Athens at the Center of the Global Meetings Industry with the IAPCO Annual Congress
The world’s meetings and events industry will turn its spotlight to Greece as Athens hosts the Annual Congress and General Assembly of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) from 25-28 February 2026. This prestigious event confirms international confidence in Greece’s dynamism and strategic position on the global meetings map.
The IAPCO Annual Meeting & General Assembly 2026 will take place at the Athens Concert Hall, bringing together the top professionals in the global meetings industry under one roof for three days.
Pre-Congress Activities in Thessaloniki
Prior to the main congress, the IAPCO Council Meeting will be held at the Grand Hotel Palace in Thessaloniki, hosted by the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau, from 21-24 February 2026. In parallel, a Stakeholder Meeting will take place at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, with the participation of IAPCO leadership and key city stakeholders.
The return of IAPCO to Athens, following the successful 2010 event, is highly significant for the Greek meetings and events sector. In a period of both challenges and opportunities, this year’s congress and General Assembly will serve as a key platform for dialogue, strategic thinking, and collective action, highlighting Greece as a mature, reliable, and competitive international destination.
This congress represents the premier global gathering of meetings and events professionals, aiming to showcase best practices, contemporary trends, and inspire participants through meaningful experiences and high-value content.
“The Odyssey Reinvented”: A Theme for Modern Challenges
This year’s theme, “The Odyssey Reinvented”, draws inspiration from a modern interpretation of the Odyssey, connecting the timeless Greek epic to the challenges and opportunities of today.
The congress narrative explores how technology transforms human interactions and connectivity while emphasizing the importance of human wisdom, emotions, and adaptability. In a constantly evolving digital and virtual world, the event honors the human journey and the values that made Odysseus an enduring symbol: ingenuity, patience and perseverance, leadership, and determination.
During the Athens congress, particular emphasis is placed on the activation and engagement of the stakeholders of the Greek meetings and events sector, culminating on the final day with the presence of key representatives (stakeholders) from Thessaloniki, further enhancing the connection between the two cities and Greece’s overall strategy as a top meetings destination.
This is a closed congress, intended exclusively for IAPCO members and strategic partners.
Collaboration of Local Stakeholders
The success of the congress is driven by all local stakeholders. The IAPCO Annual Meeting & General Assembly 2026 is hosted by the IAPCO Team Greece, which includes Greece’s leading congress organizers: AFEA Congress, CONVIN SA, ERA Congresses & Events, ERASMUS Conferences & Events, and the This is Athens – Convention & Visitors Bureau. These organizations are active members of the Hellenic Association of Professional Congress Organizers (HAPCO & DES) and accredited members of IAPCO.
Sissy Lygnou, President of IAPCO, commented: “In a few weeks, Athens will host the IAPCO Annual Congress & General Assembly, the organization’s flagship event, attracting the top leaders and owners of the world’s largest congress organizing companies. The theme ‘The Odyssey Reinvented’ draws its symbolism from the Odyssey-not as a historical narrative, but as a timeless framework of leadership, adaptability, and transformation. It will serve as a key narrative for the future of the global meetings industry. I am honored and privileged to welcome such an important event to Athens and our country.”
Antonia Alexandrou, President of HAPCO & DES and member of the IAPCO Global Task Force of National PCO Associations, added: “Athens is establishing itself as an international meetings hub, hosting the IAPCO Annual Congress and General Assembly, highlighting global trends in the meetings and events market. The Greek meetings industry demonstrates professionalism, quality, and flexibility, making Athens a world-class reference destination. Our participation underscores our commitment to promoting the Greek meetings ecosystem with vision, energy, and dynamism.”
The Local Organizing Committee, composed of certified IAPCO PCO members (AFEA Congress, CONVIN SA, ERA Congresses & Events, ERASMUS Conferences & Events), stated: “Athens opens its doors to the IAPCO Annual Congress & General Assembly, positioning the city at the center of the international meetings industry. The event highlights the dynamism, maturity, and creativity of the Greek meetings scene on a global scale. Through our collaboration as certified IAPCO members, we demonstrate that the Greek meetings community can operate with a unified, international outlook, shaping the future of global congresses.”
About IAPCO
The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) is the only global accreditation body for professional congress organizers (PCOs), representing the gold standard of excellence in the international meetings industry. As a non-profit member-driven organization, IAPCO exists to elevate professional standards in designing and executing world-class meetings. IAPCO has 97 members with over 10,000 professionals operating in more than 187 offices worldwide.
In 2024, IAPCO members delivered 21,322 events, with an economic impact exceeding €17.8 billion. Members undergo a rigorous peer review process to be recognized as Accredited IAPCO Members, continuously demonstrating unwavering commitment to quality, integrity, and innovation. Built on three strategic pillars-Community Engagement, Education, Advocacy-IAPCO serves as the global voice of PCOs, promoting the profession, highlighting the meetings industry’s role in economic growth, inspiring excellence, and opening new horizons for event organization.
The key to quality. IAPCO: Unlocking Excellence
