'We’ve built something special'
ABPCO director Heather Lishman is taking early retirement in December 2025, following the ABPCO Excellence Awards at Manchester Central. Here she reflects on her 14-year tenure at the association, which has seen record growth, deeper industry engagement, and stronger member support than ever before.
After more than a decade at the heart of the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO), Heather Lishman is stepping down as association director at the end of this year. Her departure brings to a close an era that has seen ABPCO transformed.
When Lishman joined ABPCO in 2011, her role was far from the full-time position it is today. Initially working just a few days each month, she gradually expanded her involvement as the association’s ambitions, and membership, grew.
“It’s just grown over time,” she recalls. “Each year it was like, ‘Oh, would you like to work an extra day a month?’ I only actually became an official employee about three years ago. Before that, I was a contractor.”
Today, Heather works 15 days a month, a balance she has consciously maintained. “The person who takes over from me will have a full-time role, but I never wanted to do more than that,” she says.
That evolution reflects ABPCO’s own transformation. What was once a relatively small organisation with limited resources is now a thriving community with a robust event calendar, strong membership, and a voice that resonates across the industry.
“Members feel they have a tribe. I’ve always tried to keep membership personal, not just numbers”
Heather Lishman
Heather Lishman
Building community
One of Lishman's earliest priorities was membership growth. When she started, ABPCO counted around 60 PCO members and a handful of industry members. Today, membership is significantly larger, thanks in part to a strategic decision to broaden the association’s base.
“Michael Foreman, when he was chair, realised that for sustainability we needed corporate money,” Heather explains. “Just having full PCO members wouldn’t generate enough revenue to upgrade websites and grow. So, we introduced industry membership.”
The move wasn’t without its critics. “Some members resisted at first, asking why we would have industry involved,” Heather recalls. “But we explained that delivering a conference involves a whole ecosystem; venues, tech suppliers, convention bureaux. It made sense.”
That decision proved pivotal. The additional revenue allowed ABPCO to invest in technology, expand its team, and deliver more for members. Crucially, the association kept the proportion of industry members low to maintain its PCO focus.
An expanded event programme
Membership growth was only part of the story. When Heather arrived, ABPCO offered little beyond its annual conference, a single, make-or-break event that left members disconnected if they missed it.
“My first contract said I had to deliver four round tables a year,” Heather says. “Now we do one every month, plus virtual events, the annual conference, the Festival of Learning, and the Excellence Awards.”
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, pushing ABPCO into virtual spaces and reinforcing the need for consistent engagement. Today, members enjoy a rich programme of events that deliver both education and networking opportunities throughout the year.
Lishman also focused on achieving Continuing Professional Development (CPD) status for ABPCO, which relates to the majority of its educational content, and delivers value to the membership in terms of developing and supporting their careers.
“I’m proud that we’ve done all this without raising membership fees for full members during my time,” she notes.
Championing excellence
Under Lishman's leadership, ABPCO has consistently championed professional development and raised industry standards. But her proudest achievement is more cultural than financial.
“In our 30th year, we defined our values; excellence, learning, belonging,” she says. “That was a real ‘aha’ moment. Everything we do now is measured against those values. If something doesn’t align, we ask, ‘Is this really ABPCO?’”
Those values underpin the sense of community that Heather has worked tirelessly to build. “Members feel they have a tribe,” she says. “I’ve always tried to keep membership personal, not just numbers. I’ve tried to get to know people individually. That loyalty has been amazing to see.”
Changing face of the role
During her tenure, Heather has witnessed profound changes in the PCO profession itself. “It’s not just logistics anymore,” she stresses. “PCOs now deal with delegate engagement, sustainability - economic, social, environmental - legacy, EDI, neuro-inclusivity, even counter-terrorism planning under Martyn’s Law. Every time something new comes along, they add it to the mix. It’s phenomenal.”
This growing complexity reinforces the need for an association that can support its members, share best practice, and advocate on their behalf.
What was Lishman’s biggest challenge? “Keeping everything moving forward,” she admits. “Each new chair comes in with ideas, but nothing gets dropped, we just keep adding more. Balancing it all has been tough.”
And her proudest moment? “ABPCO is in a much better position now. We’ve grown, we’re respected, and we live by our values. That, and the sense of community; we’ve built something special.”
The handover
Lishman is clear that her departure needs to make space for fresh ideas. “It wouldn’t be fair to hang around,” she says. “The new person needs room to make their mark.”
"ABPCO has been like my baby; I’ve nurtured it, and now I want to see it flourish with someone new."
Recruitment is already underway, managed by Memcom Recruitment to ensure transparency. “Some of the exec will be on the final interview panel,” Heather confirms. “I hope the new person doesn’t have a long notice period so we can do a proper handover.”
Her advice for her successor? “Focus on members. Keep it personal. ABPCO isn’t about shouting the loudest; it’s about making sure members get the most out of their community.”
What’s next?
After 14 years of commitment, Lishman is ready for a new chapter; one that doesn’t involve trade shows. “Mrs ABPCO won’t be there anymore!” she laughs.
Her immediate plans involve travel. “We’re going to Hong Kong and Vietnam at Christmas. After that, maybe Canada, the Rockies, Vancouver. India is also on the list. We’ve even thought about spending six weeks in Europe, living like locals; Airbnb, dogs in the car.”
While she leaves without a fixed roadmap, one thing is certain: her legacy at ABPCO is secure.
“I’d rather leave while things are going well,” she says. “ABPCO has been like my baby; I’ve nurtured it, and now I want to see it flourish with someone new.”