Porto, Portugal – November 2025 — At the ICCA Congress 2025, held in the historic city of Porto, ADFIAP, represented by its Secretary General, Mr. Enrique I. Florencio, shared a unique perspective during the campfire session titled “Purpose-Full RFPs: The Bidding Compass—Mission, Money & Contracts.” While many organizations navigate the competitive landscape of event bidding, ADFIAP set itself apart by redefining the role of RFPs—not as a bidder, but as a values-driven issuer.
RFPs with Purpose: ADFIAP’s Unique Position
Representing development finance institutions across the Asia-Pacific, ADFIAP does not engage in competitive bidding for event hosting. Instead, it issues RFPs for event vendors—an area where ethical contracting, mission alignment, and sustainability are paramount.
These positions us uniquely in the RFP landscape—not as bidders, but as issuers—allowing us to shape the process with purpose from the beginning,” shared Mr. Florencio during the session.
ADFIAP’s events are more than logistical exercises—they are expressions of institutional values rooted in sustainable finance, inclusive development, and regional impact.
Beyond Cost: Choosing Vendors Who Share the Mission
ADFIAP’s RFPs go beyond price and capacity. They include criteria that assess:
- Environmental responsibility
- Support for local economies
- Inclusive hiring practices
“We’ve selected vendors not only for cost-efficiency but also for their commitment to inclusive practices and environmental responsibility,” Mr. Florencio emphasized.
Transparency is a key part of ADFIAP’s procurement process. RFPs are designed with clear scopes, evaluation criteria, and timelines—ensuring fairness for vendors of all sizes. The association also promotes open dialogue by inviting vendor questions and providing post-selection feedback, building trust and enhancing future responses.
Contracts as Partnerships, Not Transactions
ADFIAP views vendor relationships as collaborative partnerships. Contracts are crafted to promote shared success, adaptability, and mutual accountability. Deliverables are co-developed to ensure vendors understand not only the “what” but also the “why” behind each event.
At ADFIAP, we see every event as a chance to demonstrate our values,” Mr. Florencio continues. “Our experience shows that even outside a non-bidding context, associations can lead by example in creating fairer, more meaningful procurement practices—those that focus on mission, boost local impact, and foster lasting partnerships.”