In today’s interconnected world, where connections and knowledge exchange are the heart of development, the meetings industry has emerged as a significant opportunity for regional growth. With the rise of globalization and technology, meetings, conferences, and events have become essential platforms for sharing ideas, forging alliances, and setting trends. In this context, a key figure stands out to coordinate these experiences seamlessly: the Professional Congress Organizer (PCO).
A Professional Congress Organizer is a highly trained professional in event planning and management, with a special focus on congresses, conferences, and conventions. Beyond simply coordinating schedules, PCOs delve into every detail to ensure the event runs smoothly.
One of the main advantages of having a PCO on your team is that they handle the technical and operational aspects, including venue selection, program planning, supplier management, and more. This allows the organizing entity to focus on the quality of academic content and the participant experience.
An example that highlights this need is the planning of a congress. Imagine the complexity of coordinating multiple conferences over several days, along with simultaneous workshops and social events. In this challenging scenario, a Professional Congress Organizer comes into play, serving as your strategic ally in the meticulous planning and execution of every aspect and activity of the event.
This impact becomes even more evident in Colombia. With a notable contribution of 12% to the congresses held throughout Latin America, the country has established itself as a significant player in the industry. This statistic reveals Colombia’s growing influence in the events landscape and underscores the importance of having experienced PCOs to ensure these congresses run smoothly and meet the highest standards of quality.
In the context of Valle del Cauca, the presence and impact of PCOs are becoming increasingly notable. As of the cut-off date in 2022, according to the Chamber of Commerce, it is estimated that more than 50 PCOs are actively working in the Capital of Valle del Cauca, collaborating with companies and organizations to conduct outstanding events. This figure highlights the value attributed to their expertise and knowledge in creating exceptional event experiences.
The success of an event is not only measured in terms of attendance but also in the quality of the experience provided to participants.
The meetings industry continues to advance, and in parallel, Professional Congress Organizers continue to play the fundamental role of being the backbone that supports each meeting, congress, and conference. Moreover, their prominent presence in Valle del Cauca, a region where the meetings industry is experiencing continuous growth, not only underscores their importance but also contributes to establishing the region’s reputation as a top-tier destination for large-scale events.
Compelling data supports the global influence of the meetings industry. According to the World Tourism Organization (2017), this industry represents 10% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Congresses, in particular, stand out as an essential part, accounting for 17.8% of all events globally (Source: Oxford Economics, 2018). In the context of Colombia, congresses contribute more than $15 billion to the country’s economy, equivalent to almost 2.7% of the GDP (Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism – MINCIT).
This dynamic industry not only connects individuals and organizations but also triggers a significant economic impact. PCOs, with their ability to orchestrate flawless events, play a vital role in this narrative, ensuring that every event is an exceptional experience.
