include opportunities for participants to feel part of something, to socialise, work together, feel connected? Does it actively engage participants, giving them a part to play or a goal to achieve? What legacy does it provide? What can delegates contribute that gives them the satisfaction of having done something useful, whether for someone else or for a greater good? What does the event offer that is physically and mentally energising, leading to a more positive outlook? And how much power is placed into the hands of delegates (including the power to choose not to do any of the above)?

The Wellness SHAPE Index is simple because it needs to be. Its simplicity is intended to be useful rather than reductive, offering a checklist of factors known to have a major impact on mental health and wellbeing, and reminding planners of the special ingredients that every event needs.

When designing a new live event, congress, conference or brand activation, it’s important to give it SHAPE. And explain to the client why.

Matthew Gidley, Head of Strategy, TFI

Lodestar Ltd

Hong Kong – Where Aviation Events Take Off

With new world-class infrastructure and excellent global air connectivity, Hong Kong is turbo-charging its ascent as the nexus of global air travel. Hong Kong reinforces its position as Asia's premier aviation hub with the recent third-runway upgrade at the Hong Kong International Airport, and the expanded Terminal 2 that has commenced operations in phases in September and provides passenger services for both arrivals and departures.

This autumn, Hong Kong flies high with four landmark aviation events: Routes World 2025 (24–26 September) that facilitates critical route development meetings among global aviation leaders; IATA World Sustainability Symposium (21–22 October) which convenes global leaders to accelerate aviation’s netzero transition; Super Terminal Expo (4–6 November) that drives discussions on passenger and cargo terminal excellence; and Airspace Asia Pacific (9–11 December) which makes its debut as the region’s premier forum for air traffic innovation. These events cement Hong Kong’s role as the crucible where aviation’s future takes shape.

Beyond world-class infrastructure development and landmark aviation events, Hong Kong continues to be the destination of choice for event organisers looking to expand their global footprint, leveraging the city’s strategic location as a gateway to Chinese Mainland bridging the East and the West.

Here is what industry leaders say about Hong Kong as the World’s Meeting Place for a wide spectrum of aviation events, from aviation connectivity, terminal, cargo to air traffic and aero engine.

Connectivity

‘This year marks three decades of our business uniting decision makers from the global route development community. Hong Kong’s vibrant business environment, tourism appeal and significant infrastructure developments make it the perfect backdrop for this milestone gathering. With decision-makers from over 250 of the world’s leading and fastest-growing airlines in attendance, this event underscores Hong Kong’s pivotal role as a global aviation hub and our commitment to driving industry growth, innovation, and collaboration.’

Steven Small, Managing Director of Routes

‘Hong Kong is undoubtedly one of the best places in not only the Asia Pacific but also in the world to host this event. The city boasts several advantages as a host city, including its easy accessibility, low taxes and vibrant atmosphere. With a dynamic blend of business and leisure, there’s always something happening in Hong Kong, making it an ideal destination for visitors.’

Michael Duck,

Executive

Vice President Commercial Development, Informa Markets Organiser of Super Terminal Expo 2025

'Hong Kong has the elements needed to retain its status as an important aviation hub for both passengers and air cargo. This includes having a strong hub airline, Cathay Pacific, as well as having the experience and expertise in handling perishable goods, lithium batteries and other dangerous cargo.’

Conrad Clifford, Deputy Director General and Corporate Secretary, IATA, organiser of IATA World Cargo Symposium 2024

Terminal

Cargo

Wellness-Centric Events: Listening to What Participants Really Need

Wellness

is no longer a perk – It’s a prerequisite

For years, event wellness has been defined by surface-level gestures: a yoga class here, a smoothie bar there. Today, that definition feels outdated. Wellness has become central to the delegate experience – not as a luxury, but as a human necessity. Modern participants bring complex realities to our events: caregiving responsibilities, neurodiversity, anxiety, fatigue and the lingering pressures of post-pandemic life. As PCOs, our task is to create environments where people can truly thrive – physically, emotionally and psychologically.

At Arinex, we have learned that genuine wellness design begins with empathy. Listening to what participants really need, even when those needs challenge traditional norms, is where transformation begins.

From token wellness to transformative design

The International Childhood Trauma Conference (ICTC 2025) exemplified what a wellness-centric event can look like when inclusivity and care are built into every detail.

Working alongside the Australian Childhood Foundation, Arinex designed an environment that prioritised both professional learning and personal safety. The event featured:

• Onsite childcare and playrooms for delegates with children, allowing full participation without sacrificing family commitments.

• Sensory and quiet rooms for delegates needing a restorative space or support in emotionally intense sessions.

• Onsite counsellors to provide immediate care during confronting moments. Either in session or in a quiet zone where qualified counsellors can support attendees one to one.

• Guide Dogs and trauma-informed staff training, ensuring both visible and invisible needs were met with compassion.

This was more than a conference – it was a living model of inclusion and care. Every logistical decision became an ethical one, demonstrating how event design can directly influence wellbeing and engagement.

Rethinking inclusivity: Designing for every mind and body

In recent years, Arinex has seen a rise in delegates openly identifying as neurodivergent. This openness has reshaped how we design our events, from communication tools to physical environments.

At events such as the Asia Pacific Autism Conference (APAC), the delegate journey began with accessible communications: visual-first materials, simplified mobile app interfaces and user testing by neurodiverse participants. Onsite, the environment reflected this same care – from soft-fabric sensory lounges with quiet games and warm drinks, to furniture designed to reduce overstimulation and trained staff available at all times.

Inclusivity is not achieved by a checklist – it’s achieved by codesign. Partnering with lived-experience communities ensures

that accessibility and wellbeing are not afterthoughts but the framework on which the event stands.

Movement, mindfulness and meaning

Wellness doesn’t just mean rest – it also means re-energising the mind and body. Arinex have incorporated ‘movement moments’ to combat event fatigue and spark engagement in several recent conferences. From five-minute mindful breathing sessions to body percussion and Bollywood dance breaks, delegates were encouraged to connect through motion.

Outdoor ‘walk and talk’ sessions, interactive exhibition hubs, and even speed-mentoring or ‘tribal networking’ formats are helping participants recharge while deepening connection. Gone are the days of the presentations from behind a lectern for thirty minutes followed by a Q&A. Dynamic, participatory learning is the new wellness.

The courage to break taboos

Perhaps the greatest evolution in wellness design is our collective willingness to talk about what was once unsaid –trauma, burnout, loneliness and neurodiversity.

At ICTC 2025, Arinex supported sessions featuring youth voices and lived experiences, breaking down stigma through storytelling and safe space facilitation.

Similarly, at professional medical events, PCOs are now integrating conversations around fatigue management, rightto-disconnect policies and burnout prevention into conference programmes.

Providing a counsellor onsite or acknowledging emotional intensity in a programme once seemed unconventional – now it’s essential. As PCOs, we must be ready to challenge social taboos if we are to meet our participants where they truly are.

Wellness through community and purpose

Wellness is also deeply tied to belonging and purpose. Events that enable delegates to give back – whether through pop-up markets featuring neurodiverse artists, Aboriginal Australian or Torres Strait Islander art pieces or sustainably sourced local catering – create meaningful emotional resonance.

These initiatives foster a sense of contribution that enhances wellbeing far beyond the event itself. The impact is measurable: participants report higher satisfaction, deeper engagement and greater perceived ROI when they feel part of a shared mission.

The ROI of care

It’s tempting to view wellness initiatives as a cost centre. But when events are designed around wellbeing, the return is tangible.

At ICTC 2025, delegate satisfaction scores soared, registrations exceeded targets and the event generated a financial surplus. Participants stayed longer, engaged more deeply and left feeling

seen and supported. Wellness isn’t an expense. It’s an investment in human sustainability.

The Future of Events is Human

True wellness-centric design asks us to listen – not just to what people say, but to what they don’t say. The quiet need for rest. The anxiety of over-connection or disconnection. The longing for belonging.

As PCOs, we have the opportunity and responsibility to build conference programmes that don’t just deliver content, but care. Events that help people feel safe, valued and energised to contribute.

When we do that, we move from hosting conferences to creating communities. And that is where the future of events – and their true impact – will be found.

Melissa Murphy, Event Strategist, Arinex

Proudly Carbon Neutral Certified under the Australian Government’s Climate Active programme.

Listening to What Nursing Professionals Really Need: Thousands Unite at German Nursing Day 2025

Each year, up to 10,000 participants from the fields of nursing practice, politics, business and professional associations gather at Messe Berlin to discuss the future of the nursing profession and its evolving role in society, while developing practical solutions for current and future challenges.

