Founded in 1948, the International Society for Performing Arts (ISPA) is the world’s most recognized trade association for organizations, independent producers, artists, managers, festivals, financiers and professionals working in the performing arts sector; today it counts among its members over 500 cultural institutions from 60 countries. ISPA organizes two congresses each year: in New York in January, outside North America in early summer. After Hong Kong, Manchester and Perth, the City of Lugano will host the next edition. The 2025 summer edition is expected to have over 400 participants.