Contact ABPCO Tel: +44 (0)1386 858 886
header internal

Join ABPCO

Joining ABPCO

Our members tell us that they join, and remain, as ABPCO members because our values are at the heart of everything we do. We really try to bring the association events community together to promote and encourage excellence, share, learn and collaborate.  To learn more about the benefits please click here

See a snapshot of what our members think here

If more than one member signs up from the same organisation,  then we are pleased to offer 25% off the initial invoice and subsequent renewal payments for the second and any subsequent members.

Full Member (5+ years' experience)

Eligibility:

A minimum of 5 years’ experience and a minimum of 2 years as a proprietor, partner, director or senior manager of a conference organising business or as the director or senior manager of a conference organising unit attached to a professional or trade association, educational institution, official body, or corporation.

Generally a decision maker or key influencer with responsibility for the management and/or delivery of events

Benefits

Endorsement

  • Licensed use of the ABPCO member logo and certificate - an industry 'Quality Mark'

Professional Profile

  • Member profile on the website (including logo, summary, member details)
  • Post your press releases on the ABPCO website and have them shared on the ABPCO social channels
  • Voting rights within ABPCO and the opportunity to join the Executive board (elected position)

Networking

  • Access to engage on the on-line member forum - ask for advice or recommendations and share your experiences with the focused community
  • Ability to network with other key association and not-for-profit event decision-makers and our industry members and partners who can  clearly demonstrate their skills and knowledge in supporting major UK and international conferences
  • Open invitation to join the monthly 'coffee and chat' virtual meetings - an opportunity to connect with like-minded colleagues, share best practice and exchange knowledge.

Learning

  • Receive the monthly learning update so that you can be signposted to the opportunities available
  • Attend all scheduled roundtables and panel discussions - these are peer to peer forums for conference organisers to come together and share best practice.  They give an opportunity  to share recent experiences and, importantly, to formulate a collective view of the common challenges that lie ahead.
  • Invitation to participate in any familiarisation trips that are open to ABPCO members and organised by our industry partners and members.  These take in venues and destinations that have a new space, technology or service to offer to PCOs.
  • Submit for an ABPCO Excellence award, and attend the ceremony.  The awards recognise and celebrate industry best practice.
  • Benefit from a reduced member price for the Festival of Learning
  • Access to the member resource area of the website for papers and resources, research and collateral relevant to our membership community.
  • Regular updates on the Member Forum - giving relevant industry knowledge to help support with current logistical and macro-economic challenges.
  • Receive a discounted rate for some of the IAPCO learning packages that they offer.

Thought Leadership

  • Contribute towards opinion piece articles for both internal ABPCO communications and for business and trade media on issues facing our industry.
  • Join an ABPCO task-force to help progress a range of projects relevant to our community, these could be economic, social or environmental.

Business Benefits

  • Receive relevant tender opportunities via the 'Find an organiser' facility.
  • Post your events role vacancies on the ABPCO web-site and have them shared on our social media channels at no cost.
  • Receive 15 minute free VAT advice with an industry expert.

Subscription – £325.00 + VAT per annum

Application Process for Full and Associate ABPCO Membership

On the membership application form, applicants should nominate two people who are familiar with their conference organising activities (one an association client/committee chair and one a venue). Referees should be able to provide a fair assessment of the applicant’s capabilities.

Upon submission, the form will be sent to the ABPCO Association Director, who will acknowledge receipt immediately. Applications will be reviewed by the Association Director and Accreditation Committee and referees will be contacted. Applicants will normally be notified of the outcome of their application within 4 weeks of receipt.  An invoice will be issued once satisfactory references and agreement to the code of conduct have been received. The applicant will be qualified as a member once payment has been received.

Apply Here

Associate Member (2-5 years' experience)

Eligibility:

A minimum of 2 years’ experience in the organisation of all services required for the preparation and running of conferences, seminars and/or other meetings.

Generally an events manager reporting to a senior manager

Benefits

Endorsement

  • Licensed use of the ABPCO member logo and certificate - an industry 'Quality Mark'

Professional Profile

  • Member profile on the website (inlcuding logo, summary, member details)
  • Post your press releases on the ABPCO website and have them shared on the ABPCO social channels
  • Voting rights within ABPCO and the opportunity to join the Executive board (elected position)

Networking

  • Access to engage on the on-line member forum - ask for advice or recommendations and share your experiences with the focused community
  • Ability to network with other key association and not-for-profit event decision-makers and our industry members and partners who can  clearly demonstrate their skills and knowledge in supporting major UK and international conferences
  • Open invitation to join the monthly 'coffee and chat' virtual meetings - an opportunity to connect with like-minded colleagues, share best practice and exchange knowledge.