The importance of nursing, as well as the challenges it faces, has been emphasised time and again in recent years – whether in the context of COVID-19, shifting political landscapes or demographic changes. Yet every year at the German Nursing Day, there is a unique atmosphere. It’s the feeling of being able to make demands in the right places, being heard through extensive media coverage, finding solutions to the pressing issues within the profession and being part of a united community, that makes the German Nursing Day so special. Not least, the more than 1,500 young nursing professionals, who will once again be discussing their future at this year’s event, bring a positive sense of optimism.

This year on 5 and 6 November, hub 27 of Messe Berlin, will again be dedicated to nursing. Spread across two floors, attendees can expect an extensive programme: over 120 symposia, discussion forums and workshops, a trade exhibition with more than 180 booths, three stages with exciting short presentations, a large catering area and many special features, such as live podcasts from a Tiny House.

The programme, organised by the German Nursing Council, partners of the German Nursing Day, and selected sponsors, reflects the diverse aspects of nursing. Topics range from the digitalisation and academisation of nursing to sustainable and age-appropriate care, as well as geriatric and long-term care. The role of family caregivers will also be explored in-depth, with representatives from politics, business and nursing practice.

But it’s not just about discussions – it’s also about celebration. At the end of the first day, the nursing profession will celebrate itself at the legendary Nursing Party.

Under the motto ‘Strengthening Care with Strong Partners,’ CPO HANSER SERVICE as their core PCO has transformed the German Nursing Day into the central event for the healthcare professions in Germany, and we are excited to welcome this year’s edition.

CPO HANSER SERVICE has been organising the congress annually since 2019 with a growing number of participants; we expect more than 5,000 participants this year. Traditionally, Nursing Day is held under the patronage of the Federal Ministry of Health.

Lisa Schneller, Senior Project Manager Congresses, CPO HANSER SERVICE GmbH

www.deutscher-pflegetag.de

Where Innovation Meets Hospitality: Discover Frankfurt’s Expanding Event Landscape

With its central location, excellent transport infrastructure and a growing portfolio of venues, Frankfurt continues to solidify its position as a leading destination for international congresses and events.

Inspiring event locations

Frankfurt’s venue landscape is rapidly evolving. Recent grand openings like, for example, the Upper East Site in the city’s East End offer modern design, breathtaking skyline views and capacity for up to 500 guests. On the other side of town, The Kreisler near Frankfurt’s main train station provides a stylish rooftop setting and space for 130 attendees in row seating.

For more intimate events, Grace Studiobar with its loft-style atmosphere is able to accommodate up to fifty seated guests or 100 people for standing receptions. The historical Palais Thurn and Taxis, meanwhile, now features additional function rooms like the Beletage and Kuppelsaal, offering event organisers unique options for smaller, more elegant gatherings.

The new memox event space, which opened its doors near Messe Frankfurt in mid-2025, brings together four flexible function rooms totalling 1,100 square metres of floor space, perfect for creative workshops or larger meetings of up to 200 participants. Finally, if you’re looking for industrial flair, Maindock combines urban design and sustainability across 700 square metres for up to 250 guests.

Expanding hotel scene

Frankfurt’s hotel industry is also seeing dynamic growth. The Kimpton Main Frankfurt, which opened in March 2025 in the new FOUR FRANKFURT high-rise complex, offers 155 guestrooms and multiple event studios that are ideal for

workshops and informal networking sessions. For small-scale meetings, Lyf East Frankfurt provides a bright, 53 square metre meeting room and over 100 modern guestrooms.

November 2025 marked the grand return of The Florentin (formerly Villa Kennedy), now part of the Althoff Collection. The hotel now features 147 luxury guestrooms including a 320 square metre Royal Suite. In addition, Kennedy 89, opening in January 2026, will be offering a further 180 guestrooms and 130 square metres of event space.

For retreats outside the city, the Wald.Weit Rheingau Hotel and Retreat in Kiedrich combines luxury, sustainability and scenic surroundings while being situated just forty-five minutes from Frankfurt. Its panoramic event level is able to accommodate up to 199 guests in a serene and natural setting.

Smart and sustainable mobility

Frankfurt’s compact size makes it easy to navigate, with many venues, hotels and restaurants within walking distance. For added convenience and sustainability, the Frankfurt Convention Bureau offers discounted public transport tickets for event attendees, promoting eco-friendly travel throughout the city.

Further information for planning your next event in Frankfurt is available at www.meetfrankfurt.de or by contacting the Frankfurt Convention Bureau directly:

Frankfurt Convention Bureau

Email: congress@infofrankfurt.de

Tel: +49 69 / 24 74 55 – 500

The

OPENING FEBRUARY 2026

New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) is set to redefine the event landscape in New Zealand.

Located in Auckland’s CBD, New Zealand’s largest and most versatile convention, exhibition, and entertainment venue offers unmatched flexibility – hosting conferences for up to 4,500 people, dinners for over 3,000 guests, or 400 exhibition booths.

It’s not just our space that sets us apart – it’s our people. With extensive experience in event sales, and a passion for creating connections, Sales Director Alana Bicknell, and Sales Manager – International, Loryn Blaikie are your first contacts in creating your exceptional event experience.

Alana Bicknell

Director of Sales

Loryn Blaikie Sales ManagerInternational

Behind the scenes, our skilled Operations Team is led by Ian Love, an industry expert with 30 years’ experience including the Sydney Olympics. And when it comes to streamlined tech delivery, Ryan Göllner, our Technology Manager, brings 15 years of international expertise, including the Oscars.

Ian Love

Director of Operations

Let’s bring your event to life

Ryan Göllner Technology Manager

Contact our Sales Team at kiaora@nzicc.co.nz or visit nzicc.co.nz to learn more.

Designing Wellness-Centric Events That Truly Transform Participants

For years, wellness in events was treated as something extra: a yoga class, a smoothie bar or a mindfulness session between meetings … nice details, but not real change. Today’s participants expect much more. They want events that understand their needs, support their wellbeing and make them feel genuinely included.

At AIM Group Spain, we see wellness as a strategic pillar of event design. It must not be an action; it should be a designed environment. When people feel safe, value and inspired, transformation happens naturally

Every project we design starts with listening. Before talking about venues or formats, we need to be informed of the whole reality behind the event, and to do that, we ask and learn about the event’s requirements and objectives, to then align the design with what participants truly need to enjoy a seamless event and be able to fully focus on the moment.

Through journey analysis, we identify potential stress points and design around them, respecting human rhythms and adapting energy levels. When an event flows at a human pace, people engage more deeply.

Some examples of activities could be split into two categories:

Physical Wellness:

• Human Welcome Crew: greeters trained in empathy and local storytelling rather than logistics, welcoming with calm voices and eye contact.

• Energy Flow Zones: replace standard coffee breaks with mini activity corners, stretching with a trainer, quick mobility exercises or music areas.

• ‘Choose Your Pace’ Check-in: let participants select between fast, medium or slow-paced arrival experiences (express check-in, chat zone, mindfulness welcome).

• Local Nourishment Stations: offer regional, plantbased and low-sugar snacks that tell a story.

• Outdoor Sessions and Movement Maps: design walking routes between sessions.

Mental Wellness:

• Reset Rooms: small, softly lit areas with calm soundscapes, aromatherapy, no phones allowed, just silence or nature sounds.

• Reflection Corners: tables with notebooks and prompts like, ‘What inspired me today?’ or ‘One idea I’ll take home.’ These can also be digital through an event app.

• Flexible Agendas: build optional sessions where participants can choose between learning or restorative experiences.

• Digital Detox Lanyards or Badges: offer a coloured ribbon for participants who want to ‘unplug’, signalling to others that they prefer low screen time and deeper face-to-face interaction.

• Kindness Tokens: small cards participants can gift to each other, encouraging peer recognition.

Our Triple Impact approach reminds us that wellness goes beyond the individual. It connects with the environmental, social and economic dimensions that make every event a force for good.

Environmentally, we prioritise circular practices, from low-carbon footprint menus and waste reduction to local sourcing that minimises transport emissions.

Socially, we create opportunities for inclusion and positive community engagement, collaborating with local NGOs and ensuring that participants leave a footprint of kindness where the event takes place.

Economically, we generate value by supporting local suppliers, fair employment and long-term partnerships that strengthen the destination’s ecosystem.

When the Triple Impact aligns, wellness becomes not just a personal state but a collective experience of balance and responsibility, driving for a higher engagement, stronger learning outcomes and deeper emotional connection among participants.

