World PCO Alliance Announces New Executive Team

The World PCO Alliance has elected new officers for the upcoming term.

At the Alliance’s Annual General Meeting, held on 19 June 2025, Sumate Sudasna of Thailand’s CDM (Conference & Destination Management) was elected President, succeeding André Vietor of Spain’s Bco Congresos, who now serves as Immediate Past President. Caroline Knies, Founder and Managing Director of Sweden’s Meetagain AB, was elected Vice President, and Jean-Paul da Levison, Founder of Canada’s JPdL International, was elected Treasurer. The new officers will serve a two-year term with immediate effect.

“I am honoured to assume the role of President of the World PCO Alliance”, said Sumate Sudasna, CITP, DES, CEM Emeritus, who has been active in the business events industry for over 30 years and recently relinquished his Presidency of TICA – Thailand Incentive and Convention Association after serving 8 terms of 16 years, and was bestowed with the title President Emeritus. “Together with my fellow officers, I am eager to support our members and strengthen our industry by creating new opportunities and solutions for meetings worldwide.

I am excited to serve the Alliance as Vice President”, said Caroline Knies, an industry leader with more than 30 years of experience. “Sustainability, collaboration, and building lasting partnerships are at the heart of our work at Meetagain, and I look forward to extending those values to the Alliance’s initiatives globally.”

Jean-Paul de Lavison, a seasoned professional with more than 40 years of event management added: "It is a privilege to serve as Treasurer. Our industry thrives when we combine tradition, trust and innovation. I believe the Alliance will continue to grow as a platform for collaboration, with members who inspire one another to excel.

Immediate Past President André Vietor reflected: “It has been a great honor to lead the World PCO Alliance, and I look forward to continuing to contribute as Immediate Past President and to supporting the new officers in building the future of our global community.”

Founded in 2009, the World PCO Alliance provides leadership in professional congress organisation and meeting management through the delivery of streamlined, effective, and sustainable events around the globe. Its mandates include a collective exchange education, technology, and expertise to strengthen the international meetings industry and to promote its clients’ events worldwide. Today, the Alliance is comprised of 19 leading PCOs across the globe.

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