Congress Care at IAPCO Edge 2026 in Stockholm: International insights, personal growth and impact on medical congresses

In January 2026, two colleagues from Congress Care attended IAPCO Edge in Stockholm — a three-day international networking seminar for professional congress organisers. The programme is organised by the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), a global non-profit organisation committed to raising quality and professionalism within the international meetings industry.

Together with peers from around the world, we explored current developments in congress organisation and reflected on what these trends mean for the future of medical and scientific meetings.

Learning from international peers

The programme was led by the IAPCO committee, Mathias Posch, Nicola McGrane and Sissi Lignou, experienced professionals from the international events sector. Through interactive workshops and open discussions, participants exchanged insights on topics such as strategic growth, collaboration within international associations, emerging trends, and the evolving role of the professional congress organiser.

The open and interactive format encouraged honest dialogue and knowledge sharing, making EDGE a valuable learning experience for everyone involved.

With 62 participants from 32 countries, IAPCO Edge offered an intensive programme focused on practical relevance, professional development, and international exchange. In this blog, we share our key takeaways and explain how these insights translate into the organisation of medical congresses.

A strong international start in Stockholm

The seminar kicked off on Sunday with a welcome reception at Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset), best known as the venue of the Nobel Prize banquet and an inspiring location for a congress dinner. This informal gathering provided space to connect with fellow PCOs and set the tone for the days ahead.

From Monday 19 January to Wednesday 21 January, the core programme unfolded through interactive sessions, hands-on workshops, and in-depth group discussions. Guided by IAPCO committee members and experienced industry professionals, best practices were shared and translated into practical approaches for everyday congress organisation.

Key themes and trends shaping congresses

Throughout IAPCO Edge 2026, attention was given to developments that directly affect the organisation of medical and scientific congresses. Discussions focused on how the role of the professional congress organiser is changing due to increasing complexity, internationalisation and technological innovation.

One trend clearly stood out: rising expectations of congress participants. Attendees increasingly expect personalised, relevant content and meaningful opportunities for interaction and networking. Organisers are responding by investing in personalised experiences, using technology and data to better align programmes, sessions and connections with individual needs . Source: 2025 Meetings and Events Trends: Key Insights for the Future by Cvent 

 Another recurring theme was the move toward hybrid and integrated event formats, which increase regional accessibility while still connecting with international audiences, opening the door to sustainable collaboration and long-term growth. Source: https://hsmai.eu/2025/01/30/9-event-trends-that-will-shape-2025 

Personal development and collaboration

Beyond industry trends, IAPCO Edge placed strong emphasis on personal effectiveness and collaboration — not only focusing on what you do, but also how you do it. Skills such as communication, listening and relationship-building proved just as essential as technical expertise.

Two insights that resonated strongly:

“You can’t beat fear — just do it scared.”
“We don’t listen to understand, we listen to reply.”

Practical lessons we took home:

• Ask questions first, instead of immediately offering advice.
• Be relationship-driven: trust grows through listening and preparation.
• Focus on strengths, not only on areas for improvement.
• Start your day with the tasks you enjoy least — it boosts productivity for the rest of the day.

Within the project management theme, a proactive approach was repeatedly emphasised. Clear timelines, defined responsibilities and transparent communication form the foundation of successful international congresses, from preparation to on-site delivery.

About IAPCO and IAPCO Edge

IAPCO is a global non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting high professional standards within the meetings industry through education and international knowledge exchange. At Congress Care, we strongly value this continuous development. All our project managers participate in IAPCO Edge, ensuring that the insights gained are directly applied in our daily work and future medical congresses.

Looking back

IAPCO Edge 2026 offered valuable insights on both a professional and personal level. Alongside industry developments, strong attention was given to collaboration, communication, and building trust. This combination of international knowledge sharing and practical tools aligns seamlessly with how Congress Care organises medical congresses: professionally, structured and with a strong focus on quality and sustainable partnerships.