Learning

  • Receive the monthly learning update so that you can be signposted to the opportunities available
  • Attend all scheduled roundtables and panel discussions - these are peer to peer forums for conference organisers to come together and share best practice.  They give an opportunity  to share recent experiences and, importantly, to formulate a collective view of the common challenges that lie ahead.
  • Invitation to participate in any familiarisation trips that are open to ABPCO members and organised by our industry partners and members.  These take in venues and destinations that have a new space, technology or service to offer to PCOs.
  • Submit for an ABPCO Excellence award, and attend the ceremony.  The awards recognise and celebrate industry best practice.
  • Benefit from a reduced member price for the Festival of Learning
  • Access to the member resource area of the website for papers and resources, research and collateral relevant to our membership community.
  • Regular updates on the Member Forum - giving relevant industry knowledge to help support with current logistical and macro-economic challenges.
  • Receive a discounted rate for some of the IAPCO learning packages that they offer.

Thought Leadership

  • Contribute towards opinion piece articles for both internal ABPCO communications and for business and trade media on issues facing our industry.
  • Join an ABPCO task-force to help progress a range of projects relevant to our community, these could be economic, social or environmental.

Business Benefits

  • Post your events role vacancies on the ABPCO web-site and have them shared on our social media channels at no cost.
  • Receive 15 minute free VAT advice with an industry expert.

Subscription – £215.00 + VAT per annum

Application Process for Full and Associate ABPCO Membership

On the membership application form, applicants should nominate two people who are familiar with their conference organising activities (one a client/committee chair and one a venue). Referees should be able to provide a fair assessment of the applicant’s capabilities.

Upon submission, the form will be sent to the ABPCO Association Director, who will acknowledge receipt immediately. Applications will be reviewed by the Association Director and Accreditation Committee and referees will be contacted. Applicants will normally be notified of the outcome of their application within 4 weeks of receipt.  An invoice will be issued once satisfactory references and agreement to the code of conduct have been received. The applicant will be qualified as a member once payment has been received.

Apply Here

Entry Level Member (up to 2 years' experience)

Eligibility:

We are offering an excellent opportunity to join this unique group through our entry level membership open to recent graduates and those with less than 2 years in industry.

Generally a junior executive in an events team who is aspiring to develop their career as a professional conference organiser

Benefits

  • The opportunity to network with ABPCO conference & event organiser members & potential members through our events programme & social networking presence on Facebook & Linked-In
  • Progression to Full or Associate Membership if applicable once satisfying the relevant criteria
  • A free place at ABPCO events that are held virtually, and a discounted member rate for the in-person events.
  • Networking with potential employers across all sectors of the industry
  • Learning from experienced conference and event professionals
  • Getting advice and assistance on how to get ahead from top conference and event experts
  • Gaining practical work experience opportunities from fellow ABPCO Members
  • Getting assistance with research projects from ABPCO Members
  • Receiving up the minute information and training on the practical industry issues
  • A profile page on the ABPCO web-site
  • Opportunity to take part in our ABPCO mentorship scheme 
  • Ability to post job vacancies on the ABPCO web site and across our social media channels FOC
  • Full use of the ABPCO app – be part of the community
  • Representation on the Business Visits & Events Partnership, a collective of all industry bodies involved in business tourism for the purpose of influencing change through the legislative process

Subscription – £100.00 + VAT per annum

Apply Here

Industry Member/Partner

Eligibility:

In order to protect the quality and integrity of our members, industry membership is confined to those suppliers to the association and not-for-profit market who are able to clearly demonstrate their skills and knowledge in supporting major UK and international conferences. As part of the application process we require relevant references, and ask you to a presentation and discussion session with our accreditation committee.

Overview

Why join ABPCO?

  • Stay relevant and visible within the national association meeting community. ABPCO members are the core client base for national association meetings – this gives you the opportunity to be visible, communicate and collaborate with your target national association client base

  • Learn, understand and be more informed on meeting organisers challenges, issues and expectations, so you can better meet their needs as a key supplier

  • ABPCO has a strong industry presence and voice and is collaborating with other associations and government bodies to highlight the value, socially and economically, of association meetings and meeting professionals.

