The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO), the UK’s only professional body for association conference and not-for-profit event organisers, has revealed results of its inaugural Impact Survey which shows that 57% of ABPCO members have a portfolio of events generating turnover in excess of £1m.
The survey, which achieved a response rate of over 50%, has been instrumental in capturing the collective voice of ABPCO’s member activity throughout 2023 and provides insights into trends for 2024.
Key highlights from the ABPCO Impact Survey include:
- Economic Contribution: ABPCO members have significantly contributed to the UK’s growth agenda, with 85% generating turnover in excess of £500k. Their activities have supported a broad range of skilled employment opportunities, and substantial investments in the supply chain.
- Exhibition and Sponsorship: In 2023, members purchased £23.2m in exhibition space and generated £43.2m of sponsorships, enhancing the professionalism and reach of their events.
- Event Engagement: With 3,280 events organised in 2023, attracting 610,000 participants, and 82% of these events being held in-person, ABPCO members have showcased the importance of events and their ability to engage audiences across many sectors.
- Industry Sector Impact: The events organised touched upon critical sectors such as health sciences and med tech (34%); science, engineering and manufacturing (20%); professional services, finance and tech (17%); and government (14%), illustrating the diverse and strategic focus of ABPCO’s members.
- National and International Reach: ABPCO’s members hosted 318 national meetings with over 500 delegates, 346 inbound international meetings, and submitted 158 international meeting bids, reinforcing the global influence and connectivity of the UK association events industry.
- Looking Forward to 2024: With 2,360 confirmed event bookings and over 6,800 provisional bookings, ABPCO members are poised for continued growth and success, demonstrating confidence in the industry and their ability to foster connections across sectors.
Heather Lishman, ABPCO’s association director commented: “ABPCO remains dedicated to supporting its members through training, development, and community engagement, aiming to meet the evolving needs of event professionals. The survey’s findings not only reflect the exceptional contributions of our members to the UK’s economic and professional landscape but also highlight the vibrant future of the events industry.”
Dr James Musgrave, head of UK Centre for Events Management, who led the research added: “We are thrilled with the outstanding response rate to our inaugural survey. The results underscore the significant economic impact and leadership role our members play in the broader association conference and events industry. It is clear that our members are not just organising events; they are creating substantial economic value, driving innovation, and fostering professional growth across the UK.”
Responses to the Impact Survey were received from 49 in-house and agency PCO members of ABPCO. Only one response was submitted by each organisation. This represents 50% of ABPCO member organisation. The final figures were extrapolated from this data.
