The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) has inaugurated its Annual Meeting & General Assembly 2026 in Athens, uniting over 200 senior leaders from 36 countries. The event, running from 25 to 28 February at the Megaron Athens International Conference Centre, aims to set strategic priorities and advance the advocacy agenda for the global meetings industry.
The opening ceremony featured addresses from Greek officials, including the Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, who emphasised Athens' role as a premier destination for meetings and congresses. "Athens is a city where ancient heritage meets world-class infrastructure and renowned hospitality," Kefalogianni stated, highlighting the event as a testament to Greece's growing influence in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.
Under the theme "The Odyssey Reinvented – A very human journey towards the meetings of tomorrow," the conference explores the intersection of technological advancement and human-centric meeting qualities. Sissi Lignou, President of IAPCO, remarked on the significance of gathering in Athens, "the birthplace of democracy and the ancient symposia," to foster progress through purposeful idea exchange.
The event is hosted by AFEA Congress, CONVIN, ERA Congresses & Events, and ERASMUS Conferences & Events, in collaboration with IAPCO Destination Partner This is Athens – Convention & Visitors Bureau. This collaboration underscores the unified effort of the Greek industry in promoting Athens as a hub for international conferences.
The meeting's programme will delve into storytelling, leadership, and personal development, inspired by the journey of Odysseus, to navigate the evolving landscape of global meetings
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