Sissi Lygnou, CEO of Athens-based AFEA Congress, has officially taken over as president of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), marking a historic first – the first-ever Greek national to lead the global body.
Lygnou, a respected figure in the Greek and international meetings industry, will serve a two-year term (2025-2027), succeeding outgoing president, Sarah Markey-Hamm. She formally assumed the role during IAPCO’s Annual Meeting & General Assembly in Taipei, held in late February.
With more than two decades of experience, Lygnou has been an active member of the IAPCO Council since 2021, and was re-elected in 2023. In Greece, she also serves as president of the Hellenic Association of Professional Congress Organizers & Destinations Events Specialists (HAPCO & DES), further cementing her leadership in the regional meetings and events sector.
A vision for growth, innovation & collaboration
IAPCO President Sissi Lygnou.
Upon assuming her new role, Lygnou highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and investment in shaping the future of the congress and events industry.
“It is a true honour to lead IAPCO at such a pivotal time for our industry,” Lygnou said. “Our association represents excellence in our sector, and I look forward to embarking on this shared journey with our members and community. Together, as the IAPCO family, we have the power to highlight the immense value of the forward-looking global meetings and events industry — connecting people and driving growth. I am fully committed to giving my best in leading IAPCO, setting new and even higher goals.”
She also extended her gratitude to her predecessor, Sarah Markey-Hamm, for her leadership, and underscored her commitment to elevating IAPCO’s global profile while advancing professional standards across its member network.
Sarah Markey-Hamm, Martin Boyle and Sissi Lygnou.
IAPCO CEO Martin Boyle welcomed Lygnou’s appointment, noting: “I have worked closely with Sissi for several years, and I am confident that her passion, vision, and dedication will further strengthen IAPCO’s role as the global benchmark for excellence in our sector.”
Outgoing President Sarah Markey-Hamm also praised Lygnou, saying: “Sissi’s energy and commitment have been evident throughout her time on the IAPCO Board. I have every confidence she will lead the association with vision and purpose.”
IAPCO represents 92 leading professional congress organiser (PCO) companies, with 180 offices and over 9,500 professionals worldwide. Collectively, IAPCO members contributed over 17.7 billion euros in economic impact to destinations globally in 2024.
Each member company undergoes regular audits to ensure they meet IAPCO’s internationally recognised quality standards, reinforcing the association’s role as a global authority on professional congress organisation.
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