Congrès Inc. Executive Officer Ikuko Nishimura Appointed as IAPCO Ambassador for Japan - Harnessing global expertise to drive Japan's presence and leadership in the international meetings industry -
In June 2026, Congrès Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Noriko Takeuchi; hereinafter "Congrès") announced the appointment of Ikuko Nishimura, Corporate Executive Officer of the MICE Business Strategic Planning Headquarters, as an "IAPCO Ambassador" by the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO).
IAPCO Ambassadors are integral to the Association's international outreach and engagement. Recognised as leaders within their companies and regions, Ambassadors help strengthen the profile, reputation, and global influence of IAPCO and the meetings industry. (As of June 2026, there are 18 Ambassadors worldwide, with Nishimura being the sole representative appointed from Japan.)
Leveraging this appointment, Congrès will work in close alignment with the Destination Partnership between the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and IAPCO. We are fully committed to sharing and contributing Japanese expertise and innovation to the global stage, while driving nation-wide efforts to attract, support, and elevate the quality of international meetings.
About IAPCO and the Role of the Ambassador
The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) is the only global accreditation body for Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs), representing the gold standard of excellence in the global meetings industry. Founded in 1968, IAPCO exists to elevate professional standards in the planning and delivery of world-class conferences and meetings.
The "IAPCO Ambassador" role is designed to strengthen international outreach and collaboration. As advocates, connectors, and industry representatives, Ambassadors contribute thought leadership, share regional insights, and encourage collaboration across the global business events community.
Recognizing this appointment as a prime opportunity to advance Japan's MICE industry and reinforce the nation's international competitiveness, Congrès will focus its future activities around the following Three Key Pillars, built upon a solid partnership with IAPCO and JNTO:
1. Strengthening Japan's leadership role within the global meetings industry
Through enhanced engagement with IAPCO, we will actively participate in shaping the future of the profession. By amplifying Japan's voice on the global stage, we will reinforce its global profile and visibility as a premier destination for international meetings.
2. Demonstrating Japan's commitment to attracting and supporting international meetings
In deep alignment with JNTO's ongoing Destination Partnership with IAPCO, we will actively drive nationwide and regional bidding efforts. We aim to ensure their successful delivery, establishing Japan as the preferred choice for future global events.
3. Global knowledge-sharing and developing emerging leaders
Through education and industry collaboration, we will share Japanese expertise and best practices with the global IAPCO community. Simultaneously, we will feed international insights and networks back into Japan, contributing directly to the development of future leaders within the meetings industry both domestically and globally.
Comment from Ikuko Nishimura (Newly Appointed IAPCO Ambassador)
"I am deeply honoured to be appointed as an Ambassador for IAPCO, an organisation of profound heritage and prestige. In this era of transformation, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to play a part in shaping the future of the global business events industry.
I express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported me throughout my career. Looking ahead, I am committed to fulfilling my mission as an Ambassador, striving for the further advancement of Japan's meetings industry and deepening the service excellence Congrès delivers."
Biography
Ikuko Nishimura
Corporate Executive Officer, MICE Business Strategic Planning Headquarters, Congrès Inc.
Since joining Congrès Inc. in 2003, Ikuko Nishimura has built a distinguished career, continuously developing the leadership and expertise that led to her current executive position. Currently, she oversees the strategic planning and management of international conferences across diverse domains, having played a pivotal role in high-profile global events including the G7 Hiroshima Summit (2023).
Dedicated to advancing the Japanese MICE industry, she serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB) and a Planning Committee Member for the Japan Congress Convention Bureau (JCCB). As a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), she has delivered numerous lectures at universities and seminars across Japan, leveraging her extensive expertise to inspire and nurture the next generation of industry talent.