Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) has signed a partnership agreement with the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), on the sidelines of the 62nd annual ICCA Congress, held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Under this new partnership, EWB will utilise IAPCO’s global network of PCOs, knowledge exchange and training programmes, and the development of new business opportunities. Meanwhile, IAPCO’s members will have access to EWB’s state-of-the-art facilities and professional expertise.
EWB is a member of 11 international organisations and associations specialising in the business events and tourism sector, including the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), and more.
Founded in 1968, IAPCO is a non-profit organisation committed to raising the standards of professionalism in the meetings industry regarding efficiency, timeliness, good management, and financial responsibility. Today, IAPCO has over 150 registered member offices in over 40 countries, to advance the profession of PCOs and promote the highest levels of professional conduct.
Nasser Qaedi, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), stated: “… IAPCO’s membership will certainly serve to champion the Kingdom as a dynamic global business events leader and a key hub for supporting, developing, and growing businesses in vital sectors by drawing more world-class events in line with Bahrain’s tourism strategy (2022-2026) objectives to achieve tourism product diversity and elevate inbound tourism substantially for years to come.”
IAPCO president, Sarah Markey-Hamm, added: “This collaboration not only expands our global network but also presents tremendous opportunities for our members to tap into the rapidly growing business events market in the Middle East. Through this alliance, we look forward to sharing knowledge, promoting professionalism and bringing training and business opportunities to the region, contributing to the success of Bahrain as a premier destination for international events.”
