IAPCO Honorary Membership is a lifetime distinction awarded by the General Assembly, on the recommendation of the IAPCO Council, to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to IAPCO or to the advancement of professional congress organisations internationally.
Jan Tonkin is widely recognised as one of the most influential leaders in the Australasian meetings and events industry. As Founder of The Conference Company, she has played a defining role in shaping professional congress organisations across the Asia Pacific region and strengthening its global reputation.
Announcing the honour at the AM&GA, Sissi Lignou, President of IAPCO, said: “Jan Tonkin has been instrumental in IAPCO’s growth and development over many years. 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,” said Lignou.
On receiving the honour, Tonkin said: “I am moved and deeply humbled by this 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. 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,” said Tonkin.
Within IAPCO, Tonkin has served many roles and was instrumental in strengthening IAPCO’s education framework, expanding global outreach and reinforcing professional standards across the international PCO community. She continues to contribute to the profession through mentoring and remains a respected voice at international industry forums.
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