As PCOs, our role has evolved. We are no longer just managing logistics but shaping human experiences. Prioritising people is not a trend, but a responsibility. In a world that never stops, creating spaces where everyone can feel calm, connected and cared for might be the most transformative thing an event can offer.

At AIM Group Spain, that’s exactly what we aim to do: create events that don’t just look good, but feel good, for everyone involved.

Pau Fernández Labra, Head of Business Growth, AIM Group Spain

Enhancing the feel-good factor at Messe Frankfurt

Visitor well-being is a key factor in the success of modern events.

The ‘feel-good’ experience is no longer a nice-to-have – it’s an essential criterion for participants when assessing the value of an event. At Messe Frankfurt, we embrace our unique dual role as both organiser and host of congresses, exhibitions and events. From this perspective, we have gained valuable insights into how events can foster balance, comfort and inspiration for their audiences. Here are some practical examples enhancing participant wellbeing:

Step challenge – seen at Sibos 2025

The organiser set up a step challenge to stay active throughout the event. Steps can be tracked via the event app. Exciting prizes await the daily winners and the overall winner.

Walking or running – seen at IMEX 2025

The organiser offered Frankfurt brisk Walking Tours with Go! running tours combining sports and an insight into the city’s history and culture. In addition, the 5 km run on the morning of the second event day is open to all participants.

Chance to chill – seen at Sibos 2025

Within the food court invigorating massages were offered as well as a swing and comfortable beanbags.

Wellbeing lounge – seen at IMEX 2025

Retreat space for body, mind and soul to relax amidst the trade fair buzz with wellbeing sessions like Qi Gong, morning meditation.

Prayer and reflection spaces

At the locations of Messe Frankfurt, visitors can use a Christian church centre and a Muslim prayer room as dedicated spaces for prayer and reflection during events.

‘Flying to Peace’ light installation in hall 12, Messe Frankfurt

The ellipsoidal pendulum, in this installation, created by Munich designer Ingo Maurer moves up and down on a vertical plane, imbuing the space and its visitors with a serene, almost meditative calm.

Sustainable spaces for attendee wellbeing

Kap Europa Messe Frankfurt proudly holds the DGNB Platinum Certification for sustainable building. Thoughtfully designed with eco-friendly materials, plenty of natural light and open spaces, it offers a unique, welcoming atmosphere for all event attendees

Visitor orientation with care – seen at Ambiente 2025

From the moment participants collect their luggage at the airport, event branding welcomes them and guides their way with branded signage. Throughout the event, clearly identifiable guides are on hand to provide direct support with any organisational questions.

Visitor transport with charm

The Via Mobile links all Messe Frankfurt locations, allowing visitors to travel comfortably on moving walkways while enjoying music and event updates via the Via Mobile radio.

Caring arrival …

At the entrance, sustainable water bottles were distributed, which could be refilled free of charge throughout the event.

… and a lively farewell – seen at Creativeworld 2025

The end of the event was celebrated with energetic marching bands. At the exits, the organising team, including the managing director, surprised visitors with a personal handshake goodbye.

Marching band at Creativeworld 2025

Copyright: Messe Frankfurt. Photo: Jean-Luc Valentin

Muslim prayer room at hall 10

Sustainable water bottles at Ambiente 2025

Copyright: Messe Frankfurt

Helpful guides at Ambiente 2025

Copyright: Messe Frankfurt. Photo: Jens Liebchen

Calling all EDGE Alumni: Be the Voice of #EDGEat10 – Celebrate Ten Years of IAPCO EDGE

Share your story to win a complimentary registration for a 2026 EDGE seminar and inspire the next decade of learning!

IAPCO EDGE marked its tenth anniversary in August 2025 – a decade of dynamic learning, shared experiences and a global community that continues to raise the bar for excellence across the meetings and events industry.

As part of the #EDGEat10 celebrations, we invite all EDGE Alumni to take part in #EDGEat10: Voices of a Decade, a campaign honouring the people and moments that have shaped ten years of growth, connection and learning.

Nicola McGrane, IAPCO Training Academy Regional Rep, Europe, invites you in and walks you through how to participate. Your voice matters, your story inspires and together we shape what’s next.

Watch Nicola’s message:

Now, it’s your turn to add your voice to the story. Closes 10 December

How to Participate:

Post a short LinkedIn video sharing your #UnlockingEDGE story – your key takeaways, favourite moments or how EDGE has shaped your professional journey. Include the hashtags #UnlockingEDGEstory and #EDGEat10 and tag IAPCO in your post.

See all participation details here

Three EDGE Featured Alumni will be selected to participate in one of the following:

• Attend EDGE Stockholm 2026 or EDGE Auckland 2026, with the opportunity to share their story on stage, or

• Join  EDGE Advanced Dubai 2026, a programme designed for senior executives and returning participants.

Featured Alumni will receive complimentary seminar passes (travel and accommodation not included). Selections will be made jointly by the IAPCO Training Academy and HQ teams

Take this opportunity to celebrate ten years of #UnlockingEDGE – and to inspire the next generation of learning and leadership within the IAPCO community.

See more and participate

A decade of learning. A future of possibilities. Your story fuels the next chapter of EDGE – because the next decade of learning starts with you. Together, let’s keep #UnlockingExcellence.

We look forward to seeing your #EDGEat10 stories! unfold. Follow us on LinkedIn for more.

EDGE Stockholm 2026, 18–21 January 2026

Bridging Minds: A Collaborative Innovation Journey

This year marks a very special milestone as we celebrate ten years of IAPCO EDGE globally, a decade of learning, sharing and growing together as a professional community.

For this anniversary edition, we have designed a programme that reflects the true spirit of EDGE: dynamic, interactive and deeply personal.

Moving beyond the idea of ‘one programme for all,’ EDGE Stockholm will offer customisable parallel learning journeys, giving every participant the chance to choose pathways most relevant to their professional and personal growth.

Seminar Speakers

IAPCO

From innovation clinics and skills labs to mentor circles and co-labs, the focus is on practical tools, shared challenges and meaningful takeaways that you can apply immediately.

But EDGE has always been about more than content. It is about connection. Our academy thrives on the power of building relationships with peers, faculty and industry leaders, in the knowledge that we learn best when we learn together.

Over three days in Stockholm, you will experience not only outstanding education but also the joy of conversations, collaborations and friendships that will continue long after the seminar ends.

Nicola McGrane Training Academy Regional Rep Europe, IAPCO

Mathias Posch Accreditation Committee Chair, IAPCO

Early-bird ends 30 November

Sissi Lignou President,

Register Now

Programme

Sunday, 18 January 2026

Social Programme

Welcome Reception at the Stockholm City Hall

Begin your EDGE Stockholm experience with an exclusive evening at Stockholm City Hall, one of Sweden’s most iconic landmarks and home of the Nobel Prize Banquet

Monday, 19 January 2026

Education Programme

Focus: Foundations an Future Trends

Welcome and Introduction

The Edge of Communication: Where Listening Leads Global Trends | From Trends to Transformation – what reshapes our world today

Innovation Clinics:

1. Winning Together: Bold Bidding that Breaks the Mould 2. Strategy First: Think before you start  3. Beyond the Stage: Redefining Audience Connection

Group Work:

Personalised Learning Pathways: Collaborate to Innovate

Harvest Moments: Each group gives feedback and each topic competes

Social Programme

Ice Bar and Dinner at TAK

Get ready for a truly cool evening as we kick off our informal dinner night with a visit to the legendary ABSOLUT ICEBAR Stockholm – the world’s first permanent ice bar! We’ll continue the evening at IMA and TAK, part of Nordic Hotels and Resorts. Here, exceptional Nordic–Japanese cuisine meets breathtaking 360-degree skyline views of Stockholm.

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Education Programme

Focus: Experience and Collaboration

The Human Edge: Growing Your Influence with Clients and Teams

Keynote | TBA

‘EDGEat10: Voices of a Decade’: Alumni and long-standing faculty share their biggest lessons learned in ten years.

Innovation Skills Labs (Learning Sprints)

Participants rotate across two labs in the afternoon:

1. Profit with Purpose: Building a Commercial Mindset

2. Master the Chaos: Project Management that Delivers

3. Budget Brilliance: From Basics to Big Wins

4. Beyond Green: Impact and Sustainability that Stick

5. Smarter. Faster. Better: AI Tools in Action

Social Programme

ABBA Museum and Dinner

For our final evening together, we’re heading to the iconic ABBA The Museum! Explore the museum, then celebrate in true Swedish style and belt out your favourite ABBA classics in our karaoke room, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Wednesday, 21 January 2026

Education Programme

Focus: Leadership and Personalisation

1. Spark your flame, fuel your fire

2. How to guard and protect your mental health and grow in the face of adversity

Beyond Leadership: Creating Cultures that Thrive

Mentor Circles: Small-group coaching session with a faculty member

Venue and Accommodation

The official seminar venue, for IAPCO EDGE Stockholm 2026 is the Nordic Light Hotel, part of  Nordic Hotels and Resorts – the largest collection of independent hotels in the Nordics. Just a minute’s walk from Arlanda Express and Stockholm Central Station, Nordic Light Hotel is a contemporary meeting place in the heart of Sweden’s capital.

