MEMCOM to Lead Recruitment of New ABPCO Executive Director
17 July 2025
(Last updated: 18 Jul 2025 14:32)
17th July 2025 – UK: The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) is pleased to announce that MEMCOM Recruitment (memcom.org.uk) has been appointed to manage the recruitment of ABPCO’s new Executive Director.
This key appointment marks a pivotal moment in ABPCO’s evolution, as the association continues its ambitious growth strategy. The incoming Executive Director will need to bring their vision, strategic capabilities and leadership experience to guide this established and respected organisation, in order to further enhance the performance and growth of its five-year growth objectives.
Our Mission
Our mission is to develop and enhance the professional status of conference and event organisers. We work to ensure our members – and ABPCO itself – are recognised as the leading voices of excellence within the sector across the UK.
About ABPCO
Our Vision
We strive to be the gold standard for conference and event organisation professionalism. Everything we do is underpinned by a commitment to quality, integrity and collaboration – supporting our members and shaping the future of the meetings and events industry.
Our Strategic Aims
Lead and Inspire: Raise the profile of professional conference organisers and position ABPCO as the leading authority and advocate for the sector.
Strengthen Our Community: Offer meaningful opportunities for connection, learning and growth – creating a strong, supportive network where members can thrive.
Champion Excellence: Promote and uphold the highest standards of professionalism through training, development and recognition.
Collaborate and Influence: Work with partners and stakeholders across the events industry to drive innovation, share knowledge and strengthen the UK's global reputation as a hub for world-class conferencing
As an organisation our objectives include:
- Attracting and engaging new members
- Growing and diversifying revenue streams
- Strengthening ABPCO’s Member Value Proposition for members and partners
- Elevating and enhancing ABPCO’s external voice and profile
- Driving excellence in learning, sustainability, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)
“This is a truly exciting time for ABPCO,” said Pauline Beattie, Co-Chair of ABPCO. “We’re seeking a dynamic and visionary leader who will help us shape the future of our association for years to come, so that we in turn can deliver outstanding support to our members as they produce world-class professional conferences. We believe that MEMCOM’s expertise in senior recruitment for the membership sector makes them the ideal partner for this critical appointment.”
This next chapter builds upon the strong foundation laid over the past 14 years under the stewardship of Heather Lishman, a well-known and highly respected industry figure, whose tenure as Association Director has been instrumental in growing the organisation, nurturing its professional community, and raising ABPCO’s profile across the UK events industry.
“Heather has been a passionate and tireless advocate for our members and our mission,” said Kate Sargent, ABPCO Treasurer. “Her legacy provides a solid foundation from which the new Executive Director can lead ABPCO into its next era.”
‘MEMCOM is launching the recruitment campaign to encourage interested candidates with insight and passion for association leadership - and a strong track record in strategic development - to consider this exceptional opportunity.’ Julian Smith, Director of MEMCOM
How to apply:
If you are interested in this role, then please apply to Julian Smith at Julian@memcom.org.uk for the Application Pack.
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday, August 4.
You do not have to be an ABPCO member to apply for this role, but if you are, please do notify Julian in your initial contact so that we can appropriately manage any potential conflicts of interest.
For more information and updates on the recruitment process, please visit www.abpco.org or www.memcom.org.uk.
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