Insights from IAPCO EDGE Stockholm 2026

Navigating Global Trends in the Meetings Industry

Earlier this month, representatives of the This is Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau attended the IAPCO EDGE Stockholm Seminar 2026. Organised by the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), the seminar is a key annual forum for  PCOs, Convention Bureaus, and industry stakeholders from across the globe.

Our participation focused on two core priorities: to strengthen relationships with international PCOs and to gain a direct understanding of the current challenges shaping the global meetings sector. By engaging directly with the decision-makers who bring conferences to our city, we aim to ensure that Athens remains a competitive and responsive destination.

Below is an overview of the key market trends and operational insights gathered during the seminar, shared with our members and partners as they plan the year ahead.

The Shifting Global Landscape

A primary focus of the seminar was the evolving environment in the meetings industry now operates. In his session "Global Trends - From Trends to Transformation," Mathias Posch provided an analysis of the macroeconomic and geopolitical factors impacting the industry.

Three key takeaways stood out:

Geopolitical Instability as a Baseline
Political volatility is no longer exceptional but the standard operating environment. This necessitates faster decision-making and robust contingency planning for all events.

Economic Pressures
While inflation has moderated, operational costs remain high. The industry is seeing a structural reset of prices at higher levels, often without a corresponding increase in registration fees. This places significant pressure on PCOs to deliver value engineering and focus on Return on Investment (ROI).

Quality Over Quantity
There is a distinct shift from volume metrics to engagement metrics. Clients and sponsors are prioritizing meaningful interaction over headcount, and "nice-to-have" meetings are being replaced by purpose-driven events.

Operational Excellence and Bidding Strategies

Understanding how PCOs operate is crucial for our collaboration with the local suppliers. Mathias Posch’s session "Master the Chaos" highlighted the intense pressure on project managers to deliver complex programmes with tighter resources. He emphasised the importance of aligning KPIs with broader client goals, such as diversity and sustainability, and the necessity of "empathic listening" to truly understand client needs.

Furthermore, Sissy Lignou’s session on "Collaborative Bidding" reinforced the vital role of cooperation between Convention Bureaus, venues, and PCOs. A successful bid is no longer just about logistics, it requires a strategic alliance that leverages local knowledge and destination strengths. Collaborative bidding distributes risk and combines expertise, urging destinations to utilise AI tools and detailed risk analysis to create compelling, resilient proposals.

The Human Element: Leadership and Collaboration

Beyond logistics, the seminar addressed the soft skills required to navigate this complex landscape. Nicky Mc Grane discussed the power of active listening in her session "The Edge of Communication" illustrating how "listening to understand, not reply" is essential for building trust and leadership in diverse teams.

Complementing this, Tobias Degsell drew on lessons from Nobel Prize laureates to demonstrate how collaboration and diversity drive excellence. His insights into building networks based on relationships rather than transactions are particularly relevant for how we, as a destination, engage with our international partners.

Bringing Value Back to Athens

Our presence at IAPCO EDGE Stockholm allowed us to exchange knowledge not only with PCOs but also with other convention bureaus facing similar challenges regarding sustainability, digitalisation, and changing delegate expectations.

For the Athens meetings industry, the message is clear: the market is recalibrating. To remain competitive, we must offer more than just infrastructure, we must offer partnership, flexibility, and a deep understanding of the strategic pressures our clients face. This is Athens CVB remains committed to applying these global insights to support our members and attract sustainable, high-quality  business to our city.

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