Under the auspices of the:

Dialogues

Introducing the platform which will enable an engaging interaction amongst IAPCO members and community and one of the most dynamic parts of the event: Our Dialogue Sessions which will put you at the center of fast-moving, high-impact conversations. Here is how they will work:

  • After a quick scene-setting intro, you will help choose the dialogue focus live via our interactive app—setting the energy for the room.
  • You will then dive into small-group challenges to unpack real issues and shape practical, actionable solutions.
  • Dialogue leaders will share the most compelling insights in rapid-fire interviews, and together we will vote on whether to launch a task force to drive the work forward.
  • We wrap with clear takeaways and next steps—making these sessions a powerful opportunity to influence what happens next.

Leadership & Vision

1 - Ismarus | Leading Through Change: Building Resilient Leaders

Purpose: To help leaders understand the challenges that arise during periods of change, explore practical ways to stay resilient, and develop the clarity needed to guide their teams with confidence. The session aims to equip participants with simple, effective strategies for leading with purpose, adapting to uncertainty, and staying focused on long-term vision and continuity.

Ismarus was the Land of the Cicones, where Odysseus regroupped his men after adversity. It represents leadership and resilience.

Leadership & Vision

2 - Sicily | The Road Ahead: Practical Succession Choices for Leaders

Purpose: To give leaders a straightforward understanding of the main succession options available and create space for honest discussion about real experiences. Participants will compare approaches from management buyouts to family succession, mergers, sales, and private equity and gain clarity on what path could best support their organisation’s future.

Sicily is considered to be the Land of Cyclops, where Odysseus’ quick thinking ensured his and his men escape. It represents courage and cleverness.

Team Management

3 - Djerba | Building Strong Teams: Creating a Culture Where People Thrive

Purpose: To explore how leaders can hire, develop, and motivate the right people while shaping a culture where teams feel supported, connected, and able to perform at their best. The session will also look at how trusted partnerships outside the organisation strengthen overall performance and resilience.

Djerba is considered the Land of the Lotus Eaters, where Odysseus rescued his crew from forgetfulness and restored purpose. It represents clarity and renewal.

The Momentum Mindset

4 - Sirenuse | Innovation & Agility: Staying Ahead in an AI-Driven World

Purpose: To share practical examples of how AI and emerging technologies are being used across the industry, understand their real possibilities, and explore how innovation and agility can keep organisations ahead of client expectations. Participants will leave with a grounded sense of what’s possible now—and what’s coming next.

Sirenuse Islands is considered the Land of the Sirens, where Odysseus navigated temptation with strategy and discipline. It represents focus and self-control.

Future-Fit PCO: Adapting to Client Needs

5 - Thrinacia | The Evolving Role of the PCO: Meeting Tomorrow’s Client Needs

Purpose: To explore how client expectations are shifting and what this means for the role of the PCO. Participants will identify emerging needs, discuss how services and skills must adapt, and develop a clearer understanding of how PCOs can continue to deliver value in a changing environment.

Thrinacia is considered Helios’ island, where lessons about boundaries and responsibility shaped the journey. It represents learning and accountability.

The PCO Value Story: Why You Matter

6 - Mount Circeo | Standing Out: Crafting a Compelling PCO Value Proposition

Purpose: To help PCOs clearly articulate why clients should hire them, shape a value proposition that stands out in a competitive market, and adapt their messaging depending on the type of business they want to win. The session focuses on using strong storytelling to communicate expertise, impact, and relevance.

Mount Circeo is considered Circe’s island, a challenging stop that ultimately brought knowledge and preparation to Odysseus and his men. It represents transformation and wisdom.

Beyond the Horizon: Leaving More Than Memories

7 - Aeolia | The Legacy Compass: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Events

Purpose: To explore how PCOs and event leaders can widen their impact by embedding sustainability, DEI, and long-term legacy thinking into every stage of event design. The session focuses on how to create value that extends beyond the event itself, strengthening communities, improving stakeholder relationships, and enhancing the competitiveness of bids.

