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Nicolas Le Brun, President of the European Federation of the Associations of Professional Congress Organisers, EFAPCO
Shortly you will open your Annual Congress “The World Has Changed – Start Acting” from 12 to 14 January in Estoril, Portugal. How has the world changed in terms of conference organisation?
A number of aspects have impacted our sector. Everyone speaks of new technologies, new meeting formats, sustainability issues and we can read about these changes on a regular basis. I tend to underline further how our clients' approach has changed and the perception they have (and want to give) of the meetings and conferences they organise.
The role of the PCO has evidently changed too. Maybe twenty years ago the PCO was mainly considered for his/her secretariat function, his/her capacity to handle the registration process. Ten years ago the focus was on the PCO’s ability to negotiate with suppliers and then coordinate the entire process. Today, although these missions remain, the PCO is also expected to take in charge a number of other responsibilities and counsel his/her clients on aspects such as communication, security, sustainability, ...
How can associations cope with these changes?
Although associations are faced in different ways with the financial crisis and tackle their possible budget restrictions with varying solutions, the vast majority have understood the ever-growing importance of networking and face-to-face meetings. Shrewd managers are looking at options to maximise their return on their investment in meetings (be it those their association organises and/or those their members attend). Those who are at the forefront of their sector are keen to seek counsel with professionals.
Which challenges is your federation facing these days?
Like so many other associations we need to do better what we have been doing, probably with less financial backing. We definitely need to concentrate on our core missions and, as stated above, make particular efforts in the way we communicate, towards our members and to the rest of the meetings industry stakeholders. I will very soon be stepping down from my function as President of EFAPCO, a role I have held – and loved doing so – for four years. A new bureau will be elected. Its members will have new ideas, new goals for the Federation and a renewed dynamism. It can only be positive for the future of EFAPCO.
The EFAPCO 2012 takes place at the Estoril Congress Center (ECC), certified as a green venue by Green Globe International. Which role did this certification play for the selection process?
APECATE, the Portuguese association of PCOs, was enthusiastic to showcase one of Europe’s congress centres that represents a real benchmark in sustainable venues. The bid-book was prepared as a joint effort of the PCO association, the destination and the venue. Although certification definitely represents a type of guarantee in this case, the committee was more sensitive to the general concept and the specific approach.
CSR is a concern for associations. Are they requesting more and more "green venues" for their assemblies?
It would be a lie to say that the association world is totally CSR-minded. Although you do have some associations (active in very different fields) which have already embraced a truly sustainable approach to their meetings – this includes a real thought-process about community legacy – most of the associations concentrate their efforts on actions which combine environmental impacts with reduced budgetary implications and, to be honest, in these times, that is a very reasonable statement from their part!
The European Federation of the Associations of Professional Congress Organisers (EFAPCO) is a non-profit institution headquartered in Brussels. It complements the national activities of its members enabling Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs) to have a single strong voice in Europe. It represents well over 1,000 companies active in the meetings industry across 13 member countries. www.efapco.eu, www.efapco2012.com