ABPCO AGM reveals Festival of Learning and 10% membership fees reduction for 2021

The ABPCO AGM, which was attended by more than 50 members, took place on Thursday, last week as a digital event for the second year running.

In addition to highlighting the association’s success and progress throughout 2020/2021, despite the impact of the COVID pandemic, the AGM revealed details of a Festival of Learning as well as member discounts for the year ahead.

The Festival of learning, which will take place in December, 2021, will be a hybrid learning experience focused on the varying needs of association event professionals as well as their colleagues from across the sector. Delivered largely online, the seven days of content will culminate in a face-to-face event as well as the annual ABPCO Excellence Awards.

During the AGM it was also announced that current ABPCO members would receive further financial support from the association via a 10% reduction in annual membership fees for existing members across 2022.

The AGM saw several changes to ABPCO’s Executive Board, including the departure, at the end of their tenure, of Kate Sargent, Jo Powel, Sandro Carnicelli and Anne Doherty. In a strategic decision to ensure the board maintains depth and experience going forward, seven new executive members were announced:

• In-house PCO representatives - Garth Halliday (Renewable UK), Emma Duffy (The Royal College of Radiologists) and Jane Elsom (The Company of Biologists)
• Agency PCO representatives - Sarah Byrne (Mosaic Events) and Samantha Salisbury (Jonsam Events)
• Academic Institution representative – Dr James Musgrave (Leeds Beckett University)
• Industry Partner representative - Steven Daun (P&J Live, Aberdeen)

ABPCO Co-Chair Barbara Calderwood commented: “It has been a great year for ABPCO. So much has been achieved, particularly following the launch of our two-year strategic plan. In the face of truly challenging circumstances our members have rallied, worked together and remained resilient. I look forward to the year ahead and the Festival of Learning in particular”

Michael Smith, ABPCO Co-Chair, echoed these sentiments as he said: “What a fantastic year, so much achieved and so much to look forward to. I am delighted that we can continue to support our members financially as we continue to deliver value for all in the association sector."