Aeolia is considered Aeolus’s island, where Odysseus iwas trusted with the gift of the winds. It represents guidance and good fortune.

Resilience Through Reflection

8 - Ogygia | The Inner Journey: Strengthening Your Mental Well-Being

Purpose: To create a supportive space for leaders to reflect on the pressures they face, share honest experiences, and explore practical strategies for protecting their mental well-being. The session focuses on building personal resilience, restoring balance, and developing habits that support sustainable leadership.

Ogygia, Calypso’s island, was the place where Odysseus endured, holding onto hope for home. It represents patience and inner strength.

Leadership & Vision

1- Ismarus | Leading Through Change: Building Resilient Leaders

Purpose: 
To help leaders understand the challenges that arise during periods of change, explore practical ways to stay resilient, and develop the clarity needed to guide their teams with confidence. The session aims to equip participants with simple, effective strategies for leading with purpose, adapting to uncertainty, and staying focused on long-term vision and continuity.

Key Takeaways

  • A clearer understanding of the real challenges leaders face during periods of uncertainty and rapid change.
  • Practical tools for staying resilient, including how to manage pressure, maintain perspective, and stay grounded.
  • Simple strategies to lead with purpose, keeping teams aligned even when direction shifts.
  • Techniques for communicating clearly during change so teams feel informed, supported, and focused.
  • Ways to build adaptability, both personally and within the organisation, to respond quickly without losing stability.
  • A stronger sense of your own “inner compass” how to make calm, confident decisions when the path ahead is unclear.
  • Guidance on keeping long-term vision intact, ensuring continuity while navigating immediate challenges.

Leadership & Vision

2 - Sicily | The Road Ahead: Practical Succession Choices for Leaders

Purpose:
To give leaders a straightforward understanding of the main succession options available and create space for honest discussion about real experiences. Participants will compare approaches from management buyouts to family succession, mergers, sales, and private equity and gain clarity on what path could best support their organisation’s future.

Key Takeaways

  • A simple overview of the main succession routes, including MBOs, family succession, mergers, sales, and private equity.
  • Clarity on the pros and cons of each option and what they mean for leadership continuity and company culture.
  • A better understanding of timing, readiness, and the signals that indicate when to start planning.
  • Insights from real experiences shared by peers, what worked, what didn’t, and what they would do differently.
  • Guidance on how to align succession decisions with long-term vision, stakeholder expectations, and personal goals.
  • Awareness of common pitfalls and how to avoid them when choosing a path forward.
  • Confidence to begin shaping a realistic plan that protects the business, the team, and the legacy you want to build.

 

Team Management

3 - Djerba | Building Strong Teams: Creating a Culture Where People Thrive

Purpose: 
To explore how leaders can hire, develop, and motivate the right people while shaping a culture where teams feel supported, connected, and able to perform at their best. The session will also look at how trusted partnerships outside the organisation strengthen overall performance and resilience.

Key Takeaways

Participants will leave with:

  • Practical strategies for building high-performing, resilient teams.
  • Clear tools for motivating staff and strengthening collaboration across roles.
  • Ways to create a culture that supports trust, accountability, and psychological safety.
  • Approaches for identifying external allies: clients, suppliers, and partners who can help the organisation navigate complexity.
  • An understanding of essential interpersonal skills that drive teamwork and strong relationships.
  • Actionable ideas leaders can apply immediately to empower their teams and reinforce a thriving workplace culture.

The Momentum Mindset

4 - Sirenuse | Innovation & Agility: Staying Ahead in an AI-Driven World

Purpose:
To share practical examples of how AI and emerging technologies are being used across the industry, understand their real possibilities, and explore how innovation and agility can keep organisations ahead of client expectations. Participants will leave with a grounded sense of what’s possible now—and what’s coming next.

Key Takeaways

  • A clear view of the current AI tools your peers are using and how they’re applying them day-to-day.
  • Real examples of innovation: what has worked, what hasn’t, and why.
  • An understanding of how emerging technologies (AI, automation, robotics, medical tech) could reshape the meetings and events landscape.
  • Practical ideas for staying ahead of client needs through agility, creativity, and smarter storytelling.
  • Insights into how to evaluate new technologies without being overwhelmed by hype.
  • A stronger sense of how innovation can future-proof your organisation, team, and service offering.

