The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) has opened applications for the 2026 IAPCO & NZICC Emerging Leaders Programme – APAC and the Jan Tonkin Scholarship, reinforcing its broader global workforce development strategy and long-term commitment to developing future leaders across the meetings and business events industry.
Delivered in partnership with the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), the IAPCO & NZICC Emerging Leaders Programme – APAC and Jan Tonkin Scholarship is now entering its third consecutive year and forms a cornerstone of IAPCO’s strategy to identify, nurture and empower emerging leaders across the meetings profession.
Earlier this year, IAPCO expanded this strategy into a second world region with the launch of the inaugural IAPCO & FIEXPO Emerging Leaders Programme – LATAM and the Jorge Castex Scholarship, which officially opened during FIEXPO Latin America 2026. Together, the two regional programmes demonstrate IAPCO’s commitment to building sustainable leadership pathways and advancing professional excellence through education, collaboration and strategic partnerships.
Martin Boyle, CEO of IAPCO, said investing in people is fundamental to ensuring the long-term success of the global meetings industry.
“Workforce development is one of IAPCO’s highest strategic priorities. As our industry continues to evolve, investing in people is essential to ensuring its long-term resilience, professionalism and global impact.
“Through meaningful partnerships with organisations such as NZICC and FIEXPO, we are creating leadership pathways that identify talent early, develop capability and strengthen the future of our profession across multiple regions.
“No single organisation can develop the future workforce alone. By working with partners who share our commitment to professional excellence, we are creating opportunities that deliver lasting impact for individuals, businesses, destinations and the wider meetings industry,” said Boyle.
Designed exclusively for employees of IAPCO Member companies across the Asia-Pacific region, the APAC Emerging Leaders Programme combines six interactive online leadership sessions delivered between July and September 2026. Companies may nominate multiple participants with approximately three to five years’ experience in the business events industry.
Bringing together experienced industry professionals and subject-matter experts from across the global meetings industry, the programme explores leadership capability, stakeholder management, governance, financial strategy, communication and decision-making through a series of practical, leadership-focused modules.
Combining regional relevance with international best practice, participants gain the skills, confidence and perspective needed to contribute to the future of the meetings industry while building lasting professional networks across the IAPCO community.
The programme culminates in the Jan Tonkin Scholarship, named in honour of former IAPCO President and former Chair of the IAPCO Training Academy, Jan Tonkin MNZM, one of the Asia-Pacific’s most respected business events leaders.
Earlier this year, Tonkin was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in recognition of her outstanding services to the business events sector, celebrating her significant contribution to the industry in New Zealand and internationally.
Following completion of the programme, one outstanding participant will be awarded the Jan Tonkin Scholarship, offering the opportunity to join senior leaders from across the global meetings community at the IAPCO Annual Meeting & General Assembly 2027 in Mumbai, India. The scholarship includes complimentary registration, accommodation and return economy flights.
The programme’s long-term impact is demonstrated by its own evolution. Pooja Menon, Senior Manager – International Sales at IA Meetings and recipient of the inaugural Jan Tonkin Scholarship in 2025, together with Shimal Jaykant, Conference & Events Manager at Medical Conference Partners and recipient of the 2026 scholarship, now return as programme moderators, supporting the next cohort of emerging leaders.
Stephen Noble, IAPCO Council Member and Chair of the IAPCO Training Academy, said their continued involvement demonstrates the strategic purpose of the programme.
“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.
“Seeing previous Jan Tonkin Scholarship recipients return as moderators is a powerful example of that impact. It shows how investment in education can create a cycle of learning, leadership and contribution, where participants go on to support others and help raise capability across the profession.
“For the IAPCO Training Academy, this is central to our mission: developing professionals who are not only better equipped for their own careers, but who can also contribute to the resilience, excellence and future direction of the global meetings industry,” said Noble.
Alana Bicknell, Director of Sales, New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), said the continuing partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the future of the Asia-Pacific meetings industry through investment in people.
“Our partnership with IAPCO is founded on a shared belief that developing people is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in the future of our industry. By working together, we are helping to build leadership capability across the Asia-Pacific region, equipping emerging professionals with the skills, confidence and international perspective needed to drive our sector forward.
“This partnership is about creating long-term regional impact. By investing in future leaders today, we are contributing to the continued growth, resilience and capability of the Asia-Pacific business events industry. We are proud to continue partnering with IAPCO on an initiative that creates lasting value for individuals, organisations and destinations alike,” said Bicknell.
Applications for the 2026 IAPCO & NZICC Emerging Leaders Programme – APAC are now open and will close on 15 July 2026.
Delivered with the support of The Conference Company Ltd, an IAPCO Accredited Member.
