The event commenced on 25 February with a reception at the Acropolis
Museum, where Fotini Karapapa from the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) welcomed
the international delegation to Athens.
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| Olga Kefalogianni, Minister of Tourism of Greece |
During the opening ceremony, senior representatives of the Hellenic
Republic addressed participants. Olga Kefalogianni,
Minister of Tourism of Greece, conveyed a message from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and highlighted the importance
of Athens hosting IAPCO 2026. Haris Doukas, Mayor
of Athens, presented the city’s strategic plans focused on connectivity,
infrastructure and its objective to become a sustainable, resilient and smart
city.
The participation of ministerial representatives underscored the
recognition of business events as a contributor to economic growth, innovation
and international collaboration.
Olga Kefalogianni stated: “Athens is a city where ancient heritage meets world-class
infrastructure and renowned hospitality. IAPCO 2026 marks an important
milestone for Greece highlighting its growing role as a premium destination for
meetings and congresses. It is a vote of confidence in our capabilities and
also in our vision for the future of the MICE industry, in this country but
also globally.
“I’m confident that the discussions held here will extend far beyond Athens strengthening partnerships across boarders and across sectors,” said Kefalogianni.
The meeting takes place from 25 to 28 February at the Megaron Athens International Conference Centre under
the theme “The Odyssey Reinvented – A very human journey
toward the meetings of tomorrow.” The programme brings together
IAPCO members, destination partners and industry stakeholders to discuss the
future direction of the global meetings and events sector.
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| Sissi Lignou, President of IAPCO |
Sissi Lignou, President of IAPCO, said: “Athens, the birthplace of
democracy and the ancient symposia, reminds us that progress has always begun
when people gather to exchange ideas with purpose.
“In that same spirit, this year’s IAPCO Annual Meeting brings our community
together to advance our mission, harnessing the power of professional meetings
and people to create lasting impact.
“Over the next few days, our programme will take us on a journey through
three key stops: the power of Storytelling, the clarity of Leadership and
Strategy, and the Journey Within, where personal development meets purpose,” said Lignou.
The programme draws inspiration from the journey of Odysseus, using the
metaphor of a modern odyssey to explore how technological advancement is
reshaping meetings while reinforcing essential human qualities such as leadership,
adaptability, decision-making and resilience.
The AM&GA is hosted collaboratively by AFEA
Congress, CONVIN, ERA Congresses & Events and ERASMUS Conferences & Events, together with IAPCO
Destination Partner This is Athens – Convention
& Visitors Bureau. According to IAPCO, its member organisations
delivered a combined total of 23,245 events globally in 2025.
Tags: Geece International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO)
