IAPCO honours event leader Jan Tonkin
The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) has awarded Jan Tonkin, founder of The Conference Company and former IAPCO President, with Honorary Membership.
“Jan Tonkin has been instrumental in IAPCO’s growth and development over many years,” IAPCO president Sissi Lignou said at the 2026 Annual Meeting & General Assembly in Athens, Greece.
“Having served as Council Member, President, Chair of the Training Academy (2018 – 2021) and long-term member, her vision, generosity and commitment to our profession, across the New Zealand, Australian and international stage, have left a lasting legacy.
“The General Assembly unanimously approved her Honorary Membership, which she has graciously accepted.”
Tonkin said she was humbled by the recognition.
“From my early days working with Sarah Storie‑Pugh at Conference Services, the London-based company of Fay Pannell, I was aware of the pre-eminent role of IAPCO in the PCO world,” she said.
“I dared to dream that my company would one day be accepted as a member and, with the support of Roslyn McLeod, that became a reality in 2002.
“Since then, I’ve had many reasons to be truly grateful, from being invited to join the faculty at the renowned Wolfsberg Seminars to the trust placed in me to contribute within the association. Most of all, I value what I’ve learned from colleagues and the precious friendships formed through the IAPCO community.
“Knowing I’ll stay connected to IAPCO through this life membership is indeed an honour.”
Read the full story from our PCOA Media Partner CIM – IAPCO honours event leader Jan Tonkin CIM