We are pleased to offer two carefully selected hotel options, both centrally located and within easy reach of the seminar venue, combining Scandinavian design, comfort and sustainability.

1. Nordic Light Hotel – 2,295 SEK (incl. VAT and breakfast)

2. Nordic C Hotel – 1,695 SEK (incl. VAT and breakfast)

You can book your preferred accommodation directly when you register for the seminar, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

Registration Fees

Spaces – Register Now!

#EDGEat10 is about honouring where we’ve been – and accelerating the next decade of learning, leadership, and impact.

Join us in #UnlockingEDGE

NEXT UP – Register your interest to be notified when registration opens for:

EDGE Auckland Seminar, 16-19 March 2026

EDGE Dubai Advanced Seminar, 15-17 September 2026

#UnlockingEducation in Action: IAPCO at PCMA Convening EMEA 2025

At this year’s PCMA Convening EMEA in Rotterdam, IAPCO President Sissi Lignou joined Ginevra De Bellis, Chief of Global Projects, OIC Group, and Florian Fehringer, Director of International Projects, Mondial Congress and Events, both long-standing members of IAPCO, for a highly interactive Micro Lab: ‘Beyond Collaboration: Deconstruct Strategic Partnerships.’

The panel brought the topic to life through an engaging role-play, exploring the balance between tactical and strategic partnerships – and how trust, long-term vision and shared value creation can turn collaboration into a true competitive advantage.

The discussion inspired fresh thinking on how partnerships evolve, adapt and thrive in today’s dynamic meetings landscape – a perfect example of the IAPCO community in action, sharing insights and #UnlockingExcellence together.

A big thank-you to PCMA EMEA for hosting such an inspiring edition – and to everyone who joined the conversation that made the session come alive, with special appreciation to our valued Members and Partners for their participation and continued support of our shared vision for growth and excellence.

Look out for more IAPCO education opportunities across the globe – stay up to date with our online calendar featuring all IAPCO and industry events.

IAPCO at ICCA Congress 2025: Charting the Course – Together

Porto, 9 –12

November 2025

When the global business events community unites, the energy is unstoppable. The 64th ICCA Congress in Porto brought association leaders, destinations, venues and PCOs to connect, collaborate, learn and innovate. IAPCO was proud to play an active role, bringing leadership perspectives, practitioner insight and a hands-on approach to capacitybuilding through the IAPCO–ICCA Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Because  #UnlockingExcellence starts with #UnlockingEducation

Our contribution at a glance

IAPCO helped shape the conversation on the future of our industry– exploring how purpose translates into practice.

IAPCO President Sissi Lignou joined the Purposeful Business Models and Start-ups track, a cross-disciplinary panel featuring Professor Hwabong Lee (Hallym University; ICCAUni member), Tam Chudaree Debhakam (Owner and Head Chef, Baan Tepa Culinary Space), Mário Ferreira (President, Alfândega do Porto) and Eduardo Chaillo (Global General Manager, Latin America, Maritz). Guided by moderator Amber Herrewijn (Senior Lecturer and Research in Events Management, NHL), the session showed how purpose anchors resilient models, sparks innovation and drives long-term value – drawing on diverse perspectives to prove that ideas beyond our sector sharpen our thinking.

Building on this dialogue, IAPCO members Silvano Schaer (Congrex Switzerland) and Noa Sapir (Kenes Group) brought

Catch the session highlights: click below to watch the recap

strategy to life, sharing practitioner perspectives on governance, revenue design, programme innovation and stakeholder alignment. Reflecting IAPCO–ICCA MoU’s focus on capacity building, the session paired discussion with practical segments and actionable tools – templates, peer exchange and takehome prompts.

Collaboration that moves the industry forward

Together with ICCA and peer associations, IAPCO reaffirmed the power of strategic collaboration across the business events ecosystem – PCOs, associations, destinations, venues and suppliers. Collective advocacy and aligned action help ensure our industry continues to deliver measurable impact for societies and economies worldwide.

On the ground in Porto

Immediate Past President Sarah Markey-Hamm and Treasurer Jason Yeh attended in their professional capacities, while proudly representing IAPCO. CEO Martin Boyle and colleagues from the IAPCO HQ team were also present, reconnecting with colleagues, engaging with IAPCO Members and Partners and exploring new avenues for collaboration. Their presence supported the wider business events community by listening, sharing insights and helping advance shared industry priorities.

See More

Dear Associations of the World…

IAPCO’s Dear Associations campaign – part of the #UnlockingExcellence series – continues to showcase the powerful impact of IAPCO Accredited PCOs and the associations they serve. It celebrates collaboration, innovation and measurable outcomes across meetings and communities worldwide.

See how IAPCO Members are driving real impact with Associations – explore the latest case studies below (with more to follow soon).

IAPCO Member: DEKON Group

Client: European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) and City of Ljubljana

Event: Velo-city 2022

Date: 14–17 June 2022

DEKON Group delivered award winning impact for Velo-city 2022 in Ljubljana

DEKON Group, an IAPCO member, played a central role in the successful delivery of Velo-city 2022, the world’s largest international cycling conference. Reappointed after winning the original 2020 bid, DEKON was entrusted with bringing the event back to life in 2022 after two years of COVID-19 pandemic disruptions. Their proven expertise in large-scale association events, sustainability and legacy-driven delivery helped shape one of the most vibrant editions of Velo-city to date.

Held under the theme ‘Cycling the Change’, the four-day conference from 14–17 June 2022 welcomed more than 1,200 participants – ‘Velo-citizens’ – from fifty-eight countries. Recognised with the 2022 Conventa Award for Best B2C Event, the conference was praised for its sustainable orientation, societal reach and long-term impact.

Highlights included a sold-out exhibition hall with fifty-three booths over 1,000 meters squared, a festive networking dinner at Ljubljana Castle, the traditional Bike Parade through the city centre and a Cycling Festival co-created by more than twenty community organisations. These activities gave visibility to best practice cycling policies while reinforcing cycling as a healthy, efficient and green mode of transport.

Testimonial

‘DEKON’s team delivered one of the most vibrant and impactful editions of Velo-city ever. Their expertise and energy turned our vision into reality.’

Location: GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia See More

President of the European Cyclists’ Federation www.velo-city2022.com/en

IAPCO Member: K.I.T. Group – African Agenda

Client: Infection Control Africa Network (ICAN)

Event: Ninth International ICAN Congress – ICAN25

Date: 29 June – 2 July 2025

Location: Cape Town International Convention Centre

Advancing infection control and prevention across Africa and beyond, K.I.T. Group – African Agenda delivers ninth International ICAN Congress – ICAN25

K.I.T. Group – African Agenda, an IAPCO member, successfully delivered the ninth Infection Control Africa Network (ICAN) Congress, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 29 June to 2 July 2025. This marked the first in-person ICAN Congress since 2018 and the first time ICAN partnered with K.I.T. Group – African Agenda.

The four-day event brought together 260 delegates from thirty-two countries, including doctors, nurses, microbiologists, environmental healthcare practitioners and engineers, representing both the clinical and practical sides of infection control. With three concurrent programme streams, hands-on workshops and expert-led sessions, ICAN25 provided a platform for advancing infection prevention and control across Africa and beyond. Discover how K.I.T managed through the impacts of USAID cuts, and post-pandemic challenges.

Testimonial

‘Thank you for the organisation of the ICAN Congress. It went smoothly, and the administration was excellent. The speakers were very pleased with the audio visuals and the guidance to the various sessions. There was a great buzz at the congress so that is always a good sign that things are going well. It was exhausting, but, once again, thank you. I had a wonderful time.

Professor Shaheen Mehtar, ICAN25 Congress Chair www.icancongress.com

Find all the published Case Studies here

If you are an IAPCO Member, Destination Partner or a client of an IAPCO Member and would like to share the impact of your meeting or conference, please submit your case study using this link*.

We encourage all IAPCO Members to get behind this initiative – share it with your teams and clients, like and repost, and help amplify the message.

