International events experts explored the latest developments in New Zealand’s business events industry last week with the IAPCO (International Association for Professional Congress Organisers) Council in Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) for their annual strategy meeting. Around a dozen global leaders, including the association’s president and president-elect, gathered in the city to map out their five-year vision.
Beyond their strategic planning sessions, the IAPCO Council members donned hard hats to tour the country’s newest convention centre, the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC). They also enjoyed unique cultural and local experiences.
The NZICC hosted interactive workshops with the IAPCO Council and local stakeholders, including the Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB) and Tourism New Zealand Business Events (TNZ). These sessions provided an opportunity for Team Auckland to gain expertise and knowledge from IAPCO, broadening their understanding of key global trends and strategies for engaging the next generation, with insights into customer experience, bidding, conference legacy, sustainability, and authentic Indigenous storytelling.
NZICC general manager Prue Daly said: “It’s a real privilege to welcome the IAPCO Council, who shares our commitment to growth and excellence within the business events industry. We are excited to showcase the NZICC, to have these influential experts in the same room, and to build relationships while exchanging ideas.”
Earlier this year, NZICC and IAPCO launched the ‘Next Generation Leaders Programme’ to develop the expertise of IAPCO members across the APAC region. This initiative features online workshops, broadening access for aspiring leaders, and culminates each year with the Jan Tonkin Scholarship. Named after the former IAPCO President, the scholarship grants one participant the opportunity to attend IAPCO’s Annual Meeting and General Assembly alongside global business events leaders.
When the NZICC opens in the heart of Auckland City – and completion could be done by the end of 2024 – it will become one of the most connected convention centres in the world.
Martin Boyle, chief executive officer at IAPCO, said: “Each year, global destinations are selected for IAPCO Council Meetings that we feel can contribute to further developing the professionalism of the meetings and events industry. Yes, it is important that the IAPCO Council experiences the destination in order to consider opportunities for their client events, but it is also essential that the destination can equally benefit from tapping into IAPCOs collective global experience during interactive sessions together.”
