MEMBERSHIP
Join IAPCO and be recognised as one of the best-qualified professional congress organisers in the world
Advocacy Community Education
IAPCO Accreditation
A unique quality assurance recognised by congress clients and suppliers all over the world
Why become an IAPCO-accredited member?
An IAPCO Accredited PCO is a Professional Congress Organiser or Meeting Planner who administers and brings to fruition the organisation of a congress, meeting, event, or convention in a professional manner.
The professional standard of an IAPCO Accredited PCO is judged by their peers and their clients through rigorous entry criteria - timeliness, efficiency, creativity, rigorousness, financial responsibility and good management. As a result, an IAPCO Accredited PCO offers a unique quality assurance recognised by congress clients and suppliers all over the world.
IAPCO membership is retained through annual quality checks and reviews by the IAPCO Quality Committee.
Advocacy
IAPCO members join in IAPCO’s mission to develop the professionalism of the global meetings industry. The exchange of ideas, concepts and sharing of knowledge is of paramount importance to maintain the meetings industry at the forefront of political and economic thought.
Community
IAPCO membership shares a pool of experience in terms of worldwide destinations, professional competency and technical know-how. The PCO has immediate access to the IAPCO membership network to collect information on preceding congresses and to provide a continuity of quality service.
Education
IAPCO members are at the forefront of training in the congress industry through the IAPCO Education Programme with access to comprehensive international and regional education for event professionals involved in managing congresses.
Member Values
Proud - The ‘P’ in PCO
Involved - Taking responsibility for their association and the industry
Extraordinary - Delivering the highest quality professional service
Trustworthy - Responsible to their clients and the meetings industry
Innovative - Setting new benchmarks with innovation
Learning - Keeping education at the core of their organisation
How to become an IAPCO-Accredited Member
Step 1 – Online Application Form
• Online application form
• Contact details
• Company details and activity
• Staffing details
• Industry involvement
• Why does your company want to join IAPCO?
Step 2 – Event Information
• Details of 10 previous events including 5 referees
• Details of 5 future events
• Qualifying delegate requirements:
• 400+ delegates for international meetings
• 1000+ delegates for national meetings
Step 3 – Site Visit, Interviews, and Application Fee
• One of the 5 future events (Step 2) chosen for site inspection*
• Site visit of your company offices, where feasible
• Online CEO interview with IAPCO CEO
• Payment of application fee (€2500, non-refundable) which covers the cost of travel for site inspections
SUCCESS!
*Standard PCO Services
A PCO is expected to provide the following list of services to their clients which will be assessed, where relevant, during the site inspection of the event (Step 3). IAPCO-accredited members are required to provide 14 out of the 21 services listed when submitting a congress via the quality checklist.
Consultancy and Strategic Advice
Destination Research
Bidding Support
Project management
Financial Management
Stakeholder Management
Marketing and Communication
Venue Selection & Management
Sponsor and Exhibition Management.
Programme and Speaker Management
Registration Management
Congress Technology
Abstract Management
On site Management
Social Events
CSR & Sustainability
Compliance and Accreditation
Safety and Security
Virtual Delivery
Hotel Accommodation
Transport
International brand recognition
Use of ‘IAPCO-Accredited’ branding on your website, email signature, website, stationery, etc.
Client assurance of continual excellence through an annual quality review programme
Discounted attendance at IAPCO education programmes
Complimentary access for all staff to IAPCO’s webEDGE online learning platform for their education and development
Network and engage with fellow PCOs from around the world
Promotion through IAPCO marketing and communication channelswebsite, The PCO magazine, Insider newsletter, social media etc.
Preferential insurance rates for your events
Business opportunities via requests for IAPCO Members received by IAPCO HQ
Hosted Buyer status at IMEX Frankfurt
Membership Fees
Fees are based on the size of the company and therefore are based on the number of offices within the group of a Company Member
We offer 40% discounted rates to companies from developing countries based on World Bank rating criteria.
Email info@iapco.org for more details.
How long does the membership application process take?
The membership application process can take anything from six months onwards, depending upon the dates of your future event for the site visit. It is not possible, under any circumstance, for an application to be ‘fast-tracked’. As such, the process is intentionally strict because being an IAPCO-Accredited Member signifies to the wider events industry (and potential clients) that the company operates to the highest standard of quality.
How is my application scored?
A scoring system is in place to assess the application. It is highly recommended that, when submitting the application, you ensure that you choose events that are recent, meet the delegate number criteria, and provide the maximum number of services.
Is support available throughout the application process?
IAPCO HQ will support you throughout your company’s application process, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns - we are always happy to help.
If my company becomes a Member of IAPCO, are there any requirements for continued Membership?
Members must complete annual returns each year, send a representative to an IAPCO Annual Meeting & General Assembly once every three years, and must undergo a Rotational Quality Review once every five years. A full list of Membership Requirements can be found in IAPCO’s Standing Orders, available at iapco.org.
What happens if my application is unsuccessful?
Unfortunately, this can happen as it is important that we adhere to our processes to ensure the IAPCO quality brand is maintained. For unsuccessful applications, we recommend applying for IAPCO observer status to gain access to IAPCO education and mentoring. This will likely help you to be successful with your next membership application.
The home of collective intelligence for the evolution of PCOs around the globe!”
Giulia Ineke Sarri Creative Strategist, AIM Group International“Our quality assurance and control measures continuously evolve through access to global industry benchmarks and our IAPCO membership is at the centre of this continued quest for excellence.
Medhat Nassar CEO, Meeting Minds Experts
IAPCO’s diversity of network and sharing of ideas and experiences gives us the support and strength we need as members.”
Yukari Ikeda Senior Producer, Japan Convention Services (JCS)Member-driven association raising quality standards in the global meetings industry
iapco.org/join-iapco
info@iapco.org