Professional conference and congress organisers (PCOs) delivered
more meetings and events in 2025 but did so with leaner teams and welcomed
fewer delegates, a survey has revealed.
According to the results of IAPCO’s Annual Member Survey, accredited
PCOs organised 23,512 meetings worldwide in 2025, a 21 per cent increase on 2024.
However, while meetings grew in number, they shrunk in size.
The number of attendees dropped by 20 per cent from an average of 408 to 328 per event,
although value per participant held at an average of €2,250.
There were also fewer people managing events. In 2024 there
were 9,624 permanent staff members, but last year the number dropped 15 per cent to
8,112, suggesting a greater use of technology and contractors or stretched
teams.
Overall, IAPCO said its PCOs managed 7,718,808
participants across 187 locations, generating an economic impact of €17.36bn, a
change of -3% on 2024’s €17.87bn figure.
IAPCO CEO Martin Boyle said the results reveal an adaptive, rather
than a weaker market.
“Our members are delivering more meetings, often with
smaller formats and leaner teams, while maintaining the quality,
professionalism and trust that IAPCO Accreditation represents. That speaks to
the resilience of our community and its ability to respond to change without
losing sight of excellence.”
While figures have dropped in the last year, IAPCO president
Sissi Lignou said the future pipeline for events was encouraging with members
reporting 6,841 confirmed or pending events for 2027 to 2029.
She said there was ‘real opportunity’ ahead for venues and destinations
to sweep up business with 1,508 confirmed events still without a venue, and 841
without a destination.
“It is a timely reminder that this sector continues to plan
ahead and realise value, even against a backdrop of ongoing complexity,” she
said.
Boyle said releasing the report on Global Meetings Industry
Day was an opportunity to recognise the ‘extraordinary work’ of PCOs around the
world.
“The scale of what they deliver is significant, but what
matters most is the impact behind those numbers. These meetings create
opportunity for sectors to advance, for communities to connect, and for
destinations to benefit professionally, socially and economically.”
Emma has been a journalist for over 20 years, with experience working in both local and trade media. After reporting on the fast-paced world of hospitality for many years, Emma is enjoying this transition into the equally exciting world of events to cover Holly Patrick’s role on AMI and M&IT while she takes her maternity leave.
