A PCO is the commonly used acronym for the term ‘Professional Conference Organiser’.
A PCO specialises in the planning of events, meetings and conferences.
Many professionals who take on the responsibility of hosting and planning a conference do so over and above their “day job” as an academic or professional in their field of speciality.
Because of this, there may be a knowledge gap, manpower or time shortage, or a combination of all of these factors.
In order to create a stress–free, successful event, a PCO can help. Most PCO’s will offer a wide range of service and skill support and will offer these as a complete service, if this is the level of support required, or alternatively, offer their services individually to manage specific aspects of the event that the client wishes to outsource.
It’s important to remember that the organizing committee will ultimately retain control of the event and have the final decision making say. The PCO will provide consultancy, expertise and advice to their clients as well as project manage and co-ordinate operational delivery, but the ultimate decision making generally is retained by the committee, unless they wish otherwise.

A PCO is the commonly used acronym for the term ‘Professional Conference Organiser’.
A PCO specialises in the planning of events, meetings and conferences.
Many professionals who take on the responsibility of hosting and planning a conference do so over and above their “day job” as an academic or professional in their field of speciality.
Because of this, there may be a knowledge gap, manpower or time shortage, or a combination of all of these factors.
In order to create a stress–free, successful event, a PCO can help. Most PCO’s will offer a wide range of service and skill support and will offer these as a complete service, if this is the level of support required, or alternatively, offer their services individually to manage specific aspects of the event that the client wishes to outsource.
It’s important to remember that the organising committee will ultimately retain control of the event and have the final decision making say. The PCO will provide consultancy, expertise and advice to their clients as well as project manage and co-ordinate operational delivery, but the ultimate decision making generally is retained by the committee, unless they wish otherwise.
- Mackenzie, C 2011, The role of the PCO, Whitepaper, Congrex