Future-Fit PCO: Adapting to Client Needs

5 - Thrinacia | The Evolving Role of the PCO: Meeting Tomorrow’s Client Needs

Purpose:
To explore how client expectations are shifting and what this means for the role of the PCO. Participants will identify emerging needs, discuss how services and skills must adapt, and develop a clearer understanding of how PCOs can continue to deliver value in a changing environment.

Key Takeaways

  • A clearer view of how client needs are evolving, from strategy and data to engagement, tech, sustainability, and year-round support.
  • Insights into the new skills and services PCOs will need to remain relevant and competitive.
  • A practical understanding of where PCOs can add the strongest value as associations and corporations rethink their models.
  • Discussion-led ideas on adapting workflows, structures, and mindset to meet future expectations.
  • Awareness of new partnership models between PCOs, clients, suppliers, and destinations.
  • A draft action list to help each participant prepare their organisation for the next phase of client demand.
  • A shared vision of what the PCO role may look like over the next 3–5 years.

The PCO Value Story: Why You Matter

6 - Mount Circeo | Standing Out: Crafting a Compelling PCO Value Proposition

Purpose:
To help PCOs clearly articulate why clients should hire them, shape a value proposition that stands out in a competitive market, and adapt their messaging depending on the type of business they want to win. The session focuses on using strong storytelling to communicate expertise, impact, and relevance.

Key Takeaways

  • A clear, forward-looking value proposition that expresses what makes a PCO indispensable.
  • Practical storytelling tools to communicate value in ways that are concise, compelling, and client-relevant.
  • Messaging frameworks that can be adapted for associations, corporates, destinations, and partners.
  • Examples of what resonates with clients and what doesn’t in pitches and conversations.
  • Strategies for differentiating your services in a crowded, competitive landscape.
  • Guidance on using evidence, outcomes, and real stories to build credibility and trust.
  • Confidence in telling your PCO story with clarity, purpose, and consistency.

Beyond the Horizon: Leaving More Than Memories

7 - Aeolia | The Legacy Compass: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Events

Purpose:
To explore how PCOs and event leaders can widen their impact by embedding sustainability, DEI, and long-term legacy thinking into every stage of event design. The session focuses on how to create value that extends beyond the event itself, strengthening communities, improving stakeholder relationships, and enhancing the competitiveness of bids.

Key Takeaways

  • Clear, practical approaches to sustainability that can be applied across events, operations, and partnerships.
  • Concrete ways to integrate DEI into planning, staffing, programme design, and on-site delivery.
  • How to design legacy initiatives that benefit host cities, communities, and associations long after the event ends.
  • Examples of what “good legacy” looks like in today’s global meetings landscape.
  • A better understanding of how impact and legacy strengthen bids, stakeholder trust, and long-term client relationships.
  • Tools for evaluating and measuring impact, so legacy becomes intentional rather than accidental.
  • A practical starting checklist to help PCOs embed sustainability, inclusivity, and positive impact into their everyday work.

 

Resilience Through Reflection

8 - Ogygia | The Inner Journey: Strengthening Your Mental Well-Being

Purpose:
To create a supportive space for leaders to reflect on the pressures they face, share honest experiences, and explore practical strategies for protecting their mental well-being. The session focuses on building personal resilience, restoring balance, and developing habits that support sustainable leadership.

Key Takeaways

  • Simple, realistic strategies to protect mental health during high-pressure periods.
  • A personal toolkit for managing stress, maintaining balance, and restoring clarity.
  • Practical approaches to preventing burnout, including boundary-setting and recovery practices.
  • Ways to recognise early warning signs in yourself and in others.
  • Techniques for staying grounded when uncertainty or workload intensifies.
  • Ideas for creating a healthier leadership routine, combining reflection, rest, and renewal.
  • Awareness of how personal well-being strengthens leadership effectiveness and team culture.