* Member access only. Non-members: please contact IAPCO

IAPCO at the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2025

On 20–21 October 2025, IAPCO President Sissi Lignou and CEO Martin Boyle participated in the Global Tourism Forum (GTF) Annual Meeting in Brussels, Belgium. Part of World Travel Week, the GTF served as a global platform uniting government, industry and academia to shape the future of travel, drive sustainable growth and unlock tourism’s potential worldwide.

Watch the recap: IAPCO President Sissi Lignou and Martin Boyle reflect on two impactful days of interactive dialogue on how tourism – and the meetings industry – can drive sustainable growth for the future.

Click below to watch the video recap.

Championing business events.

Sissi and Martin advocated for the global business events community and the vital role of IAPCO Accredited PCOs in delivering economic growth, social impact, innovation and lasting legacies for communities and destinations.

Engaging with the European Commission

They met Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, and held a meeting with his cabinet to ensure the voice of the business events sector is considered in the Commissioner’s European Green Deal and the EU Tourism Agenda 2030, to highlight how IAPCO and its members support EU priorities on sustainable growth, digital transformation and resilient tourism,

to raise awareness of IAPCO members’ role in knowledge transfer, innovation and economic impact, and to share how IAPCO initiatives align with the Commissioner’s mandate and explore collaboration to support Europe’s sustainable future.

Thought leadership

Martin joined the panel ‘CEO Boardroom: The $10 Trillion Tourism Question – Where Will the Smart Money Go Next?’, sharing IAPCO’s perspective on the value that business events contribute to global tourism–on behalf of over 10,000 meeting professionals across 180 Member offices.

The distinguished programme featured leaders from across the globe and a broad spectrum of industries, including E. Félix Tshisekedi (President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo), David Collado Morales (Minister of Tourism, Dominican Republic), Sabine Wendt (CEO, Visit Berlin), Abdulaziz Ali AlMawlawi (CEO, Visit Qatar), Justin Reid (Senior Director, Tripadvisor) and Senthil Gopinath (CEO, ICCA).

From Heritage to Impact: IAPCO Council Convenes in Istanbul, Türkiye

4–7 November 2025, Istanbul — The IAPCO Council closed the year with a purposeful in-person meeting hosted by the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, with support from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), the Istanbul Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB), and the Hotel Association of Türkiye (TÜROB)

Council members reviewed 2025 delivery and aligned a focused roadmap for 2026 across advocacy, education, and community engagement—prioritising member value and measurable outcomes for the wider meetings industry. Discussions explored capability building for PCOs, technology adoption (including AI for delegate experience), sustainability and legacy, and the continued evolution of IAPCO’s education portfolio.

A centrepiece was the Advisory Board / Stakeholder Workshop, convened with TGA and joined by decision-makers from IMM, ICVB, TÜROB, and Turkish Airlines. The forum examined global trends, destination competitiveness, and public–private collaboration models that accelerate innovation, strengthen bid strategies, and deliver long-term impact to host communities.

Targeted site experiences underscored Istanbul’s strengths as a world-class hub: modern convention infrastructure, growing accommodation capacity, and seamless global connectivity via Turkish Airlines and İstanbul Airport (İGA)—all enriched by memorable delegate experiences that blend heritage with contemporary energy.

Istanbul represents the perfect harmony between heritage and innovation.” — Sissi Lignou, IAPCO President

IAPCO extends warm thanks to our hosts and partners for their hospitality and collaboration—and to Istanbul for an inspiring setting to shape what’s next.

See more here

President

Watch

Sissi Lignou’s video message for key highlights:

CVBs interested in hosting the IAPCO Council Meeting and Stakeholder Engagement Workshop, visit this page.

IAPCO at IBTM World 2025

18-20 November 2025

Show Hours

IAPCO stand | Events Industry Council (EIC) booth P62

IBTM World in Barcelona is fast approaching – and IAPCO is ready to unlock what’s next, with our Members and Partners front and centre. Over three days, our programme spans IAPCO Education, Advocacy and Community – curated learning that turns insight into action, a strategic advocacy platform that elevates professional standards and the voice of our sector, and a connected community experience that forges partnerships, grows networks and celebrates collective progress. Whether you are a Member, Partner or prospective collaborator, meet the IAPCO team to explore concise learning and opportunities that elevate quality, impact and legacy with IAPCO Accredited PCOs.

Why visit the IAPCO stand?

High-signal learning. IAPCO’s Pop-up Education sessions provide decision-ready insights for immediate application.

Recognised standards. IAPCO accreditation remains an internationally respected benchmark for professional congress organisation. Community with intent. From briefings and partner encounters to considered introductions, the stand serves as a purposeful hub for collaborations that endure.

Hosted Buyer group

A curated IBTM experience under the IAPCO Quality Mark Building on the success of 2024, IAPCO will again host an exclusive Hosted Buyer group for Members, offering targeted appointments, curated networking and structured opportunities to develop new business. Considering membership? Visit P62 to discuss accreditation pathways and member benefits.

Members & Partners Drinks Reception

IAPCO is delighted to host an exclusive reception for our community—open to IAPCO Members and Partners only, to celebrate the strength of our network, reconnect with peers, and hear concise updates on the latest IAPCO initiatives and developments.

IAPCO Pop-up Education

Tuesday 18 November

10:30–11:00

IAPCO Stand P62

Theme: Innovation and Adaptability

• AI in business events: three ways AI is already transforming the delegate experience

• The future PCO: skills tomorrow’s organisers need today

Wednesday 19 November

10:00–10:30

IAPCO Stand P62

Theme: Sustainability and Impact

• Quick wins for sustainable business events: what to implement tomorrow

• Measuring legacy: tools to capture long-term impact

• Carbon footprint check: how to calculate and communicate it quickly

IAPCO EDGE Stockholm 2026: Presentation & Coffee

Wednesday 19 November 15:00–15:30

Sweden – Stockholm – Gothenburg Stand H10

Join us at IBTM World 2025 for IAPCO EDGE Stockholm 2026: Presentation & Coffee—a concise, 30-minute introduction to what EDGE is, who it serves, and how it can elevate your skills and network. Stockholm EDGE starts here: preview the 2026 programme, what to expect (and what not), and meet part of the local host committee alongside members of the IAPCO faculty.

See the detailed programme here

#UnlockingAdvocacy

IAPCO’s advocacy agenda runs throughout IBTM World, amplifying the role of accredited PCOs in driving growth, innovation and societal value.

• Press Conference – Tuesday 18 November (12:00–12:30): IAPCO Press Conference – IBTM Media Centre (Stand H60). IAPCO will host a Press Conference to unveil some very special news around its sustainability strategy—stay tuned, as we champion a unified, forward-looking commitment to accelerate progress across our global community; if you’re attending IBTM, we invite you to join us in person.

• Association Leaders Forum – Tuesday 18 November: Sissi Lignou, IAPCO President, and Martin Boyle, IAPCO CEO, contribute to the conversation on the future of association meetings.

• IAPCO Collaboration Award 2025, supported by IBTM – Monday 17 November: Winners announced at the Meetings Leadership Network (MLN) Reception.

#UnlockingPartnerships

IAPCO returns to the EIC Pavilion (P62) alongside Strategic Partner, the Events Industry Council (EIC), and fellow industry leaders: Global DMC Partners; the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE); Meeting Professionals International (MPI); and the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE).

Partnerships sit at the heart of IAPCO’s mission. The network of commercial, strategic and media partners powers programmes, deepens market intelligence and champions the value of engaging IAPCO Accredited PCOs. At IBTM World, IAPCO will celebrate established collaborations and shape new ones that deliver measurable outcomes for destinations, clients and delegates.

Meet Sofia Laddaji, IAPCO’s new Community Engagement & Partnerships Manager, on site in Barcelona to connect with Partners and explore new opportunities for shared success.

Meet the team:

Also on site from the IAPCO HQ team: Martin Boyle (CEO), Nicolette van Erwen (Membership Manager), Anna-Maria Chatzidaki (Marketing & Communications Manager), and Belén Aguado (our new Education Project Manager). We will be on hand to discuss accreditation, community, education, advocacy, partnerships, and new opportunities. We look forward to welcoming you at Stand P62 and to unlocking what comes next, together.

IAPCO looks forward to welcoming you to IBTM World at Stand P62 and to unlocking what comes next, together.

New at Parthen

Highlighting North America:

IAPCO Members and Partners Driving Industry Advocacy and Knowledge Sharing

This edition of The PCO shines a spotlight on the dynamic North America region, highlighting the creativity, leadership, and evolving landscape shaping the future of business events in North America.

