Budding talents will undergo modules covering leadership, governance, financial strategy, stakeholder management and more. Photo Credit: iStock/fizkes
The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) has opened applications for the third edition of its Asia-Pacific Emerging Leaders Programme, as the global association expands a workforce development strategy that is now being rolled out across multiple regions.
Developed with the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), the IAPCO & NZICC Emerging Leaders Programme – APAC has become the cornerstone of the association's leadership development efforts since its launch in 2024.
Advancing a global workforce strategy beyond APAC
Earlier this year, IAPCO extended the model to Latin America through a new partnership with FIEXPO, signalling its intention to build a global pipeline of future industry leaders.
The move reflects a growing recognition that attracting and retaining talent has become a strategic priority for the meetings industry, as destinations, organisers and venues continue to strengthen workforce capability in the wake of the pandemic.
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“Workforce development is one of IAPCO's highest strategic priorities,” said Martin Boyle, CEO of IAPCO. “As our industry continues to evolve, investing in people is essential to ensuring its long-term resilience, professionalism and global impact.”
Partnerships with organisations allows the creation of leadership pathways that identify talent early, develop capability and strengthen the future of the meetings profession across multiple regions, Boyle continued.
How the APAC programme works
Open exclusively to employees of IAPCO member companies across Asia Pacific, the 2026 programme comprises six online leadership modules delivered between July and September.
Participants, typically with three to five years' industry experience, will receive training in leadership, governance, financial strategy, stakeholder management, communication and decision-making while building professional networks across the global IAPCO community.
The programme culminates in the Jan Tonkin Scholarship, named after former IAPCO president and New Zealand business events leader Jan Tonkin MNZM.
One participant will be awarded the scholarship, with the opportunity to attend the IAPCO Annual Meeting & General Assembly 2027 in Mumbai, providing exposure to senior industry leaders from around the world. The recipient will receive complimentary registration, accommodation and return flights.
Alana Bicknell, director of sales, NZICC, said the continuing partnership equips emerging professionals with not only skills and confidence, but also the international perspective needed to drive our sector forward.
Sustained pathways beyond the course
Stephen Noble, IAPCO council member and chair of the IAPCO Training Academy, said the programme creates a sustained leadership pathway rather than a one-off training initiative.
He pointed to the return of previous scholarship recipients Pooja Menon and Shimal Jaykant as programme moderators as evidence of its long-term impact, creating what he described as a “cycle of learning, leadership and contribution, where participants go on to support others and help raise capability across the profession”.
“The Emerging Leaders Programme is designed to do more than deliver education in the moment. Its purpose is to create a leadership pathway that strengthens professional standards, builds confidence and keeps emerging talent connected to the IAPCO community over time,” said Noble.
Applications for the 2026 IAPCO & NZICC Emerging Leaders Programme – APAC close on 15 July.