South Africa has become the latest country to be represented in the ranks of IAPCO members, bringing the total to an impressive 40 countries. And with the addition of new members African Agenda, based in Cape Town, South Africa, and Gyro Conference, based in Lillehammer, Norway, IAPCO now boasts 114 quality-driven members. “Some people may think this is slow progress, but IAPCO is about quality and ensuring that members who are accepted meet the criteria set,” commented Jan Tonkin, Chair of the IAPCO Membership Committee, and Managing Director of The Conference Company, New Zealand. “I am delighted that both African Agenda and Gyro Conference have met that quality standard, and we are proud to welcome them to our family.”
African Agenda
African Agenda is one of Southern Africa’s most well-established and reputable PCOs and with more than ten years’ experience in the industry the company is poised for growth and expansion. “It is the right time for our organisation to make solid international links,” commented Keith Burton, when asked why the company was joining IAPCO. “Having researched the numerous associations and organisations worldwide, it is our belief that IAPCO, with its strong focus on education, suits our goals and company ethos.” African Agenda is committed to investing time into learning and development in order to offer its clients innovation, seamless service and the highest levels of professionalism.
Gyro Conference
Gyro Conference, which is owned by Gyro, Scandinavia’s largest event company, has been a PCO for more than 20 years and is one of the leading PCOs in Norway. “Being a member of IAPCO will enable us to strengthen our international network and to improve our international skills, whilst exchanging experiences,” said Hilde Ødeli, Managing Director of Gyro Conference. The company’s main focus is on scientific congresses, but it also has links with Norwegian Government ministries and close connections with international ski events held in Norway under the auspices of the International Ski Federation. Indeed, some employees worked previously with the Lillehammer Olympic Organising Committee.