IAPCO Ambassadors in North America

Natasha Hilliard Canada

Director, Client Solutions, MCI Group

With over twenty years of experience in the events and association management industry, Natasha Hilliard leads strategic account management and business development for MCI’s association clients. Her clientcentric approach is grounded in deep relationship-building and a commitment to delivering innovative, resultsdriven solutions.

Since joining MCI in 2007, Natasha has played a key leadership role in guiding her team, ensuring they have the tools and support to deliver exceptional value across both virtual and in-person events. She is focused on driving healthy revenue streams, fostering sustainable growth, and creating meaningful engagement for clients and their communities. Natasha offers a unique blend of professionalism with heart, always aiming to create space for change, build community and leave a lasting legacy.

www.mci-group.com natasha.hilliard@wearemci.com

North America’s Business Events: Resilience in Motion

Over the past three months in North America, the businessevents sector has shown signs of a cautious recovery amid fresh challenges. On the positive side, many meeting professionals remain optimistic: a recent survey found that roughly 70 per cent of planners expect their meeting spend to increase in 2025 compared to the previous year.

However, that optimism has not yet translated into stronger participation. The Exhibition & Event Alliance (ESA), for example, reported a 35 per cent year-on-year decline in registrations for one of its major US events, leading to a cancellation in several pre- and post-sessions. While hybrid and in-person formats continue to dominate, smaller formats are becoming more common: 58 per cent of events ateams in North America indicated they plan to hold more in-person events with fewer than 200 attendees.

According to CVENT, cost pressures are also increasing. Inflation in venue, travel and staffing is squeezing supplier margins and event budgets. The net effect is that organisers and associations are being more selective about event locations, scale and value propositions. In short, the business-events market in North America is recovering, but unevenly. While budgets and intent

are pointing upward, attendance and yields are trailing, placing a premium on high-impact content, efficient formats and stricter cost-control.

MCI Group’s US arm, MCI USA, continues to demonstrate strength in the meetings and incentives space and was named on the ‘MeetingsNet’s CMI 25’ list of the largest and most influential full-service meeting and incentive travel management companies for the third consecutive year.

Meanwhile, Venue West has recently announced key additions to its team – two Business Development Managers and a Marketing Manager – to enhance client services and support growth. As a long-standing PCO and member of IAPCO based in Vancouver, the firm emphasises sustainability, purposeful planning, partnership and flexibility in its value-set.

This kind of institutional strength and growth orientation is a positive signal for the business-events sector, especially in Canada, where destination and PCO capabilities play a vital role in attracting association business.

Upcoming Education and Events

Dates for your diary for education, networking and professional development provided and supported by IAPCO.

NOVEMBER 2025

IBTM World 2025

Meet us at the IAPCO stand | European Industry Council (EIC) booth P62 at IBTM World 2025 in Barcelona from 18–20 November.

From forward-thinking education sessions to unique networking opportunities and an exclusive Hosted Buyer Programme for our Members, IAPCO will be championing excellence, advocacy and partnership at every level of the industry.

See a preview of our full IBTM programme on page 27 of this issue.

18–20 November 2025

See you in Barcelona!

26–28 November 2025

IAPCO Hosted EDGE Seminar Jakarta 2025

A Hosted EDGE Seminar will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 26–28 November 2025, cohosted by Pacto-Convex, Tourism Indonesia Chamber of Commerce (KADIN Indonesia) and in collaboration with the recently inaugurated Nusantara International Convention Exhibition (NICE) PIK2. The three-day seminar will offer an engaging, practiceoriented programme designed to enhance participants’ skills through interactive sessions and real-world applications.

JANUARY 2026

JANUARY 2026

REGISTER NOW

Early Bird registration closing soon

18–21 January 2026

EDGE Stockholm 2026

Led by the IAPCO Training Academy, the event will equip meetings and events professionals with the latest global standards, trends, and tools to effectively manage international events and stay competitive in today’s evolving business events landscape. READ MORE

2026 kicks off a year-long celebration of #EDGEat10 – beginning in Stockholm, the city of fifty-eight bridges. Under the theme 'Bridging Minds: A Collaborative Innovation Journey,' EDGE Stockholm 2026 introduces exciting new features designed to make your learning journey even more impactful.

Join colleagues from around the world for three days of dynamic education, meaningful connections and authentic Stockholm experiences – and help us launch the next decade of EDGE learning, leadership and impact.

The Early Bird rate is available until November 30th 2025. On-line registration closes on 11 January 2026.

SEE MORE

Applications closing soon

February 2026

IPCAA Annual Seminar on Compliance 2026

The International Pharmaceutical Congress Advisory Association (IPCAA) organises the Annual Seminar on Compliance, a two day conference for the purpose of enhancing the dialogue between all the major players in medical meetings.

AIME 2026

The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is Asia Pacific’s largest and longest running business events exhibition and learning platform. It connects a global community of business event professionals with industry suppliers through a seamless blend of human expertise and cutting-edge artificial intelligence.

IAPCO, in collaboration with IAPCO Destination Partners Melbourne Convention Bureau and Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre, provides its Members with an exclusive opportunity to become a hosted buyer at the event.

International Applications close 5pm AEDT on Friday, 28 Nov 2025 Domestic Applications close 5pm AEDT on Friday, 5 Dec 2025

*Member access only

IAPCO Annual Meeting & General Assembly Athens 2026

The Odyssey Reinvented – A Very Human Journey Toward the Meetings of Tomorrow

*This is an IAPCO Members-only event.

We invite you to embark on a transformative journey with a vision – a modern Odyssey where innovation meets human connection. Let this journey begin at IAPCO AM&GA Athens 2026. This landmark gathering will bring the IAPCO community together in the birthplace of the first symposia, united in purpose to keep #UnlockingExcellence.

IAPCO and Leading Centres of Europe Workshop 2026

After three years of diving into our joint business models, strategic partnerships and communication styles, we are excited to present to you a new installment of our annual senior leaders workshop, co-hosted by IAPCO and the Leading Centres of Europe, in Munich, Germany.

This year’s focus is on ‘Negotiating and Influencing Skills’ and will equip you with the tools to build relationships with colleagues, customers and partners from scratch. You’ll test out new techniques such as active listening, influencing and emotional awareness. Presented by Andrew McFarlan of Pink Elephant Communications and Colin Harper, a former Hostage and Crisis Negotiator and Negotiation Lead at Police Scotland.

If you are interested in attending, please direct your inquiry to Anette Palm, Secretariat, Leading Centres of Europe. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Fáilte Ireland Unveils Transformative Subvention Framework to Drive Sustainable Business Events

Fáilte Ireland has launched a bold new Business Events Subvention Framework, marking a significant shift in how Ireland attracts and supports international business events. This initiative is a cornerstone of Ireland’s ambitious new business events strategy, Business Events 2030 which reimagines the role of business events in delivering not just economic returns, but also societal and environmental benefits and recognises the critical role that business events play in supporting Ireland’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The new framework introduces a performance-based funding model for association conferences, moving away from automatic financial support. Instead, subvention will be allocated based on an event’s potential to unlock broader legacy benefits for Ireland. This €0 baseline approach ensures that only events aligned with national priorities and capable of delivering meaningful impact will receive support.

Strategic objectives driving the framework

The subvention framework is designed to support key strategic objectives outlined in Business Events 2030. These include:

• Securing events that align with national priorities, such as innovation, sustainability and regional development.

• Driving balanced regional growth by encouraging events outside traditional urban centres.

• Extending the tourism season, helping to mitigate seasonal fluctuations in visitor numbers.

• Promoting sustainability using carbon calculators and green toolkits in line with Ireland’s climate action goals.

• Maximising social impact, ensuring that host communities benefit from increased visitor engagement and economic activity.

This marks a departure from traditional models that focused primarily on economic metrics. Instead, the new strategy embraces a holistic view of value creation, recognising the power of business events to foster knowledge exchange, community development and environmental stewardship.

Unlocking legacy benefits

Under the new framework, events will be assessed on their ability to contribute to Ireland’s long-term goals. This includes:

• Economic Growth: International events will stimulate local economies, support SMEs and create employment opportunities.

• Social Impact: Events will enhance Ireland’s visitor economy and align with broader government policies, benefiting host communities.

• Environmental Impact: Ireland’s conference sector will be leveraged as a model for sustainable tourism, promoting green practices and reducing carbon footprints.

• Global Reputation: Enhanced support will position Ireland as a premier destination for impactful and responsible business events.

Fáilte Ireland’s updated subvention framework includes site inspection funding for Corporate and Incentive Meetings and International Sporting and Cultural Events. Eligible organisers can receive up to €3,000 (short-haul) or €5,000 (long-haul) to cover travel, accommodation and meals for up to three key decision-makers visiting Ireland for a maximum of three nights.

