IAPCO and AIPC announce strategic collaboration

The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) and AIPC, the association representing international convention centres have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a strategic partnership designed to better understand members activities around research, visibility, and education. Julianne Jammers, board member of AIPC, said: “Alliances will be important to our industry. As IAPCO is an organisation of our clients this should be a step to getting closer in terms of understanding common challenges and managing expectations.” Greg O’Dell (pictured), president of AIPC agreed: “The pandemic has clearly demonstrated that the best way to grow as an industry is to learn from each other. A structured and structural collaboration with IAPCO will definitely support this process.” IAPCO and AIPC will conduct a joint yearly research activity, with results designed to benefit members of both organisations. The first activity will be on the different aspects of hybrid events with results expected in time for IBTM. As for visibility and education, IAPCO and AIPC will create different forums, allowing to exchange knowledge on specific topics of interest to the member associations and will also leverage existing communication channels to facilitate that exchange. Ori Lahav, president of IAPCO, added: “Having clear understandings and an appreciation of stakeholders’ objectives will remain of utmost importance as IAPCO members continue to drive economic recovery of cities and knowledge-exchange between communities.  The strategic collaboration with AIPC will further enhance the value of services PCOs and convention centres deliver to their clients.  Research will provide the needs assessment; education will provide us with the tools and visibility across our networks and our own communities will strengthen relationships and drive results.  We are thrilled to establish such a valuable partnership with AIPC.”