Summary: IAPCO Annual Meeting & General Assembly 2026 has opened in Athens, assembling 200 senior leaders from 36 countries from 25–28 February to discuss strategy, professional standards and the future of the meetings industry.

The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) launched its Annual Meeting & General Assembly (AM&GA) 2026 in Athens, gathering 200 senior leaders from 36 countries to define strategic priorities and push forward the organisation’s global advocacy agenda.

Opening events and local welcome

The programme began on 25 February with a reception held at the Acropolis Museum, where Fotini Karapapa of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) formally welcomed the international delegation to Athens and set the tone for several days of discussions on the sector’s future.

Government and city leadership at the opening

Senior representatives of the Hellenic Republic featured at the opening ceremony. Olga Kefalogianni, Greece’s Minister of Tourism, delivered a message on behalf of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and underlined the significance of Athens hosting IAPCO 2026. Haris Doukas, Mayor of Athens, outlined the city’s strategic focus on connectivity, infrastructure and ambitions to become a more sustainable, resilient and smart urban centre. The presence of ministerial delegates emphasised business events’ role in economic growth, innovation and international collaboration.

“Athens is a city where ancient heritage meets world-class infrastructure and renowned hospitality. IAPCO 2026 marks an important milestone for Greece highlighting its growing role as a premium destination for meetings and congresses. It is a vote of confidence in our capabilities and also in our vision for the future of the MICE industry, in this country but also globally. “I’m confident that the discussions held here will extend far beyond Athens strengthening partnerships across boarders and across sectors,” said Kefalogianni.

Theme, venue and programme highlights

The meeting runs from 25 to 28 February at the Megaron Athens International Conference Centre under the theme “The Odyssey Reinvented – A very human journey toward the meetings of tomorrow.” The agenda brings together IAPCO members, destination partners and a wide range of industry stakeholders to explore how the sector can evolve amid technological change while maintaining its human-centred purpose.

“Athens, the birthplace of democracy and the ancient symposia, reminds us that progress has always begun when people gather to exchange ideas with purpose. “In that same spirit, this year’s IAPCO Annual Meeting brings our community together to advance our mission, harnessing the power of professional meetings and people to create lasting impact. “Over the next few days, our programme will take us on a journey through three key stops: the power of Storytelling, the clarity of Leadership and Strategy, and the Journey Within, where personal development meets purpose,” said Lignou.

IAPCO’s programme uses the Odyssey as a framing device to consider how leadership, storytelling and personal development intersect with technology and resilience in the meetings sector. Sessions are designed for professional congress organisers, destination managers and other stakeholders to share best practice and set forward-looking standards.

  • Hosts and collaborators: AFEA Congress, CONVIN, ERA Congresses & Events, ERASMUS Conferences & Events
  • IAPCO Destination Partner: This is Athens – Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • Reception venue: Acropolis Museum; main meetings venue: Megaron Athens International Conference Centre
  • Dates: 25–28 February 2026
  • Delegates: 200 senior leaders from 36 countries
Reception at the Acropolis Museum during IAPCO Annual Meeting 2026 in Athens with delegates and city views
Delegates attended a welcome reception at the Acropolis Museum on 25 February ahead of sessions at the Megaron Athens International Conference Centre

IAPCO’s global footprint and industry impact

IAPCO reported that its member organisations delivered a combined total of 23,245 events worldwide in 2025, underscoring the association’s significant role in the international meetings landscape and the economic value driven by professional congress organisers and destination partners.

The AM&GA offers a platform for members to refine governance, update professional standards and coordinate advocacy initiatives that support the MICE sector’s recovery and long-term growth.

Why this matters for the industry and travellers

Athens hosting IAPCO’s flagship event reinforces the city’s standing as a competitive meetings destination. For the MICE industry, the gathering fosters partnerships, promotes professional standards and can lead to more international congresses choosing Athens — bringing investment, job opportunities and improved event infrastructure. For business travellers and delegates, it signals growing connectivity and enhanced facilities that make Athens more accessible and attractive for conferences and incentives.

So what? The meeting highlights Athens’ ambitions and the meetings sector’s focus on human-centred leadership and resilience. Stakeholders in the MICE ecosystem should watch for new partnerships and bids that could increase event volume in Greece, while travellers can expect continued investment in services and infrastructure that support both business and leisure visits.