About AIPC

The purpose of the Industry Partnerships is to ensure that the voice of AIPC is heard at all levels required to support and defend the interests of the AIPC Members. Two key examples are AIPC’s participation in the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) and the Policy Forum.

JMIC

The Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) is an organization that represents the combined interests of 15 international Meetings Industry associations. It has provided a forum for information exchange amongst industry groups for over 50 years and has recently become more engaged in the process of articulating and delivering industry messages to wider community and governmental audiences as well as developing better mechanisms for documenting the value of the industry.

Specifically, JMIC's objectives are:

1. To maintain a forum for the exchange of information and expertise amongst organizations that represent the various sectors of the Meetings Industry;
2. To support and carry out activities that promote the profile of the Meetings Industry as a distinct and important part of the global economy;
3. To provide a collective voice for the industry in areas of overall industry interface, and
4. To formally recognize the achievements of individuals who have successfully advanced the positioning and professionalism of the industry on an international basis.

The active member associations who comprise JMIC today are:

• AACVB, the Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus
• AIPC, the International Association of Convention Centres
• ASAE, the American Society of Association Executives
• Cocal, the Latin American Confederation of PCO and Related Companies
• DMAI, Destination Marketing Association International
• ECM, European Cities Marketing
• EVVC, European Association of Event Centres
• IAPCO, the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers
• ICCA, the International Congress and Convention Association
• MPI, Meeting Professionals International
• PCMA, the Professional Convention Management Association
• SACEOS, the Singapore Association for Conventions & Exhibitions Organisers and Suppliers
• SITE, Society for Incentive Travel Excellence
• UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry
• UIA, the Union of International Associations

JMIC organizational details, awards programs, advocacy guidebook and "tools" are available (some in multiple languages) on the JMIC web site.

Policy Forum

The Forum launched in 2003 and has established itself as a crucial connection point for the meetings world and public policymakers. Over the years it has proved to be a major catalyst in advancing the understanding of the critical role that the meetings industry plays in many aspects of national and regional development. The subtle change in name better reflects the event as it is today, bringing together the meetings world and public policymakers with the aim to influence policy, rather than just politicians.

Each year, the Policy Forum brings  together some 40 policymakers with around 80 industry leaders, and address five core elements: Strategy, Advocacy, Development, Engagement and Enlightenment in consideration of how to make the most of the wide-ranging benefits that investment in conferences and meetings can bring, from income and employment to inward investment, education, scientific and cultural advancement.

The IMEX Policy Forum is organised under the auspices of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC).

Click here to read the 2019 Policy Forum Report.