To learn more - please download our brochure here  ABPCO Industry Member and Partner Packages

Subscription – 

Industry Member £1750.00 + VAT per annum

Industry Partner £5000.00 + VAT per annum

Apply Here

Academic Department Member

Eligibility:

University Departments offering events management courses approved by ABPCO.  It is envisaged that any courses will have run for at least one academic year before they are eligible for membership.

Benefits

  • Membership of ABPCO included, for two nominated staff members
  • Membership for two named student members (these can be changed annually from January by the University contact)
  • Use of the ‘Courses recognised by ABPCO’ logo. Guidelines apply for this. We will ask for evidence that your courses have some focus on association conferences and related activities.
  • A ‘Courses recognised by ABPCO’ plaque for departmental display.
  • Access to ABPCO members for teaching (guest lecture), research, internship and advisory purposes
  • An opportunity to apply for ABPCO Centre of Excellence status.  Centre of Excellence status will last for three years subject to continued membership fees being paid. Guidelines for joining HERE
  • An opportunity to bid for seedcorn research funding of up to £1000 for research that would help ABPCO professionalise the sector. Please e-mail for details on how to apply for this money.
  • An opportunity to promote university research, CPD and other activities relating to business engagement via the ABPCO network.
  • Opportunity for a free delegate place at all virtual ABPCO meetings and events.
  • Benefit from a reduced member price for the Festival of Learning

The fee will be £350 ex VAT per annum, plus an initial one off joining fee of £40 ex VAT.

To apply to join, as a University Department, please e-mail Heather Lishman, ABPCO Association Director hello@abpco.org 

Apply Here

Academic Student Member

Eligibility:

We are offering an excellent opportunity to join this unique group through our university student membership open to under-graduates.  You must be in full time education to apply for this membership type.

This membership gives you the opportunity to network with ABPCO conference ad event organiser members through our events programme & social networking presence on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Benefits

  • Representation on the Business Visits & Events Partnership, a collective of all industry bodies involved in business tourism for the purpose of influencing change through the legislative process
  • Progression to Full or Associate Membership if applicable once satisfying the relevant criteria
  • A free place at ABPCO events  - virtual roundtables, the AGM and the coffee and chat sessions
  • Benefit from a reduced member price for the Festival of Learning
  • Networking with potential employers across all sectors of the industry
  • Learning from experienced conference and event professionals
  • Getting advice and assistance on how to get ahead from top conference and event experts
  • Gaining practical work experience opportunities from fellow ABPCO Members
  • Getting assistance with research projects from ABPCO Members
  • Receiving up the minute information and training on the practical industry issues
  • A profile listing on the ABPCO web-site

Subscription – £25.00 inc VAT per annum

Apply Here

ABPCO membership is considered the Quality Mark amongst clients looking to seek the services of professional conference organisers and increasingly those seeking to recruit quality individuals to in-house roles. The ABPCO brand is a recognised sign of excellence in the meetings and events sector. We recognise skills and experience by offering accreditation through peer assessment, irrespective of academic qualifications. ABPCO accredited members must demonstrate significant experience at a senior level before attaining full PCO membership code of practice.

Advance your Career

Quality Mark – the voice of the organisers

ABPCO membership is considered the Quality Mark amongst clients looking to seek the services of professional conference organisers and increasingly those seeking to recruit quality individuals to in-house roles. The ABPCO brand is a recognised sign of excellence in the meetings and events sector. We recognise skills and experience by offering accreditation through peer assessment, irrespective of academic qualifications. ABPCO accredited members must demonstrate significant experience at a senior level before attaining full PCO membership.

Celebrate your professionalism

The ABPCO Excellence awards give wider recognition to our members; these are an excellent way to increase the visibility of your association conference. The Excellence Awards celebrate the very best the industry has to offer.  

Increase your profile

ABPCO are proud to profile their members, through initiatives such as full page profiles on the web site, use of LinkedIn and twitter. Full members are also represented on the board and we have a Joint-Chair initiative to ensure that we give equal visibility to our in-house members and agency PCOs.

