Michael Smith from RenewableUK and Barbara Calderwood from MCI UK have begun their two-year tenure as joint chairs of the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO).
The pair were unveiled at the association's online AGM, which was attended by more than 60 ABPCO members. Smith and Calderwood thanked the previous chairs for their achievements before outlining their roadmap for the coming two years.
Building on the solid work of the previous chairs, the roadmap, once developed with ABPCO’s executive, will focus on five key pillars and will be phased to address the immediate, mid and longer-term needs of ABPCO’s community.
The short-term focus will be the support of members to ensure business resilience and the changing needs of associations in the light of COVID-19, particularly in the virtual space.
Mid to longer term the focus will be on:
• growing the ABPCO membership through a targeted approach to recruitment, particularly among inhouse organisers and sectors not currently represented
• developing ABPCO’s education portfolio and maximising accessible e-learning opportunities to support members with skills development
• enhancing ABPCO’s external voice on behalf of members through thought-leadership and engagement with customers and the industries they represent
• ensuring the value proposition of ABPCO is better understood
• building on the value of collaboration through belonging and learning for sustainable, long term growth
Michael Smith said: “ABPCO continues to be a strong association made up of dedicated professionals who currently face incredible challenges. I was proud to see so many people join us for the AGM and continue to support us going forward. Thank you, not just to our outgoing chairs but also to the whole membership for its dedication to professionalism and this wonderful association.”
Barbara Calderwood added: “Unsurprisingly this AGM was set against the backdrop of Covid-19 and how PCOs are pivoting to meet the immediate and longer-term needs of associations for their meetings. Our role is to support our members be best-in-class and demonstrate the value proposition of ABPCO.”
Outgoing chairs Jo Powel and Kate Sargent discussed their legacy of increased communication and learning opportunities through ABPCO’s new website, improved governance and above all else, the resilience of members throughout the COVID-19 challenges. They highlighted ABPCO’s sense of belonging and the ability of the members to come together and support each other through what is arguably the most challenging period in the history of the conference and events industry.
The AGM also provided an opportunity for treasurer, Martin Linfield from Hiscox to reflect on ABPCO’s strong financial position, budget management and significant reserves, which once again included an increase in both income and operating surplus.
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
