AIPC: Strengthening Industry Partnerships to Shape the Future of Meetings and Conferences

The AIPC International Association of Conference Centres has long been at the forefront of advocating for the global meetings and events industry. With a deep commitment to supporting its members, AIPC actively participates in several key industry partnerships that ensure its voice is heard and its interests defended across various levels of the sector. Two notable platforms where AIPC plays a significant role are the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) and the Policy Forum, both of which have become essential in shaping the direction of the global meetings industry.

The Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) has been a vital space for the exchange of knowledge and collaboration among meetings industry associations for over five decades. Representing 15 international organizations, JMIC works to promote the meetings industry as a significant contributor to the global economy. AIPC, as one of its founding members, plays an active part in providing a collective voice for the industry, advocating for policies that support the growth and development of conference centres and venues around the world. JMIC’s goals are focused on fostering industry-wide communication, amplifying the profile of the sector, and recognizing individuals who have advanced the professional standing of the industry.

The organization’s efforts extend far beyond internal discussions; JMIC also engages in communication with governmental and community audiences, aiming to raise awareness of the economic and social value of the meetings industry. Through this partnership, AIPC ensures that its members remain informed and that their concerns are addressed at the highest levels of policy-making. The JMIC’s network of active members includes prestigious associations such as the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), and Meeting Professionals International (MPI), among others.

The Policy Forum, launched in 2003, has become another cornerstone of AIPC’s advocacy work. Each year, it brings together around 40 policymakers and 80 industry leaders to discuss key issues affecting the global meetings landscape. Unlike traditional conferences, the Policy Forum is designed to influence policy, not merely to inform. The event is centered on five core pillars: Strategy, Advocacy, Development, Engagement, and Enlightenment. These themes are explored to highlight the wide-reaching benefits that investing in conferences and meetings can offer, from generating income and creating jobs to fostering scientific and cultural advancements.

The Forum’s ability to connect the meetings industry with policymakers has allowed it to be a major force in advancing the understanding of the sector’s value. As an important meeting point for decision-makers, the Policy Forum helps to ensure that the meetings industry’s contributions to national and regional development are recognized and supported. The event is organized under the auspices of JMIC, further cementing the strong collaboration between AIPC and other leading industry groups.

Both the JMIC and Policy Forum are examples of how AIPC is committed to creating stronger industry partnerships, ensuring that its members are positioned to succeed in a rapidly evolving market. Through these collaborations, AIPC is not only defending the interests of its members but also playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global meetings industry.

International Association of Conference Centres (AIPC)

Address: Rue du Congrès 37, 1000 Brussels, Belgique
Phone: +32 2 898 98 67
Web: https://aipc.org/