The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) and PCMA have formalised a new strategic collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement, signed at PCMA Convening Leaders 2026, in Philadelphia, covers co-operation across thought leadership, professional education, research, and emerging leader engagement within the global business events industry.
The two-year agreement establishes a framework for collaboration between the two organisations. Planned joint initiatives, include: Thought leadership exchange, with senior leaders from both organisations contributing to CEO-level panels and sessions at flagship events, including IAPCO’s Annual Meeting & General Assembly and PCMA’s Convening Leaders Reciprocal education access, providing members of both organisations with a 20% discount on online educational content and learning resources Joint research initiatives, with one collaborative research project delivered annually, focused on Next Generation talent or government policy impacting the business events industry Emerging leaders and student engagement, through one joint initiative per year targeting university programmes or student associations, incorporating education access, awareness campaigns or live sessions Shared educational delivery, including at least one joint session annually at a major international industry trade show
Sissi Lignou, president of IAPCO, said the agreement reflects a deliberate focus on collaboration that delivers practical value for members. “This partnership reflects IAPCO’s commitment to meaningful collaboration that advances the professionalism and global impact of the business events industry across our communities.”
Sheriff Karamat, CAE, president & CEO, PCMA and CEMA, said the partnership was yet another vehicle to deliver value to the global business events community. “Through this multi-year framework, IAPCO and PCMA are strengthening global connectivity, advancing leadership at every career stage, and contributing informed insight to the evolving international business events landscape,” Karamat said.
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