MELBOURNE/BRUSSELS (7 August July, 2025) – 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) are proud to announce the second edition of this tailor made leadership program for convention centre and venue professionals to be held in Auckland, New Zealand from 16–20 February 2026.
The announcement was made by Sven Bossu, CEO of AIPC and alongside Ross Steele, CEO of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre and AIPC Board Member, and Peter King, Chairman of ABEA. The two leaders reaffirmed the commitment to growing professional development pathways within the region, with the 2026 Academy to be hosted at the soon to be newly 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 program 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 program combining expert led lectures with hand on learning experiences to explore the latest in venue leadership and convention centre management. Participants will gain actionable strategies to elevate operational performance and drive innovation in their own venues.
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.”
To ensure the continued success of the program AIPC will again collaborate with Stephanie Martin from Revstar Group, a Melbourne based management agency with expertise in business events and program strategy as the official program delivery partner.
Full program details and registration for the AIPC and ABEA ANZ Academy 2026 will be available soon at www.aipc.org.
About AIPC
The International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) is the global industry association for professional convention and exhibition centre managers. AIPC is committed to encouraging and recognising excellence in convention centre management, providing research, education, and networking opportunities to support its members worldwide.
About ABEA
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) is a united force representing the dynamic world of business events. ABEA enhances member’s success and elevates the industry at large through strategic advocacy, research, community development and community. As a powerful, united voice, ABEA lead advocacy efforts with data-driven insights that quantify the business events industry’s impact and influence, shaping informed policy based on the needs of the entire industry. ABEA fosters a vibrant, supportive community that empowers business events professionals at every career stage, providing opportunities for growth, networking, and collaboration
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES
ZADRO are representing Australian Business Events Association to media.
For images and media enquiries including arranging interviews, please contact:
Felicity Zadro
Managing Director
felicity@zadroagency.com.au
0404 009 384
Kirsty Thompson
Senior Project Manager
kirsty@zadroagency.com.au
0468 825 419
PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVES
AIPC
secretariat@aipc.org
+32 2 213 13 00
ANZ Program Manager
Stephanie Martin
0402 728 010
stephanie@revstargroup.com
