The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) announced the election of new Council officers and president-elect at its 2024 Annual Meeting and General Assembly (AM&GA) in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Founded in 1968, IAPCO is a professional organisation dedicated to raising standards in the international congress industry through education and promotion of best practices. The following individuals were voted onto the Council by IAPCO member delegates:
- Ajay Bhojwani – Regional managing director (Middle East and Africa), MCI Group (UAE), president, The Events Group (TEG), ambassador, IAPCO and The Iceberg
- Limor Cunia – Vice-president, clients and operations, Kenes Group
- Ellen Franck – Key account manager, Meetagain AB
- Stephen Noble – Manager (APAC), The Conference Company
- Jimena Ruiz – Chief of staff, BTC Americas
- Sissi Lygnou, CEO of AFEA CONGRESS S.A. was announced as the president-elect.
Lygnou has served on the IAPCO Council since 2021 and was re-elected at the 2023 AM&GA in Jerusalem. Lygnou currently chairs the IAPCO Advocacy and Publications Committee and will succeed current president Sarah Markey-Hamm at the 2025 AM&GA in Taipei, Taiwan. “We are thrilled to welcome the new Council officers and president-elect,” said Sarah Markey-Hamm, IAPCO President. “Their extensive experience, diverse perspectives and dedication will be invaluable assets as we navigate the evolving landscape of the business events industry and help propel IAPCO forward in its mission to shape the future of the international meetings and events industry.” The IAPCO AM&GA is a premier annual event bringing together leading PCOs and industry partners from around the world to discuss industry trends, share best practices and build connections. This year’s event in Ljubljana also provided a platform for IAPCO to showcase the dynamism and innovation of the Slovenian meetings industry. Ginevra De Bellis, department head of international relations and bid management at OIC Group was named the 2024 recipient of the IAPCO Hero Award. The announcement was made on the final day of the AM&GA, which was held from 28 February to 2 March. Ginevra oversees the implementation and execution of bids, trains and onboards new team members and serves as OIC’s ambassador across the international associative sector. The Hero Award recognises individuals who exemplify excellence and dedication in the events management industry. Photo: L-R: Ajay Bhojwani (MCI Group UAE), Limor Cunia (Kenes Group), Jimena Ruiz (BTC Americas), Ellen Franck (Meetagain AB), Stephen Noble (The Conference Company)
