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In a compelling demonstration of resilience and rising global influence, the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) announced that its accredited members delivered a staggering €17.8 billion in global economic impact through 19,469 conferences and events across 2024—an impressive 19.8% increase year-on-year.

Released ahead of Global Meetings Industry Day on April 3, 2025, the latest IAPCO Annual Member Economic Impact and Business Strategy Report affirms the enduring strength of the global business events sector—even amid geopolitical uncertainties and economic fluctuations.

📎 Access the full report: IAPCO Annual Member Survey.

📈 Unwavering Growth Reflects Sector’s Vital Role

The sharp €3.54 billion growth from 2023 stems from an additional 2,425 conferences organized by IAPCO’s 92 globally accredited member companies, operating out of 180 professional congress organiser (PCO) offices worldwide.

These numbers speak volumes: business events are not merely back—they’re propelling economies forward, advancing science, education, healthcare, and innovation across borders.

Martin Boyle, CEO of IAPCO, underscored the broader implications of this extraordinary performance:

“Each of the 19,469 events we delivered in 2024 was more than just a meeting. They served as global catalysts for innovation, collaboration, and progress. From academic breakthroughs to engineering advancements, every gathering contributed to real-world outcomes.”

He added,

“Our results represent far more than economic metrics. They mirror the heartbeat of multiple industries—health, academia, science, energy, finance, technology, and manufacturing—all of which rely on the structure and excellence that our members provide.”

🔮 Pipeline Momentum Builds for 2025 and Beyond

With 1,969 conference contracts already signed for future delivery—yet to be assigned destinations or venues—the trajectory for IAPCO members shows no signs of slowing.

This robust pipeline signals confidence in the meetings industry, even as global business travel evolves. It also highlights the increasing reliance on experienced, quality-assured PCOs to design, deliver, and elevate experiences that drive economic and societal change.

🏆 Excellence Through Rigorous Standards

IAPCO’s growth is not only seen in volume but also in the rising calibre of its members. Attaining membership requires companies to pass a stringent peer-reviewed accreditation process, which assesses every step of their planning, execution, and delivery process.

This meticulous standard reflects the growing demand by associations, governments, and corporations for uncompromising quality in conference organisation.

Boyle emphasized,

“Becoming an IAPCO-accredited company is no easy feat. Our standards are not aspirational—they’re operational. The increase in our membership is a clear signal: buyers are seeking—and recognising—quality. And we’re proud to see both PCOs and clients committing to excellence.”

🌱 Shaping the Future With Sustainability and Integrity

Beyond metrics, IAPCO’s 2024 report reinforces the association’s strategic positioning at the forefront of sustainable, inclusive, and high-impact meetings. As destinations look to balance tourism with environmental responsibility, the role of PCOs has become even more critical.

Whether advancing cancer research through scientific congresses or facilitating cross-border collaboration in climate science, IAPCO members directly support goals aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Agenda.

Boyle concluded with confidence:

“In a world that’s constantly changing, one thing remains steadfast—the human desire to gather, to learn, and to build. The meetings industry is a cornerstone of global progress. Our members are not just responding to change; they’re driving it.”