AIPC Future Shapers Programme: Shaping the Future of Convention Centres

AIPC future shapers

The International Association of Conference Centres (AIPC) has launched the Future Shapers programme, an exceptional international initiative designed to empower emerging leaders in the convention centre industry. This programme offers a unique platform for talented individuals to gain the skills and insights required to lead convention centres into the future, while fostering a sense of community among industry leaders from around the globe.

The goal of the Future Shapers programme is threefold:

1. To provide a tailor-made executive management programme aimed at developing the next generation of convention centre leaders.
2. To offer AIPC members an opportunity to retain and foster talent within their organisations.
3. To create lasting value for the AIPC community by generating innovative business cases that have the potential to reshape the way convention centres are managed, while offering participants the chance to build lasting connections with senior leaders globally. Participants will also become part of an exclusive alumni network after graduation.

The programme is structured around three core components:

• Masterclasses: Participants will attend a series of seven expert-led masterclasses, each designed to deepen their knowledge and understanding of key areas in convention centre leadership and management.

• Industry Challenge: Working in groups, participants will identify a pressing challenge facing the convention centre industry, propose a solution, and develop a detailed business case. This solution will be compiled into a white paper and published to the AIPC community.

• Challenge Presentation: Groups will prepare a 20-minute presentation to be delivered at the prestigious AIPC Annual Conference in Shenzhen, China, from June 22-25, 2025. This presentation will outline the proposed solution to the identified industry challenge, showcasing the innovation and strategic thinking of the participants.

The selection of the winning team will be based on two main criteria: the quality of the business case and the effectiveness of the presentation. A jury composed of AIPC board members, venue CEOs, and business partner CEOs will evaluate the business case based on innovation, market and product analysis, and financial feasibility. The presentation will be judged by the vote of the AIPC Annual Conference 2025 participants.

The AIPC Future Shapers programme offers a fantastic opportunity for emerging leaders to gain invaluable experience, broaden their professional networks, and make meaningful contributions to the future of the convention centre industry. The application process is open to AIPC members, with detailed criteria available on the AIPC website.

In addition, AIPC was excited to collaborate with AIME 2025 to offer even more opportunities for industry professionals to connect and exchange ideas. This partnership underscores AIPC's commitment to fostering leadership and innovation within the global convention centre community, further strengthening the shared goals of both organisations in supporting the evolution of the business events sector.

International Association of Conference Centres (AIPC)

Address: Rue du Congrès 37, 1000 Brussels, Belgique
Phone: +32 2 898 98 67
Web: https://aipc.org/