Organisers of six international association conferences are competing for a top prize.
The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) has unveiled the finalists for its 2025 Excellence Awards, with the Best International Conference category.
The finalists in this category represent the breadth and depth of UK-based professional conference organisers working on the international stage.
Among them are congresses covering everything from spinal cord research to housing policy, muscle disease, traumatic stress, ophthalmology, and orthodontics.
The six finalists were:
- ISCoS 2024, Antwerp.
- The European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Conference. Abbey Conferences.
- The European Orthodontic Society (EOS) Congress. TFI Lodestar.
- ESCRS 2024. MCI.
- The 5th International Social Housing Festival. Conference Partners International.
- The World Muscle Society (WMS) Congress. Azura Events.
Heather Lishman, association director at ABPCO, said this year’s entries reflect a sector that is both maturing and innovating at pace.
"The rise in international event delivery by UK-based PCOs is a testament to the reputation and capability of our members,” she said. “These awards continue to showcase the best our sector has to offer—not just in event logistics and delivery, but in thought leadership, sustainability, inclusivity, and global impact.”
The 2025 awards saw a 20 per cent increase in submissions year-on-year, underlining the growing prestige of the programme and the strength of the not-for-profit events sector as it adapts to evolving demands from members, delegates, and stakeholders.
Finalists were also announced across a wide range of other categories, including:
- Best Association Events Team
- Best Digital & Technology Provider
- Best EDI at a Conference
- Best Event by an Agency PCO
- Best Event by an In-house PCO
- Best Member Engagement
- Best Sustainable Conference
- Best Partnership
- Legacy and Impact Award
- Guiding Star, Rising Star, and Student of the Year
- Industry Supplier of the Year
The Lifetime Achievement Award and Outstanding Contribution Award will be revealed live during the Awards Gala Lunch, which takes place on Friday, 12 December 2025, at Manchester Central. The event is expected to draw association professionals, public sector stakeholders, and charity event organisers from across the UK and beyond.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
