The International Association of Professional Congress
Organisers (IAPCO) has announced plans to run a scholarship programme for
emerging leaders in Latin America in recognition of the region’s growing strategic
importance to the world’s meetings sector and as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen intergenerational collaboration.
The Jorge Castex Scholarship, named in honour of IAPCO past
president and former Chair of the IAPCO Training Academy and supported by FIEXPO
Exhibitions Group, was announced at IAPCO’s annual meeting and general assembly
in Athens on 27 February.
The core theme of the event, which brought together over 200
senior leaders from 36 countries, was workforce development with the
association’s 2026 awards also presented.
IAPCO president Sissy Lignou announced plans to replace the
term ‘next gen’ with ‘emerging leaders’ for future schemes.
“Referring to professionals as ‘next gen’ implies succession
at a distance,” she explained. “Recognising
them as ‘emerging leaders’ acknowledges the leadership already taking place
across our organisations today.”
The shift forms part of IAPCO’s long-term strategy to
strengthen intergenerational collaboration, formalise leadership pathways and
embed sustainable talent development in the meetings and events industry.
IAPCO CEO Martin Boyle, said: “The long-term sustainability
of the global meetings industry depends on how deliberately we cultivate
leadership across generations.
“Emerging Leaders must be integrated into governance,
strategy and decision-making. By formalising this framework, we are reinforcing
the professionalism, resilience and long-term credibility of our sector.”
The event also saw winners of the 2026 IAPCO & NZICC Jan
Tonkin Scholarship Award and the 2026 Emerging Leader Award presented with
their awards.
Shimal Jaykant conference and events manager at Medical
Conference Partners in Malaysia was announced recipient of the Jan Tonkin Scholarship
in recognition of her ‘reflective, values-driven leadership approach and
forward-thinking vision on APAC congress delivery.’
The 2026 Emerging Leader Award, supported by IAPCO
Destination Partners was presented to Cheryl Choy, project manager, Asia at
International Conference Services in Singapore.
The award, formerly the IAPCO Hero Award, recognises early
career professionals whose work demonstrates measurable impact and alignment
with IAPCO values.
The nine-strong jury of destination partners, recognised
Choy for implementing a cross-functional ‘Dual Role Framework’ that enhanced
operational agility, employee resilience and organisational scalability.
Emma has been a journalist for over 20 years, with experience working in both local and trade media. After reporting on the fast-paced world of hospitality for many years, Emma is enjoying this transition into the equally exciting world of events to cover Holly Patrick’s role on AMI and M&IT while she takes her maternity leave.
