Bookings are now open for the Festival of Learning, 28-29 April, run by ABPCO.
The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers is a UK-based membership association that represents professional conference organisers (PCOs), event agencies and in-house event planners.
The association aims to unite the somewhat fractured industry of conference organisers in the UK (including a large number of association organisers, as well as corporates). They provide information about how professional conference organisers (PCOs) can run better events, attract new members, gain more engagement and build better data.
The Festival of Learning is ABPCO’s flagship event, and the main port of call for conference organisers to meet and hear case studies addressing their major pain points.
In the lead-up to the festival, as well as after, ABPCO has a packed schedule of events where they will be offering more industry guidance. Here’s where you can catch them:
24 February – RfPs and Tenders: Getting What You Really Want
Time: 11:00-12:00 | Platform: Zoom | Register here
Learn how to craft a Request for Proposal (RfP) that clearly communicates both operational needs and event objectives. Featuring expert insights from:
- Emma Duffy, head of events, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
- Steve Daun, head of sales – Associations, ASM Global Europe
Discover best practices for working with venues to ensure your RfP aligns with your vision.
26 February – International Confex
Location: Excel London | Full registration details here
ABPCO will be hosting the Association Events Theatre at International Confex. Members are invited to a private drinks reception at the Whitespace XPO stand (E50C) from 4:15pm-5:15pm.
6 March – ABPCO Coffee & Chat
Time: 10:30-11:00 | Platform: Zoom | Register here
A casual opportunity to connect with fellow members and discuss industry topics.
10-12 March – Look & Learn: Society for Endocrinology BES Meeting 2025
Location: Harrogate Convention Centre
Kate Sargent from Bioscientifica Ltd invites ABPCO members for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the SfE BES Meeting 2025. Email kate.sargent@bioscientifica.com to secure a spot. Limited availability.
11 March – Worker Protection Act: What Employers and PCOs Need to Know
Time: 11:00-12:00 | Platform: Zoom | Register here
This session breaks down the changes introduced by the Worker Protection Act, in effect since October 2024. HR expert Jacqui Mann will cover:
- The legal definition of sexual harassment and employer responsibilities
- Third-party harassment and its impact on PCOs
- Step-by-step compliance guidance
- Key documents and risk management strategies
Stay informed and ensure your organisation is compliant.
12 March – New Member Orientation & Website Help
Time: 10:30-11:00 | Platform: Zoom | Register here
A session designed to help new members navigate ABPCO’s resources and tools.
19 March – ABPCO Roundtable: Sustainable Carpet Solutions
Time: 11:00-12:00 | Platform: Zoom | Register here
Sustainability is a growing priority in event planning, and this session will explore innovative solutions for temporary flooring. Panelists from GES, Mash Media, Fitwise Management Ltd and Carpet Recycling UK will share insights, chaired by Alistair Turner of EightPR.
18-19 April – Look & Learn: NASUWT Annual Conference 2025
Location: ACC Liverpool
Sammy Connell from NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union invites ABPCO members to a behind-the-scenes experience at the NASUWT Annual Conference 2025. Email sammy.connell@mail.nasuwt.org.uk to express interest. Spaces are limited.
28-29 April – ABPCO Festival of Learning 2025
Location: The Eastside Rooms, Birmingham | Book here
Join us in person for the ABPCO Festival of Learning 2025. This flagship event brings the association events community together to promote excellence, foster collaboration and provide a platform for knowledge sharing. With over 100 leading PCOs and industry partners attending, 2025 promises to be our biggest year yet.
17 June – ABPCO AGM 2025
Time: 09:30-11:00 | Platform: Zoom | Book here
All ABPCO members are invited to the 2025 Annual General Meeting. This session is a chance to review achievements from the past year and discuss the association’s future direction.
11-12 December – ABPCO Excellence Awards 2025
Location: Manchester Central | More details coming soon
Save the date for the ABPCO Excellence Awards 2025! More details coming soon.
Stay connected with ABPCO on social media for the latest industry news and event updates.
For further details and to register for the Festival of Learning and other events, visit ABPCO’s event page.
