ABPCO winners

The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) celebrated its 30^th Anniversary in style on Friday last week with its largest ever Chairmen’s lunch and Excellence Awards.  The event was held at Harrogate Convention Centre.

More than 100 ABPCO members came together to celebrate not just 30 years of ABPCO but also this year’s Excellence Awards Winners, which were selected via a live vote following presentations from the shortlisted entries.

The winners were

• Best Conference by an In-House Conference Organiser: Royal College of Nursing, whilst Macmillan Cancer Support and NCRI were also shortlisted.
• Best Conference by an Agency Conference Organiser: MCI UK, whilst BioScientifica and Hampton Medical were also shortlisted.
• Best Industry Partnership: Visit Belfast, whilst Shocklogic and AECC were also shortlisted.
• Chairmen’s Award – Madalina Marincas from Opening Doors and Venues

Therese Dolan, joint-chair of ABPCO commented: “2017 has been a wonderful year for ABPCO.  We have used it as a chance to celebrate not just the association but everything our members have to offer.  The Excellence Awards were the perfect finish to the year.  The entries were our strongest ever and it was a real challenge to create a shortlist so choosing a winner on the day was incredibly difficult.  Thank you to all those who entered and congratulations to the winners.”

In addition, the ABPCO Chairs also recognised Heather Lishman for her dedication to the association over the last 6 years.  Rose Padmore, joint-chair of ABPCO said: “Time and again our members have commented that Heather is the lynchpin that keeps the association running.  She keeps us on track and is full of energy and enthusiasm.  Without Heather ABPCO would be a poorer experience for the board, the members and all who work alongside us.”

ABPCO is the UK’s leading organisation for association conference and event organisers, industry associates and those studying for, or seeking a career in the association meetings industry. For more information about ABPCO visit www.abpco.org