Athens, Greece – The Greek capital has reinforced its standing as a premier global destination for the international meetings and events industry, successfully hosting the Annual Conference and General Assembly 2026 of the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers (IAPCO). The event, held from February 26-28, 2026, at the Megaron Athens International Conference Center, brought together more than 200 senior executives from 36 countries.
Global Leaders Convene in Athens
The conference served as a pivotal platform for industry leaders to exchange best practices, develop new strategies, and collectively shape the future trajectory of the global meetings industry. The central theme, “The Odyssey Reinvented – A deeply human journey toward the meetings of tomorrow,” drew inspiration from the timeless Greek epic, connecting ancient wisdom with modern challenges and opportunities.
Key discussions revolved around how technology is transforming human interaction, while simultaneously emphasizing the enduring value of human wisdom, emotions, and adaptability in the evolving landscape of professional gatherings. The event commenced with a welcoming reception at the iconic Acropolis Museum on February 25, setting a culturally rich tone for the proceedings.
Elevating the “Greece” Brand on the Global Stage
IAPCO President Sissy Lygnou underscored the significance of Athens as the host city, stating, “Athens, birthplace of democracy and ancient symposia, reminds us that progress begins when people meet to exchange ideas with a common purpose. This year’s Annual Conference united the global community and top decision makers in the meetings industry, showcasing the power of professional gatherings to generate lasting impact.”
The successful execution of the conference has further bolstered confidence in Greece’s Professional Congress Organizer (PCO) network. It demonstrated the country’s capability to host high-level events, excelling in terms of experience, infrastructure, and collaborative efforts, thereby strengthening the international presence of the “Greece” brand as a leading meetings and events destination.
Pillars for the Future of the Industry
The conference program meticulously highlighted three critical pillars deemed essential for the future of the meetings industry:
- The power of storytelling: Emphasizing narrative as a crucial element in engaging audiences and conveying messages effectively.
- The clarity of leadership and strategy: Focusing on decisive leadership and well-defined strategic approaches to navigate industry complexities.
- The inner journey: Exploring the intersection of personal development and professional purpose, recognizing the human element in successful events.
Beyond these core pillars, innovation and sustainability were also prominently featured as strategic imperatives, guiding the global meetings sector towards more responsible and forward-thinking practices.
Collaborative Effort by Greek PCOs
The organization of this significant event was a testament to the collaborative spirit within the Greek meetings industry. It was spearheaded by IAPCO-certified PCO members, including AFEA Congress, CONVIN, ERA Congresses & Events, and ERASMUS Conferences & Events. These efforts were undertaken in close collaboration with the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau (This is Athens), showcasing a unified approach to promoting Athens as a premier destination.
Prior to the main conference, the IAPCO Council Meeting was held in Thessaloniki, hosted by the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau. This pre-conference gathering saw the participation of IAPCO leadership and key local stakeholders, further strengthening regional ties within the industry.
New Leadership for IAPCO
A significant outcome of the conference was the election of the new IAPCO Board. Jason Yeh, CEO of GIS Group (Taiwan), was elected President-Elect and is set to assume the IAPCO presidency at the 2027 Annual Conference. The newly elected board members also include Ginerva De Bellis (Oic Group, Italy), Benoit Dubuisson (Downtown Europe, Belgium), Jessica Ferguson (Arinex, Australia), and Giulia Sarri (AIM Group International, Italy).
Sissy Lygnou will continue her tenure as IAPCO President for another year, after which she will transition into the role of Immediate Past President. IAPCO extended its gratitude to the outgoing board members for their dedicated service, with particular acknowledgment given to Sarah Markey-Hamm for her contributions as Immediate Past President and Chair of the Quality Committee.
Economic Impact and Global Reach
IAPCO, a global non-profit association, represents certified Professional Congress Organizers (PCOs). Its network comprises 95 members, encompassing over 10,000 professionals across 187 offices worldwide. In 2024, IAPCO members were responsible for organizing an impressive 21,322 events, which collectively generated an economic impact exceeding €17.8 billion.
This substantial figure underscores the critical contribution of the meetings industry to the global economy and highlights its pivotal role in enhancing Greece’s profile as a leading destination for international congresses and events.
Source: TornosNews.gr
