AIPC announces first 15 successful applicants to its Future Shapers programme

The Association of International Convention Centres (AIPC) has announced 15 successful applicants into its inaugural Future Shapers programme, which kicks off 15 September 2021. The 12 month programme has been designed to support venue managers to develop their high performers, accelerate their leadership skills and provide them with a platform to influence outcomes and improve the industry. AIPC president Greg O’Dell (pictured) said: “Through education, a community of peers and mentors, and a platform to perform, these Future Shapers can help set the course of our industry. “These star performers are the next generation of our industry’s leaders and our goal is to escalate their progress and share their ideas with our members during the journey. “The programme’s launch also further supports the industry’s focus on talent retention and moving skill sets as we navigate a rapidly changing business environment,” O’Dell said. The first quarter of the lecture series focuses on soft skills and leadership tools. Sandy Kennedy of Entrepreneurial Scotland, who spends his time developing young people into the leaders of tomorrow, will focus on the personal journey of leaders; Cathy O’Dowd, the first woman to climb Mount Everest from both the North and South sides, will share her insights into leadership for high achievers and, through both lectures and one-on-one sessions, Andy Green will guide the Future Shapers through the creation of their Personal Purpose Manifesto: a declaration of what each individual finds important to them. The programme will also cover hot industry topics such as technology, sustainability and future event and venue formats, as well as one-on-one mentoring with global CEOs and an industry. The inaugural AIPC Future Shapers are: – Stephanie Martin, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Australia – Matthew Haynes, ICC Sydney, Australia – Sandra Rae, ICC Sydney, Australia – Genevieve Lim, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore – Shirly Shi, Shenzhen World, China – Beatriz Campuzano, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia – Montserrat Nunez, Costa Rica Convention Center, Costa Rica – Dagmar Brozova, Prague Congress Centre, Czech Republic – Mounira Pichori, VIParis, France – Sanny, Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Indonesia – Jacqueline Tran, Javits Center, New York – Saba Al Azki, Oman Convention & Exhibition Center, Oman – Danielle Henn, CSIR ICC, South Africa – Belinda Haas, Swiss Tech Convention Center, Switzerland – Dawn Lauder, Scottish Event Campus, UK   For more information, visit www.aipc.org or contact the AIPC Secretariat at secretariat@aipc.org.