ABPCO sees 'substantial growth' in members

The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) has seen a substantial growth in members over the last 12 months with organisations from both the supply and demand side of the industry seeking to join the association.

ABPCO’s active and growing role within the industry has seen membership numbers rise ten per cent in the last year.

Joanna Powel, joint chair of ABPCO, said: “ABPCO is the UK’s leading organisation that supports, promotes and delivers quality within the world of association events – it is therefore great to see the ongoing increase in demand for membership. Our success is down to our ethos as well as the opportunities to learn and belong. On top of that we continue to focus on raising awareness of what we have to offer and how our members benefit.”

New PCO members this year include: Nicola Pearce (Aberdeen University), Marie-Claire Henry (MCI UK), Jude Cosway (Create 4), Hannah Preston (BioScientifica Ltd), Martha Chillcott (BioScientifica Ltd), Niki Cripps (BioScientifica Ltd), Fiona McGillivray (InConference), Colette Black (Speakeasy), David Parker (RCP), Christine Carr (Physiological Society), Heather Enticott (Compleat Conferences), Beilul Kahsai (BIBA Medical), Louise Dryburgh (Edinburgh First), Hannah Armstrong (Royal Town Planning Institute), Jonathan Young (Speakeasy) and Bhavnita Patel (ASGBI).

Other new associate members include: Laura Johnson (Alzheimer’s UK), Helen Wakefield (UCAS), Sophie Chivers (BioScientifica Ltd), Emily Anderson (Happening), Helen Wormall and Laura Nason (Archer Yates), Lizzie Ross (Renewable UK), Carly Razzell (UK Stroke Forum).

ABPCO has also welcomed The Staffordshire University Business School as a University Department, VisitBrussels and VisitAberdeen as Partners, LimeVenue Portfolio as a Preferred Partner at the beginning of the year, and Doncaster Racecourse, who join as a preferred partner this month.

New member, Jo Grainger, event sales manager, Doncaster Racecourse, said: “Joining ABPCO is a real opportunity for us and I am looking forward to seeing just how much value we can achieve, as our team actively engages with the association’s calendar of events and education. The chance to engage and learn from other professionals is invaluable as we share best practice and tackle mutual challenges for the improvement of all.”

ABPCO is the UK’s leading organisation for professional conference and event organisers, industry associates and those studying for, or seeking a career in the conference and meetings industry. For more information about ABPCO visit www.abpco.org.