The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) has launched a Sustainability Handbook, a practical resource designed to help Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs) translate sustainability ambitions into meaningful, achievable action.
Developed by the IAPCO Sustainability Committee, with the support of Business Events Australia (BEA) and the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD), the Sustainability Handbook provides IAPCO members with guidance, frameworks and examples to help them improve sustainability across two interconnected areas: the way they operate their own businesses and the meetings and events they deliver on behalf of their clients.
The Handbook recognises that organisations are at different stages of their sustainability journeys and that meaningful progress depends on realistic actions, measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.
Ajay Bhojwani, chair, IAPCO Sustainability Committee, said: “IAPCO members already understand the importance of the issue; the challenge is often knowing where to begin, what questions to ask and how to translate good intentions into practical actions.
“We deliberately approached the development of the Handbook with a blank slate mindset, drawing upon the knowledge and experience of colleagues from across our global community. The result is a resource that can support members wherever they are on their sustainability journey and which we hope will continue to evolve as our collective knowledge and experience grows.”
The Handbook forms part of a broader sustainability strategy being developed by IAPCO. This includes continuing to measure and monitor the Association’s own carbon footprint, aligning future activities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supporting the JMIC Net Zero Carbon Events initiative.
Robin Mack, managing director of Tourism Australia, said: “Tourism Australia recognises the growing demand globally for meetings and congresses that have a positive, sustainable impact. We are proud to support the development of IAPCO’s Sustainability Handbook, which provides practical, real-world tools needed for the delivery of sustainable events.”
The collaboration with Business Events Australia also includes support for the IAPCO Sustainability Award, which recognises and celebrates outstanding approaches to sustainability within the IAPCO community.
Sissi Lignou, president of IAPCO, said: “This Handbook reflects IAPCO’s commitment to providing our community with practical tools, education and knowledge that help them lead change. Our ambition is not perfection overnight, but sustained and measurable progress achieved collectively across our global community.”