A new era for Business Events in Ireland

Ireland’s Business Events 2030 strategy along with Fáilte Ireland’s new Subvention Framework reflect Ireland’s commitment to innovation and leadership in the global meetings and events industry. By prioritising legacy outcomes and aligning with national policy, Ireland is setting a benchmark for how destinations can harness the strategic potential of business events.

This strategic pivot is expected to attract a new wave of highvalue events that not only bring delegates to Ireland but also leave lasting benefits for communities, the environment, and the economy.

As the global business events landscape evolves, Ireland is positioning itself at the forefront – offering not just world-class venues and hospitality, but a compelling vision for sustainable and socially responsible tourism.

Contact our team to find out how we can help you bring your sustainable business event to Ireland.

Failte Ireland - International Business Events

Megaron Athens International Conference Centre

25 – 28 February, 2026

Master of Ceremonies & Main Stage Facilitator

I couldn’t be more excited to return to IAPCO AMGM and support the collaboration in Greece among the four hosts in delivering an engaging and highly interactive experience.

Hazel

Jackson

CEO

of Biz Group, Keynote Speaker, Leadership Expert

Each dialogue is a compass point, guiding us through change, sparking leadership, and charting the course for the task forces that will carry our

Founder & CEO at Conference Partners International & Event Partners Ireland

Like the great thinkers of ancient Greece, we believe in the power of dialogue to illuminate, to challenge, and to transform.

Mathias Posch Chairman & Partner ICS, Past President

IAPCO

Athens reimagines a modern marketplace of ideas & commerce: AGORA

While the definition of success for business events evolves, Athens leads with a model that balances commerce with culture and productivity with wellbeing. This philosophy comes vividly to life in the “This is Athens - Agora”, the city’s signature annual tourism and business marketplace. The ancient Agora was the heart of Athenian life, a space for politics, social interaction, and trade. To this effect, the modern This is Athens - Agora channels this spirit, creating an immersive experience that fosters deep connections. Over 90 top-tier international buyers, carefully selected for their expertise and influence, will meet with more than 100 premier Greek tourism suppliers. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in enhanced B2B sessions, take part in interactive and themed roundtables, and explore cross-sector collaborations that unlock new business opportunities in Athens.

From Heritage to Innovation: Athens’ Human-Centered Transformation

Building on more than a decade of success with Travel Trade Athens, the Agora’s 11th edition marks a turning point. It is designed to bring together international buyers, leading Greek suppliers, and global decision-makers, but it fully embraces the principles of wellbeing, sustainability, and inclusivity, which now define the next generation of global events. This approach is underpinned by the city’s philosophy of "eudaimonia", meaning living well and flourishing, making wellness not just an event trend, but a core civic value.

A Legacy of Success

A Marketplace That Breathes: Designing for Wellbeing and Connection

In the spirit of today’s wellness-centric event movement, the "This is Athens - Agora" is curated as a living, breathing environment, a space where connection, reflection, and discovery coexist naturally. Delegates experience not just scheduled meetings, but restorative moments across the city: open-air networking sessions in cultural venues, walking meetings through Athens’ creative districts or archeological sites that echoes the city's history and hospitality that reflects the Mediterranean rhythm of life. These design choices respond to a growing understanding that attendees’ mental and physical wellbeing directly influence engagement and outcomes. The Agora’s layout and programming integrate rest areas, daylight exposure, and flexible pacing, inviting participants to slow down, connect meaningfully, and absorb the creative pulse of the city. The setting for our journey is being prepared. Our curated venue and program will be exclusively revealed on our This is Athens Agora Website & social media: Facebook and LinkedIn.

A Vision for the Future, An Invitation for Today

Looking ahead, This is Athens – Agora 2026 will further expand this vision. The event aims to become not only a platform for market access and innovation but a model of how business gatherings can genuinely care for people and place.We believe this human-centered approach is the future, and we invite you to be a part of it.

Hosted by the City of Athens, the event has been vital in the city’s transformation, consistently delivering results:

• 700+ tourism professionals hosted from Europe, USA, Canada, India & China

• 20,000+ B2B meetings driving business opportunities

• 200+ Greek tourism companies supported in global collaborations

Inspired to host your next event in a city that blends commerce with culture and ambition with wellbeing? Let's create something remarkable together. Contact us at acvb@thisisathens.org.

Wellbeing as a Core Value: How OIC Group Nurtures Wellness

Sara Pirola, Communication Officer and CSR Manager OIC Group, in conversation with Irene Serio, CEO and President

At OIC Group, the concept of wellbeing has never been a passing trend, it’s part of the organisation’s DNA. Celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year, the Florence-based company has evolved into an international player in the meetings and congress industry, while keeping people, purpose and balance at the heart of its growth.

Sara Pirola: OIC Group recently celebrated fifty years of activity, a milestone that naturally invites reflection. Looking back, how has the idea of wellbeing evolved within the company?

Irene Serio: Reaching fifty years gave us a rare opportunity to stop and look at what we’ve built and how we’ve built it. OIC was founded in 1975 by my mother, Annarita Bonamici, at a time when the meetings industry in Italy was still taking its first steps. From that small office in Florence, we’ve grown into an international group managing over 500 events every year in more than sixty countries. When I think of wellbeing, I think of balance. For OIC, that balance has always meant caring for people as much as for projects. Over the decades, we’ve embraced change – globalisation, digital transformation, new markets, but our compass has remained the same: trust, respect and listening. That’s why 27 per cent of our team has been with us for more than ten years, and another 30 per cent between five and ten. This tells me that people feel they belong, and that’s the truest indicator of wellbeing.

Sara Pirola: What does wellness mean to you personally, as a leader?

Irene Serio: For me, wellness starts with listening. Leadership is not about control, it’s about trust and presence. I believe that when people are given the space to express themselves, they grow; and when they grow, the company grows too. As a woman leading a company where 80 per cent of the workforce are women – many of them young managers and mothers –wellness also means designing structures that make balance possible. We have a thirty-eight-hour working week, hybrid work policies, mentoring and re-entry paths for new parents. These are part of a cultural model that says, you don’t have to choose between your career and your life.

Sara Pirola: OIC has recently achieved important certifications on gender equality and sustainable event management. How do these connect to your idea of corporate wellness?

Irene Serio: They are two sides of the same coin. We’re certified UNI PdR 125:2022 for Gender Equality and ISO 20121 for Sustainable Event Management, both require us to monitor, measure and improve continuously. But beyond the certification itself, they formalise something that was already in our DNA: the desire to build a fair, transparent and responsible workplace.

We’re now designing our next welfare plan, launching in 2026, with measurable goals on closing the gender pay gap and expanding family benefits. I see this as part of a broader wellbeing framework, one that connects individual satisfaction, social sustainability and business performance.

Sara Pirola: Let’s move from the inside out. How does this philosophy of wellbeing translate into the experience of delegates and clients during your events?

Irene Serio: Our mission has always been to create events that generate real value: economic, emotional and intellectual. Every

year, we design events and experiences that bring together thousands of delegates in cities such as Florence, Milan, Rome, Dublin, Istanbul, Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, Atlanta. But beyond numbers and destinations, what truly defines us is how we translate our inner culture outward. The same principles that guide our internal wellbeing (trust, empathy, balance) also shape the way we build events for our clients and communities. We design wellness-centric events that start by listening to what attendees really need: time, space, inclusion and care. From sustainable logistics and mindful scheduling to inclusive content and accessible design, we curate environments where participants feel at ease, respected and engaged.

We’ve organised carbon-neutral events, compensating emissions through social projects that benefit local communities, from reforestation initiatives to clean energy access in developing areas. These are not add-ons; they are expressions of the same belief that drives us every day: that wellbeing and responsibility must coexist.

When delegates feel that care, when they sense authenticity behind every choice, their engagement deepens. That’s when science, knowledge and human relationships truly flourish. And that, for us, is the real legacy of an event.

This philosophy also shapes the way we design our events in the healthcare and scientific fields. Recently, we organised an international congress on low vision where several delegates were visually impaired. Together with the scientific committee, we worked to make the venue and the overall congress experience fully accessible, from navigation and lighting to content design and communication. The programme even included immersive sessions where professionals could experience what it feels like to live with visual impairment, fostering empathy and a deeper, more human understanding of science and medicine.

