Brussels, Belgium –July 2026

Building on the success of their initial Memorandum of Understanding, the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) and the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) have renewed and strengthened their strategic partnership and set a clear direction for the next phase of collaboration.

Following a review of the collaboration and the opportunities created over its first term, IFES and IAPCO will further develop the relationship, with an increased focus on sharing content and know-how, sustainability, education and the development of the next generation of industry professionals.

The renewed cooperation will see the associations look for greater opportunities to contribute to each other’s annual set of programmes whilst providing greater impact and added value to their respective membership.  It is agreed that sharing sustainability insights will be of immense value. IFES is able to bring expertise from across the exhibition and event services sector, including learnings around exhibition production and initiatives such as Better Stands, while IAPCO contributes the organiser and client perspective. Together, these insights can help build a stronger understanding of sustainability across the complete event delivery chain.

Professional development is another area of focus wherein IFES and IAPCO see opportunities to exchange experience around their respective next-generation and emerging leaders to identify good practice, opportunities to share speakers and expertise, and areas where future joint initiatives could add value.

Strengthening collective understanding

Finally, through intentional exchange of relevant market intelligence, industry trends and research, both communities will have access to perspectives from different parts of the events ecosystem thereby strengthening collective understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector.

Gregor Bischkopf, Executive Director of IFES, said: “Our partnership with IAPCO has already clearly demonstrated the value of connecting different parts of our industry and learning from one another. This next phase will give us the opportunity to make that exchange even more practical. Sustainability and talent development are challenges and opportunities that affect our entire industry. By sharing the experience, knowledge and perspectives within our respective communities, we can avoid working in silos and create greater value for both our members and the wider events sector.”

Martin Boyle, CEO of IAPCO, said: “Partnerships are most valuable when they continue to evolve. Our relationship with IFES gives our communities an opportunity to understand more clearly the priorities, expertise and challenges that exist across different stages of event delivery. By strengthening our exchange around education, sustainability, research and future talent, we can bring together complementary knowledge and create useful opportunities for professionals across both associations to learn from each other.”

The renewed partnership reflects a shared belief that many of the issues shaping the future of international events cannot be addressed by individual sectors in isolation. Organisers, service providers and other stakeholders all bring different expertise to the table, and closer collaboration creates opportunities to develop more informed, practical and connected approaches.

For IFES and IAPCO, the next phase of the partnership is therefore about building on an established relationship while turning shared knowledge into tangible value for their respective communities, and for the international events industry as a whole.

 

ENDS

 

About IFES

 

The International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services (IFES) is the worldwide trade association dedicated to the specific needs of exposition designers and providers of tradeshow and events services.

Over 350 companies representing more than 43 countries are proud network members.

The purpose of IFES is to promote the commercial, professional and socio-political interests of its members on an international level and generate and promote a business and knowledge exchange platform for its active members in the global market. For more information about the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services, go to www.ifesnet.org

 

About IAPCO

 

The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) is the only global accreditation body for Professional Conference and Congress Organisers (PCOs), representing the gold standard of excellence in the global meetings industry.  

 

A not-for-profit, member-driven organisation, IAPCO exists to elevate professional standards in the planning and delivery of world-class conferences and meetings. From a recent member survey, IAPCO has over 95 Accredited Members, employing 8,112 permanent meeting professionals, operating from over 187 offices across the globe.  

 

In 2025, the IAPCO Accredited Members delivered a combined 23,512 events with an economic impact of over €17.36 billion.  

 

 Members have undergone a rigorous peer-review process to be regarded as IAPCO Accredited and need to consistently demonstrate an unwavering commitment to quality, integrity, and innovation.  

 

Underpinned by three strategic pillars – Community, Education, and Advocacy – IAPCO is the global voice of the PCO. Together, we champion the profession, inspire excellence, and unlock new possibilities in event delivery.  

 

The key to quality. IAPCO: Unlocking Excellence.

 

Visit: www.iapco.org

 

 

 

IFES Media contact:

Robyn D’Alessandro

PR and Communications Manager, IFES

[email protected]

IAPCO Media contact:

Anna-Maria Chatzidaki

Marketing and Communications Manager, IAPCO

[email protected]