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Leading the charge in transforming the global business events industry, the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration to nurture future leaders and propel the sector to new heights. In a strategic move, the NZICC has joined forces with the International Association for Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) to launch the visionary ‘Next Generation Leaders Programme’.

As the much-anticipated convention centre in Auckland’s vibrant city centre nears completion, the NZICC is poised to revolutionize the landscape by equipping industry professionals with the skills and capabilities needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment. The collaboration with IAPCO marks a momentous milestone in the quest to strengthen the global business events community.

Designed exclusively for IAPCO members in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, the Next Generation Leaders Programme promises to empower ambitious professionals who meet the stringent criteria and aspire to enhance their leadership acumen. This game-changing initiative will offer immersive online education workshops expertly organized by NZICC and IAPCO.

In a remarkable display of commitment to fostering talent and rewarding excellence, the programme will award an annual scholarship to one exceptional participant. This prestigious accolade will bear the name of the esteemed Jan Tonkin, former President of IAPCO, trailblazing founder of The Conference Company, and revered luminary within New Zealand’s business events industry. The recipient of this coveted scholarship will be privileged to attend IAPCO’s highly acclaimed Annual Meeting and General Assembly, rubbing shoulders with esteemed senior leaders from the global business events community.

Sarah Markey-Hamm, President of IAPCO, warmly acknowledges Jan Tonkin’s invaluable contributions, stating, “Jan’s immense dedication and vision have propelled our association to unprecedented heights. Her profound insights and expertise have been instrumental in shaping IAPCO’s educational programs over the past 15 years. Despite formally concluding her role on the IAPCO Council, Jan continues to generously share her wisdom and guidance, remaining an invaluable contributor to our educational initiatives. It is truly an honor to have her name grace this scholarship program in our region.”

Anticipation mounts among Asia-Pacific members of IAPCO, with the online format of the workshops opening doors to a vast audience. The groundbreaking programme promises to unleash a wave of transformation, enriching participants’ professional journeys and reaping profound benefits for the wider business and professional events industry, not only in New Zealand but across the globe.

Prue Daly, General Manager of NZICC, expresses deep gratitude for the partnership with IAPCO, highlighting the shared commitment to nurturing talent within the business events industry. Daly also underscores the significance of cultural awareness and community impact as integral components of the education content, emphasizing NZICC’s unwavering dedication to showcasing New Zealand’s rich heritage.

At the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, NZICC is committed to fostering the growth of future talent, both locally and throughout the Asia-Pacific region, to support the burgeoning business events industry. With a slew of high-profile international conferences already secured, including the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education (WIPCE) scheduled for November 2025, NZICC is set to make a resounding impact. The event is expected to welcome 3,000 esteemed guests worldwide, generating an estimated economic windfall of over $6 million.

Applications for the highly anticipated Next Generation Leaders Programme will open in late May, signalling the commencement of an extraordinary journey towards leadership excellence. NZICC eagerly awaits the inaugural workshop scheduled for July 2023, poised to ignite a transformative shift within the business events realm.

With the NZICC-IAPCO collaboration at the forefront, the global business events industry braces for an era of innovation and leadership, catalyzing growth and shaping the future of this dynamic sector.