India has become the latest country to be represented in the ranks of IAPCO members, bringing the total to an impressive 41 countries. And with the addition of new members KW Conferences Pvt based in Gurgaon, India and Convention Linkage, Inc, based in Chiyoda-ku, Japan, IAPCO now boasts 116 quality-driven members.

As with all member applications, entry criteria is strict, with site inspection appraisal visits taking place in both cases. Michel Neijmann, Quality Committee and IAPCO Council, undertook the audit of World Sleep 2011, organised by Convention Linkage, in Kyoto, at which 2596 delegates attended from 37 countries.

Roslyn McLeod, IAPCO Council, took the trip to India to review the AIPPI (International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property) ExCo and Forum 2011 in Hyderabad at which 662 delegates from 69 countries participated. “All those to whom I spoke were highly complimentary about the various staff with whom they dealt with at KW Conferences”, commented Roslyn, “I did not encounter one criticism. Their performance was seamless despite the fact that they had to move social events due to predicted rain following on storms and floods. They will make a good member of IAPCO and bring credit within India due to their high standing”.

But it was not good news for everyone... Two other applications for membership have been rejected this year, and seven remain pending. “IAPCO continues to be extremely diligent about membership applications to continue striving for Quality” says Philippe Fournier, IAPCO President.