Recruit the best – jobs board

Members are entitled to post job adverts on the ABPCO website at no cost, helping you to reach the best applicants. With a high volume of traffic to the site, active social media channels and regular news updates, the ABPCO website has become a hub to attract the best in the meetings industry, helping you save time and money by profiling new vacancies to a qualified audience at no charge.

Build your Network and Business

Networking with peers

ABPCO events, which are free to members, offer unique and valuable networking opportunities with industry peers on key topics affecting conference organisation. ABPCO is the only UK association dedicated to the individual needs of the professional conference organisers. ABPCO provides a forum to share best practice, network with industry peers and benefit from collective experience. There are opportunities for professional and personal development via informal and more formal sessions.

Connect with quality venues and suppliers

ABPCO’s industry members and partners are made up of some of the UK’s leading venues, convention bureau and suppliers in the conference industry. We encourage networking and provide opportunities for PCO members to interact with other members at our events and also online via our LinkedIn group and other social networks.

Business benefits - lead generation and cost saving

Many associations utilise our 'Find an organiser' service to help sign-post them to a PCO, which can be an invaluable source of new business.  You are also eligible for a 10% discount on Hiscox events insurance, and 15 minutes of free VAT advice with an industry expert.

 

Professionalise your Role

Reassure clients and members of your ethical conduct – code of conduct

ABPCO members agree to abide by our code of conduct, requiring ethical behaviour at all times, this ensures the integrity of the brand as a mark of distinction and shorthand for a quality service.

Practical tips and content via the ABPCO members area

The new ABPCO website is packed with useful content, we will continue to add to this content to provide our members with all of the tools they might need to stay abreast of the latest thinking and to save time and effort with useful guides and collateral relevant to our membership community.  We also use the forum to update members on relevant industry knowledge, to help support with current logistical and macro-economic challenges.  The content is available onlyto members - please ask heatherlishman@abpco.org if you would like more details.

Converse with the Wider Events Industry

Have a voice in the industry – award winning campaigns

We have developed a position as the leading voice of the PCO, working in partnership with other industry bodies, including the BVEP (Business Visits and Events Partnership) to drive change for the better in the meetings sector and ensure that PCOs are recognised for their expertise and value to business. We pioneered the award-winning Conference Cloud campaign calling for free wi-fi for conference delegates and continue to participate in industry debate representing the interests of organisers for example with the #Living Wage4Events campaign and have partnered with Positive Impact to promote a sustainable events industry.  There are also opportunities to join an ABPCO task-force to help progress a range of topics relevant to our community

Organise Better Events

Get hands-on with new event technology and meeting innovations

Our mandate is to advocate the latest technology, education, networking and best practice principles. ABPCO recognises the increasing impact of technology on how meetings and conferences are organised and delivered. We pioneered the award-winning Conference Cloud campaign calling for free wi-fi for conference delegates and offer a series of events, dedicated to taking the fear factor out of new technologies and equipping ABPCO members with the know-how to make the most of the latest thinking.

Build your knowledge with dedicated fam trips

As a professional conference organiser, having first-hand knowledge of venues and destinations is no doubt an important part of your role. ABPCO members are regularly invited to attend bespoke familiarisation trips, tailored to their needs.

Learn from your peers on our Members' Forum

ABPCO are delighted to offer an on-line members' forum - ask for advice or recommendations and share your experiences with the focused community

event feed image April 26th 2023
Webinar Open to: Entry Level Member (up to 2 years' experience)s, Associate Member (2-5 years' experience)s, Full Member (5+ years' experience)s

IPCAA - the ABPI code and its challenges

The ABPI code and the challenges that are connected to it.

event feed image June 6th 2023
Via zoom Open to: Academic Student Members, Academic Department Members, Representatives, Industry Member/Partners, Entry Level Member (up to 2 years' experience)s, Associate Member (2-5 years' experience)s, Full Member (5+ years' experience)s

Looking after ourselves

Looking after ourselves

Copyright 2019 ABPCO. All Rights Reserved. Privacy and Cookies Terms and Conditions
VAT Reg No. 75 385 8001 England Reg No. 2111650

Our website uses cookies which are small files of letters and numbers that we put on your computer. These cookies allow us to distinguish you from other users of our website, which helps us to provide you with a good experience when you browse our website and also helps us to improve our website. Read more about the cookies we use by clicking here. By clicking CONTINUE you agree to cookies being used in accordance with our Cookie Policy. If you don't agree you can disable cookies - see the Cookie Policy for more details.