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Philippe Fournier, President of IAPCO, President of ANAé and Managing Director of MCI France

“Meetings remain a strategic factor for associations’ development”

Last week, the legendary Grande Bretagne Hotel in Athens welcomed the members of IAPCO (International Association of Professional Congress Organizers) for their annual meeting and general assembly. Freshly back from the Greek capital, Philippe Fournier, elected new president, answers BWMN’s questions about the major issues discussed.

BWMN: What were the major subjects and issues debated during the 41^st IAPCO Annual Meeting?

Philippe FOURNIER: The 80 members brought together in Athens were provided with a wide educational programme composed of topical and practical subjects about event planning. A pragmatic session about VAT evoked the stakes of a European harmonization. We also discussed the shape of tomorrow’s congresses through a forecasting vision giving a new approach to our profession: beyond the educational aspect, congresses are to become a part of a global formation for both individuals and associations. We had a chance to exchange ideas with CVBs about the role, theirs and ours – PCOs - to raise the profile of a destination and work together on candidacies, setting the destination apart from the competition. In the spotlight too: Human resources with ‘the War for Talent’ and the position of pharmaceutical companies in today’s market. Some dynamic and interactive think tanks completed the programme, notably about sustainability. Following this session, we are about to publish a document summarizing best practices for a sustainable congress.

BWMN: Can you give us the first tendancies of the annual IACPO Survey to be released next May ?

Philippe FOURNIER: Despite the tough economic times and a challenging 2009 year, the first results of our annual study reveal that meetings remain a strategic factor for associations’ development. Our members succeeded in taking on the downturn and the perspectives for the activity for 2010 are more optimistic and confident than they were last year.

BWMN: What directions are you going to take during your presidency?

Philippe FOURNIER: My first objective is to intensify education and training and give the members practical keys to face the new shapes of congresses. Then, to develop the membership of the association through an active policy and develop further our quality programme.

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