For us, this is what wellness truly means: seeing people. Every delegate comes with their own story, expectations, and culture and we work hard to honour that diversity. Every year we collaborate with clients and audiences from dozens of countries and cultural backgrounds. Respecting those differences, personally and genuinely, is part of our daily practice and it’s not simply something we do because it’s right for our work: it’s what gives meaning to our work.

Sara Pirola: OIC Group is based in Florence and will soon expand its presence to Brussels. How does this international step fit into your broader vision of wellbeing and balance?

Irene Serio: Brussels marks a natural continuation of our journey. Being in the heart of Europe allows us to stay close to the associations and institutions that shape the sectors we serve, and to strengthen the relationships we’ve built over time. International growth can be demanding, so wellbeing becomes part of our strategy: it’s about ensuring that, as we grow, we remain connected, that our people, wherever they work, feel part of the same culture and shared purpose.

Sara Pirola: If you could sum up OIC’s philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?

Irene Serio: To grow without losing balance. Our new visual identity, with its spotlight motif, represents exactly that: shedding light on what truly matters. Wellness, in all its forms, is one of those things.

Sara Pirola

Irene Serio

Training the Next Generation of Convention Professionals at The 129th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Ophthalmological Society — Operated by Congrès Inc.

From 17–20 April 2025, the 129th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Ophthalmological Society was held at the Tokyo International Forum, with Congrès Inc. responsible for planning and management.

The Japanese Ophthalmological Society, a public interest incorporated foundation, was established in 1897 (Meiji 30) and has a long history. The society currently has over 16,000 members. For the 129th meeting, held in a hybrid format, approximately 10,470 participants registered, of whom about 5,800 attended in person at the Tokyo International Forum. Around 300 participants came from overseas, allowing domestic and international ophthalmology professionals to gather and engage in lively discussions.

Additionally, with the approval of President Takeo Fukuchi M.D., Ph.D. (Professor, Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University), new graduates who joined Congrès Inc. in April had the opportunity to experience convention management for the first time as part of on-site training at a medical conference.

AIM GROUP INTERNATIONAL

AIM Confirmed by EcoVadis: Sustainability is Increasingly at the Centre

AIM Italy has received the EcoVadis ‘Committed’ badge for the second consecutive year. EcoVadis is one of the world's leading platforms for assessing ESG performance. This recognition highlights the group's commitment to integrating sustainability into all its activities.

Since launching the EcoVadis assessment process two years ago, AIM Italy has achieved significant growth. In 2024, it achieved a higher overall score earning it the second-level ‘Committed' badge under the rating system. Progress was made in all four reference pillars: environment, labour practices and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.

‘Sustainability is no longer just an innovative project; today, it is an integral part of how we work and lead our teams,’ says Patrizia Semprebene Buongiorno, Vice President of AIM Group. ‘We have extended our commitment to internal processes and events, with clear protocols and continuous training, because we believe that change comes from daily actions shared with all stakeholders.’

MBKCEESME 2025: A celebration of Microbial Science, collaboration and global connection

For three impactful days, 22–24 September 2025, the Thessaloniki Concert Hall became a vibrant hub of scientific exchange as the Joint International Conference of MikroBioKosmos and CEESME 2025 (MBKCEESME 2025) welcomed a thriving international community of researchers, early-career scientists, institutions and organisations from twenty-eight countries. United by a shared passion to understand, protect and harness the microbial world, participants came together to celebrate science, innovation and collaboration.

This year’s conference offered a rich and thought-provoking programme, touching on a wide range of topics that reflect the depth and breadth of the field. From Agriculture and Environment to Biotechnology, Food and Nutrition, One Health, Climate Change, Symbiosis, Conservation and Antimicrobial Resistance, the sessions showcased the impact of microbial sciences on today’s most urgent global challenges.

ESEB Congress 2025 in Barcelona: A Landmark

Edition Combining Scientific Excellence and

Environmental

Responsibility

Nearly 2,000 scientists from around the world gathered in Barcelona for the 2025 Congress of the European Society for Evolutionary Biology (ESEB), a flagship event that has been held annually since 1987. This year's event was notable for its record attendance and scientific exchange, as well as the new sustainability and engagement initiatives introduced with the support of AIM.

The society’s goals were ambitious: to deliver a world-class congress, promote inclusivity and integrate sustainability into the event for the first time. Our role was to translate these objectives into reality by providing smart event solutions, innovative tools and operational excellence.

Forty Years of Kuoni Tumlare Congress: Shaping Moments That Matter – Then, Now, Always

This year, we’re celebrating forty incredible years of Kuoni Tumlare Congress. Since 1985, our teams have been behind some of the world’s most inspiring gatherings – helping associations, federations and industries come together to exchange ideas, push boundaries and build connections that last. For four decades, one thing has stayed constant: our passion for creating congress experiences that don’t just run smoothly –they mean something.

The power of partnership

What makes a great congress? It’s not just the keynote speakers, the destination or the social programme (though those help!). It’s the partnerships that make everything click.

At Kuoni Tumlare Congress, we’ve spent forty years turning complex projects into seamless journeys – working side by side with associations, suppliers and destinations to make sure every moving part moves in harmony. Behind every success story, there’s a shared commitment – to teamwork, creativity and a healthy dose of good humour along the way.

The CONI Trophy, a celebration of sport, friendship and educational values. AIM Group supported the organisation of the final stage which brought over 4,700 participants from twenty Italian regions.

From Wellbeing to Belonging: Why Real Learning Starts With How We Feel

For years, ‘wellness’ has been a decorative word in the meetings industry, a trend that translated into yoga breaks, smoothie bars and the occasional mindfulness session squeezed between panels. But as participants’ expectations evolve, so must our understanding of what wellness truly means.

Today, wellness isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’ add-on; it’s part of the foundation of a meaningful, inclusive event experience. Lately, our industry has begun to see wellness in a different light: not as a trend, but as a way to design better experiences.

As PCMA explored in its feature ‘Medical Meetings Embrace Wellness Initiatives,’ several conference organisers are reimagining wellness not as an isolated activity but as an attitude that shapes the entire experience. Rather than adding more things to do, the focus is shifting toward how participants feel while they’re there, how much space they have to breathe, to recharge, to connect or simply to be. PCMA also highlights that the most meaningful initiatives begin when organisers truly listen to attendees and adapt the event environment to what people genuinely need. This focus on listening rather than prescribing, moves wellness from a checklist to a design philosophy: one that recognises that people engage and learn better when they feel balanced, safe and cared for.

Wellness can take many forms. Sometimes it’s about rest and silence; other times it’s about participation and belonging. Feeling well begins with feeling welcome. A good example comes from an event we at Ega Worldwide developed in 2023: ExpoAid, organised in collaboration with the Italian Ministry for Disabilities. The gathering brought together thousands of people with disabilities, institutions and volunteers under one principle: participation without barriers. Every detail, from venue accessibility to communication formats and volunteer training, was designed to promote dignity and inclusion. That experience reminded us that inclusion itself can be a form of wellness. When people feel they belong, they relax, connect and engage more deeply. Creating a space where everyone can participate freely generates a sense of peace and belonging, which enhances learning, creativity and collaboration.

For a PCO, wellness is no longer a separate add-on to the programme. It’s part of how we design, schedule

and deliver experiences. It can mean giving delegates more breathing room between sessions, avoiding information overload or simply making sure that no one feels left behind: parents, introverts or people with access needs. We’ve learned that small, thoughtful adjustments, a flexible timetable, a quiet area or an accessible pathway can make a big difference. They show that we’re paying attention. And that attention, more than any single initiative, is what participants truly value.

This evolution challenges us to think differently. It takes empathy at the design stage, open communication with our teams, and a willingness to question some of the habits that have defined congresses for decades. But it also gives us an extraordinary opportunity: to create events that people truly remember, not for what they learned, but for how they felt.

Wellness is not about adding more. It’s about caring more. It’s about giving participants the freedom to experience an event at their own pace and the feeling that the event was designed with them, not just for them.

In the end, wellness and inclusion are woven into the educational and experiential journeys of our events. They shape them. When people feel supported and accepted, they learn better, and when they feel seen and respected, they open up to ideas. When the environment invites everyone to participate freely, learning becomes more meaningful and memorable. The future of meetings will belong to those who understand that how participants feel is inseparable from how they learn.

Gaetano Maria Dieni Golinelli, Next Gen Council Member and Director of Marketing and Communication at Ega Worldwide

PCMA, Medical Meetings Embrace Wellness Initiatives (Barbara Palmer, 27 June 2023) https://www.pcma.org/medical-meetings-wellnessinitiatives

Ega Worldwide, ExpoAid 2023 Rimini https://ega.it/it/eventi/expoaid2023-rimini

IAPCO Partners