The Adaptability Playbook: 10 Takeaways for Emerging Leaders in Business Events

Why Emerging Talent is the Engine of the Industry’s Future

The future of the global business events industry won’t be built by the largest companies or the most established executives — it will be shaped by the emerging talent leading the next wave of innovation. This was the clear message from the “Emerging Talent, You Matter” session at the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) earlier this year, led by Melissa Brown (CEO, Australian Business Events Association), Waikin Wong (Regional Director, ICCA Asia Pacific), Martha Kassis (Hannover Fairs Australia), and Dan Londero (CEO, Turnkey Event Solutions Pty Ltd).

Their insights offered a powerful roadmap for the next generation of event professionals — and a reminder that adaptability, courage, and connection are the true currencies of leadership.

1. The Portfolio Career is Your Superpower

The traditional “climb the corporate ladder” model is fading fast. According to Melissa Brown, the modern career journey is about diversity and experience — with tomorrow’s leaders likely to hold 18 jobs across six careers.

This variety should be seen as a strength, not instability. A broad professional background builds resilience, adaptability, and a unique leadership edge. Emerging professionals are encouraged to build networks of advocates — people who will champion them even when they’re not in the room.

2. Courage is the New Leadership Mandate

In the fast-paced world of live events, uncertainty is a given. As Dan Londero noted, leadership today isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about having the courage to make decisions, take risks, and ask for help when needed.

The next generation of leaders will be defined not by their titles, but by their bravery to step forward, experiment, and learn in real time.

3. Fixing the Education-to-Industry Pipeline

The business events industry still lacks a formal education pathway, with many professionals finding their way into the field by chance. The solution lies in a hybrid learning model — one that blends higher education with practical experience, mentorship, and structured graduate programs.

Industry collaboration with educators is essential to create sustainable talent pipelines that keep the sector future-ready.

4. Trust is the Foundation of Hybrid Work

Hybrid work is here to stay — but trust is the key to making it successful. Without it, even the most flexible models collapse.

For younger generations, flexibility isn’t a perk; it’s an expectation. Research shows that 51% prioritise sustainability and 45% value alignment, proving that culture and trust are vital for long-term retention and engagement.

5. Diversity Drives Modern Event Experiences

As Australia’s demographics evolve, cultural intelligence is no longer optional. Martha Kassis highlighted that two-thirds of the nation’s population growth comes from migration — meaning event organisers must design experiences that reflect diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Modern events thrive when they are built with empathy and inclusivity, and post-event data provides the insight to continually improve.

The Adaptability Playbook: 10 Key Takeaways

1. Build advocates who will back you when you’re not in the room.
2. Lead with courage, not certainty.
3. Combine practical experience with theory and mentorship.
4. Treat diverse experiences as a career advantage.
5. Make trust the non-negotiable foundation of your workplace.
6. Design events with cultural intelligence front and centre.
7. Be ready to “fill the gap” — seize unexpected opportunities.
8. Seek out mentors who can guide and challenge you.
9. Use feedback and data to continuously improve.
10. Push the industry to build clearer pathways — and help create them.

You Are the Architect of the Industry’s Future

The session closed with a powerful reminder drawn from the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt: the best way to predict the future is to create it.

For every emerging professional, the message was simple — you are not just the future of this industry, you are its most vital present-day asset. The call to action is clear: be courageous, be curious, and build an adaptable, inclusive, and forward-thinking business events sector that thrives on innovation and human connection.

Thanks to ABEA and ICCA Asia Pacific for championing this vital conversation at AIME.

For more information, visit www.aime.com.au

For more travel inspiration read the daily online The Holiday and Travel Magazine https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/