IIR began in 1973 as a publisher of international newsletters. In 1978 IIR entered the conference business in the UK . In the wake of the success of the first two events, IIR's focus rapidly switched to conferences. In 1979 the first conferences were held in Europe and Singapore , and by 1980 offices had opened in Singapore and Hong Kong, and conference activities had expanded into Malaysia , the Philippines , Indonesia and Thailand .

Worldwide Expansion
By 1986 there were 7 conference offices, and continued expansion in Europe, Scandinavia, North and South America, Africa, the Middle East and Australasia over the last decade has led to the current total of 46 companies - the broadest international spread of any company of its kind. IIR continues to explore new and growing markets and have recently opened offices in Eastern Europe and Portugal .

Expansion through Diversification
IIR moved into Exhibitions in 1984 with the opening of an exhibitions company in Singapore . Today, IIR owns a large portfolio of high profile exhibitions throughout the world including the Monaco Yacht Show and IPEX.

Expansion by Acquisition
In 1986 IIR acquired the Northwest Centre for Professional Education, specialist organisers of US Real Estate conferences and seminars.

In 1989 we entered the training business by acquiring the American Institute, a major networking and data communications training organisation, which provided a springboard for expansion into Europe, Scandinavia and Australasia under the name of IIR Technology.

Continued Expansion
This double-edged expansion method - organic growth and acquisition - has continued throughout the 1990's and early 2000s to create what is now the world's largest business knowledge and skills company.

In 1998, IIR started a UK based Serviced Office business - Abbey Business Centres.