The alliance will better support members of both organisations in three areas: research, visibility, and education. Photo Credit: IAPCO
The International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) and International Association of Professional Congress Organisers
(IAPCO) have announced an alliance to better support member organisations in three areas: research, visibility, and education.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 25 October, where AIPC stressed the importance of alliances.
"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," said
Greg O’Dell, President of AIPC.
Julianne Jammers, board member of AIPC added that "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".
For instance, IAPCO and AIPC will conduct a joint yearly research
activity, of which results will go towards members of both
organisations.
To kick things off, the first topic will be on the different aspects
of hybrid events, and results will be shared with IAPCO and AIPC members
by the time IBTM takes place on 30 November.
As
for the two areas of visibility and education, IAPCO and AIPC will
create different forums and tap on existing communication channels to
foster knowledge exchange on specific topics of interest to the member
associations.
Ori Lahav, President of IAPCO said: “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.
"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."
Examples include IAPCO's recent destination partnerships first with Hong Kong, then Japan, earlier this year.