AFEA Congress at IBTM World 2025: Meetings, Connections and Industry Leadership

AFEA Congress was once again part of the IBTM World 2025, the signature trade show of the Meetings Industry, which took place from 19 to 21 November 2025 in Barcelona, Spain, bringing together destinations, associations, venues, and suppliers from around the world for one of the most important international gatherings of the meetings and events industry. The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and explore new possibilities for future congresses.

Two members of the AFEA Congress team, Kleopatra Kiatsou, Senior Director, and Matina Papoulia, Account Executive, attended IBTM as Hosted Buyers. Kleopatra was hosted by the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), while Matina participated as a hosted buyer of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). During the show, they met with a wide range of international suppliers and destinations, discussed upcoming projects, and attended destination presentations, educational sessions, and networking events, gaining practical insight into new trends and opportunities across global markets. AFEA Congress would like to extend its sincere thanks to IAPCO for the excellent Hosted Buyers Program, which provided high-quality meetings, valuable connections, and an outstanding overall experience.

Alongside the hosted buyer programme, IBTM 2025 offered a busy agenda of business meetings, presentations, and social events that encouraged open discussion and collaboration across the industry. AFEA Congress actively engaged throughout the event, strengthening existing relationships and building new ones with partners from different regions of the world.

AFEA Congress was also represented by Sissi Lignou, who attended IBTM 2025 in her dual role as CEO of AFEA Congress and President of IAPCO. As IAPCO President, she participated in association meetings and industry discussions, the IBTM advocacy forum and other stakeholder events, representing IAPCO and engaging with global partners, destinations, and members. Her presence reflected IAPCO’s strategic vision for advocacy and community as well as the Organization’s ongoing involvement at IBTM and its role in supporting professional standards and collaboration within the International Meetings Industry.

During IBTM 2025, Sissi Lignou was also closely associated with IAPCO’s official activities at the show, including the announcement of the IAPCO Collaboration Award, which recognises outstanding cooperation between professional congress organisers and destination partners. The award, supported by IBTM, highlights the importance of partnership, trust, and shared values in delivering successful international congresses. She also had the opportunity to participate in a press conference, alongside IAPCO CEO, Martin Boyle, as well as Chair of IAPCO’s Sustainability Committee and Council Member, Managing Director of MCI Middle East, to announce the brand new IAPCO Sustainability Award.

At the same time, Sissi Lignou’s presence as CEO of AFEA Congress further highlighted the company’s leadership position within the global meetings industry. Her participation underscored AFEA Congress’s long-standing commitment to professional excellence, innovation, and international collaboration, while strengthening the organisation’s visibility within the global business events community.

AFEA Congress’s participation at IBTM World 2025 reflected a cohesive and strategic presence, combining hosted-buyer engagement, active participation in the event’s educational and networking programme, and senior-level industry leadership.