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.
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
Endorsement
Professional Profile
Networking
Learning
Thought Leadership
Business Benefits
Subscription – £325.00 + VAT per annum
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 HereA 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
Endorsement
Professional Profile
Networking
Learning
Thought Leadership
Business Benefits
Subscription – £215.00 + VAT per annum
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 HereWe 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
Subscription – £100.00 + VAT per annum
Apply HereIn 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.
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 HereUniversity 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.
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 HereWe 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.
Subscription – £25.00 inc VAT per annum
Apply HereABPCO 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
The ABPI code and the challenges that are connected to it.
Looking after ourselves