Following the success of the inaugural AIPC and ABEA ANZ Academy in 2025, The International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), in partnership with the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA), have announced the second edition of this tailor made leadership programme for convention centre and venue professionals will be held in Auckland, New Zealand,16–20 February 2026. The announcement was made by Sven Bossu, CEO of AIPC, alongside Ross Steele, CEO of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre and Peter King, chairman of ABEA.
The leaders reaffirmed the commitment to growing professional development pathways within the region, with the 2026 Academy to be hosted at the soon to be opened New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC).
Peter King shared: “The inaugural AIPC ABEA ANZ Academy was an outstanding success, with 100% satisfaction from participants and genuine impact felt across the board. What set the programme apart was not only the calibre of content and facilitators, but the opportunity for participants to engage in real-life venue scenarios and build lasting professional networks. This is exactly the kind of capability-building our industry needs – practical, collaborative and regionally focused. We are proud to support its return in 2026.”
Ross Steele added: “Bringing the Academy to Aotearoa New Zealand in its second-year signals AIPC’s commitment to deeper regional engagement. It ensures we are supporting venue leaders across the region with a focus on relevance, access and excellence.”
The AIPC ANZ Academy 2026 will again offer a five-day intensive programme, combining expert-led lectures with hand on learning experiences to explore the latest in venue leadership and convention centre management.
Prue Daly, General Manager of NZICC, shared her excitement at hosting the Academy’s second edition: “We are honoured to host the AIPC ANZ Academy in Auckland, its first time in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Academy’s focus on nurturing regional talent aligns perfectly with our vision to be a catalyst for world-class experiences and leadership excellence. We look forward to showcasing the very best of New Zealand’s manaakitanga.”
