Athens Transforms into a Global MICE Hub with IAPCO Annual Conference 2026
Athens, Greece – March 17, 2026 – For three days, Athens became a focal point for the international conference and events industry, hosting the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) Annual Conference and General Assembly 2026. This significant event brought together more than 200 senior executives from 36 countries, providing a platform for exchanging best practices, strategizing new approaches, and shaping the future of the global conference industry.
“The Odyssey Reinvented” at the Megaron Athens International Conference Centre
The conference, held at the Megaron Athens International Conference Centre, centered around the theme: “The Odyssey Reinvented – A deeply human journey towards the meetings of tomorrow.” The event was attended by notable figures including the Minister of Tourism, Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, and the Mayor of Athens, Mr. Haris Doukas.
Inspired by Homer’s Odyssey, the conference program skillfully connected the timeless Greek epic with the challenges and opportunities of the modern era. The narrative explored how technology is transforming human encounters and connectivity, while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of human wisdom, emotions, and adaptability in the evolving landscape of professional meetings.
IAPCO President Highlights Athens’ Role and Industry Impact
Ms. Sissy Lignou, President of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), commented on the conference’s success: “Athens, the birthplace of democracy and ancient symposia, reminds us that progress begins when people gather to exchange ideas with a common purpose. In the same spirit, this year’s IAPCO Annual Conference united the global community, bringing together the top decision-makers in the conference industry, highlighting the power of professional meetings to create meaningful and lasting impact.”
She further added, “The organization of the event in Athens demonstrated confidence in the professional core of the international conference market (PCOs) and confirmed that our country can host high-level events, regarding experience, infrastructure, and stakeholder cooperation, enhancing its international presence and the ‘Greece’ brand as a top destination for conferences and events.”
Ms. Lignou also noted, “The conference program presented, among other things, the critical priorities for the future of the sector, guiding us towards three main pillars: the power of Storytelling, the clarity of Leadership and Strategy, and the Inner Journey, where personal development meets purpose. Simultaneously, topics of innovation and sustainability were developed, issues that are a strategic imperative for the global conference industry. The vision, strategy, and philosophy of IAPCO, as the only international non-profit organization representing 95 countries with more than 10,000 executives in 47 countries worldwide, are strengthened through this year’s conference and general assembly, highlighting the dynamics of the sector.”
Collaborative Effort by Greek PCO Members
The organization of the conference was a collaborative effort undertaken by IAPCO-certified PCO members: AFEA Congress, CONVIN, ERA Congresses & Events, and ERASMUS Conferences & Events. This was done in cooperation with the City of Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau (This is Athens – Convention & Visitors Bureau), showcasing the coordinated synergy within the Greek conference industry.
It is worth noting that the conference was preceded by the IAPCO Council Meeting in Thessaloniki, hosted by the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau, with the participation of IAPCO’s leadership and key city stakeholders.
Local Organizing Committee Emphasizes Athens’ Potential
Commenting on the impact of the event, the Local Organizing Committee (AFEA Congress, CONVIN SA, ERA Congresses & Events, and ERASMUS Conferences & Events) stated: “Athens highlighted the dynamism of the Greek conference industry, gathering the cream of the global conference market and confirming its position as a leading destination for international conferences.”
The committee further emphasized, “The fact that the conference was described by many participants as the best in the history of the event proves that the love for the industry and the determination of our four companies to act collectively, setting aside their competitive relationship and focusing their efforts on coordinated action and a common goal, was an excellent strategic choice. The perfect result further reinforces our long-standing position that the conference sector deserves the attention and support of the state to be able to return continuous benefits to the Greek economy.”
New IAPCO Board of Directors Elected
On the sidelines of the conference, elections were held for the new IAPCO Board of Directors. Mr. Jason Yeh, CEO of GIS Group (Taiwan), was elected President-Elect by the members. Mr. Yeh will serve in this position for one year and will assume the IAPCO Presidency at the Annual Conference and General Assembly in 2027.
The new Board of Directors also includes Ginerva De Bellis of Oic Group (Italy), Benoit Dubuisson of Downtown Europe (Belgium), and Jessica Ferguson of Arinex (Australia). Giulia Sarri of AIM Group International (Italy) was confirmed by the Board to replace Nicola Testai.
It is important to note that the current IAPCO President, Ms. Sissy Lignou, will serve her term for another year and will then assume the role of Immediate Past President.
Source: https://www.travel.gr/how_to_travel/travel-news/stin-athina-oi-koryfaioi-epaggelome/
