Global conferences surged in 2024 – and IAPCO members were behind nearly 20,000 of them.
The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) has revealed its members delivered 19,469 conferences and meetings worldwide in 2024. In total, these events generated over €17.8bn in economic impact. That’s a €3.54bn increase from the previous year – a 19.8% jump – according to IAPCO’s newly released Annual Member Economic Impact and Business Strategy Report.
The growth was driven by a surge of 2,425 additional events, delivered by IAPCO’s 92 accredited members across 180 global offices.
The report (released on Global Meetings Industry Day, 3 April 2025), highlights how in-person meetings are driving recovery and innovation across key sectors including health, energy, technology and finance.
Looking ahead, 1,969 events have already been contracted for the coming years, even before destinations and venues have been selected.
IAPCO CEO Martin Boyle said: “Our members’ events are not only delivering huge economic value, but enabling global collaboration in science, engineering, academia and more. The need to connect, in person, has never been stronger.”
The report also points to a rise in IAPCO membership, driven by growing demand for independently accredited professional organisers.
