Speakers at IAPCO EDGE 2027
Get ready to hear from a vibrant mix of international speakers, industry pioneers and fresh thinkers at IAPCO EDGE Amsterdam. We're still adding exciting names to the programme, so keep an eye on this page for the latest speaker announcements.
Born in Athens, Sissi Lignou brings over two decades of dynamic experience in the Meetings & Events Industry. Her professional journey began in 2001 with the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games, as an executive of the PR & Events Department (2001-2004). In 2004, she joined the family-owned business, AFEA Congress, where she has since risen to the role of CEO and President of the Board, leading one of Greece’s most established, IAPCO accredited Professional Congress Organizers (PCOs) and Event Planner, with a global activity .
Since 2021, Sissi has strengthened her engagement in the global Meetings Industry, guided by a strategic vision for its future. This commitment, both personal and professional, has inspired her active volunteer contribution to IAPCO through a range of initiatives and committee roles since 2010. This led to her election to the IAPCO Council in 2021 and re-election in February 2023. In February 2024, she was elected IAPCO President-Elect and formally stepped into the role of IAPCO President at the 2025 Annual Meeting & General Assembly in Taiwan, beginning a two-year term (2025–2027), until today.
Nationally, she has been an active leader within HAPCO & DES, Greece’s association of PCOs and Event Specialists, serving on the Council since 2007. She held the role of President for the term 2022–2025 and was re-elected to the HAPCO & DES Board in May 2025, now serving from the position of a Board Member.
She is a member of IAPCO Training Academy, and serves as IAPCO Faculty Member, Speaker & Mentor for various national and international bodies and committees.
Nicky McGrane is the Founder and CEO of Conference Partners International (CPI) and Event Partners Ireland, which she established in 1998. With over more than 30 years in the business-events industry, she has grown CPI from a small start-up into an international, award-winning organisation that has delivered more than 1,000 conferences and events worldwide.
At the heart of Nicola’s leadership approach is a strong belief that relationships drive successful teams, businesses and careers. She is known for her people-focused, practical leadership style and for building cultures based on trust, collaboration, clarity and genuine connection.
Nicky has been actively involved with IAPCO for many years, including five years on the Board and more than a decade supporting the development of its European IAPCO education programmes. She is also Chair of INCON, the global partnership of PCO companies and a founding member and past Chair of AIPCO in Ireland.
Having led teams through growth, change, challenging periods and an increasingly complex global events environment, Nicky brings a very practical perspective to Leading Relationships; how we understand people, build trust, communicate effectively and create the relationships that allow both individuals and teams to thrive.
Mathias Posch is President and Chairman of International Conference Services (ICS), a professional congress organiser headquartered in Vancouver, BC, with offices across Europe, Asia and North America.
A long-time IAPCO member, Mathias served on the IAPCO Council for 14 years, including as President and as Chair of the IAPCO Training Academy. He currently sits on the board of INCON.
Shaped by years spent living in both Asia and Europe, Mathias brings a truly global outlook to everything he does, yet Vancouver remains home. He has shared his insights on stages around the world, presenting well over 100 times for industry associations.