AIPC appoints first CEO

AIPC, the International Association of Convention Centres, has appointed its first CEO, Sven Bossu (pictured). He will report directly to the AIPC Board and started his new role on 1 May. The association has also engaged Interel, a professional association management company. The moves indicate a bold move by AIPC towards raising the professionalism of the association as a global industry leader. Bossu will be responsible for finding and developing opportunities to upgrade member services, improve programme offerings, strengthen regional membership engagement and expand collaboration with like-minded associations in the meetings and events and adjacent industries. More immediately, the focus will lie on providing support to AIPC members facing the impact of the Covid-19 situation by creating a digital community platform for members to exchange experiences and best practices; and jointly prepare for the next steps of recovery. In his previous role, Bossu was the Managing Director for Innovation at ESTRO, the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology. He also has eight years of experience from the meetings industry through his time at SWIFT, where he was responsible for the organisation of their world-renowned SIBOS conference. Bossu said:“With its important role,  AIPC has the potential to increase the positive impact that it has on its membership, as well as its industry… I am very excited to begin contributing to the success of AIPC through the implementation of our business strategy..” Commenting on the appointment, Aloysius Arlando, who has been AIPC President since 2017, said: “With his innovative approach to the management of international associations, as well his proven experience in the meetings industry and digital engagement efforts, we strongly believe that Sven has the ability and agility to ensure the continued success and future-readiness of our association.” The association added that the appointment of the new CEO would complement the association management services that Interel has been providing to AIPC since August and the continued contribution of Rod Cameron to various initiatives. Overall, it added, the restructuring would allow for AIPC to be better equipped to scale up and strengthen its role as the global authority and resource for convention centre management.