Building on their initial Memorandum of Understanding, the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) and the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) have renewed their strategic partnership for a new phase of collaboration.
The industry associations say they plan to increase the focus on sharing content and know-how, sustainability, education and the development of the next generation of industry professionals.
IFES is able to bring expertise from across the exhibition and event services sector, including learnings around exhibition production and initiatives such as Better Stands, while IAPCO contributes the organiser and client perspective. Together, these insights, they say, can help build a stronger understanding of sustainability across the complete event delivery chain.
Gregor Bischkopf, executive director of IFES, said: “Our partnership with IAPCO has already clearly demonstrated the value of connecting different parts of our industry and learning from one another. This next phase will give us the opportunity to make that exchange even more practical. Sustainability and talent development are challenges and opportunities that affect our entire industry. By sharing the experience, knowledge and perspectives within our respective communities, we can avoid working in silos and create greater value for both our members and the wider events sector.”
Martin Boyle, CEO of IAPCO, added: “Partnerships are most valuable when they continue to evolve. Our relationship with IFES gives our communities an opportunity to understand more clearly the priorities, expertise and challenges that exist across different stages of event delivery. By strengthening our exchange around education, sustainability, research and future talent, we can bring together complementary knowledge and create useful opportunities for professionals across both associations to learn from each other.”
