Building Bridges across Continents

The 2024 edition of the AIPC Academy was successful in many ways. The 30 participants from 14 countries – including Singapore, South-Africa, Australia, Canada and Costa Rica – spent a full week together to learn, work and discuss many aspects related to convention centre management. This included technology, cyber security, sustainability, leadership and much more. And while the participants came from very different venues, in terms of size and service offering, many of the challenges faced are similar, making the discussions impactful as they were solution driven. This was stimulated by the high level of interactivity during the sessions in the form of role plays, workshops, etc. 

We were also very fortunate to have some “teachers in residence”, spending (almost) the entire week with the group and sharing their insights and know-how, both formally via lectures and informally during the breaks. I really would like to thank all of them, given the massive time investment they did, despite their very demanding “day jobs”. So thank you to: Julianne Jammers (Managing Director STCC), Eric Manganel (CFO, STCC), Steve Mackenzie (Chief Innovation Office, Momentus), Kurby Court (CEO Calgary Convention Centre), Adam Paulitsch (Director, Populous) and Weemin Ong (Vice-President, MBS).  Your efforts elevated the entire Academy experience. 

But at the end, the most important outcome for the participants is their new global network, as you can read in some of the testimonials below. As one of the delegates said during the debrief: “In less than a week, I got 29 new friends to hang out with.” And the same, of course, goes for the AIPC team, which already started to plan next year’s edition.  

Sven Bossu, AIPC CEO 

Testimonials: 

Giorgia Sinclair, Event Manager, Manchester Central
“A truly incredible week spent at the AIPC Academy!
It was a honour to connect and spend time with inspiring people from every corner of the world.
Thank you so much AIPC for providing us with such an amazing and unforgettable experience filled with great content.
Grateful for the chance to expand my knowledge and skills and looking forward to implementing everything that I have learnt at Manchester Central”

Selina Masnetz, Management Center Innsbruck
“All I have left to say is THANK YOU
After one week of work and education in La Hulpe, Belgium 🇧🇪 I want to say Thank you
Thank you to AIPC for this outstanding program and these incredible speakers
Thank you to all the speakers for not only educating us but for spending your time talking to us during lunch and dinner times and wanting to connect on different levels. It was truly valuable to connect with all of you”

Charlie Minards-Tonge, Exhibition & Special Event Account Manager
“Well what an incredible week that was! I am pleased to say I completed the AIPC Academy in Brussels
The things I have learnt, the people I have met and the experience I had was honestly the greatest. Building an international network whilst also learning so much, I am truly grateful for the opportunity”

Alexander Gird, Maintenance Manager, Cape Town International Convention Centre
“Thanks for an unforgettable experience last week.
To the organisers and speakers, You guys are excellent, thanks for all the content and learning experience you have provided me. I can really give positive feedback an promote this academy in a positive way and I believe everybody in this industry should attend this. The Insite you have provided was not only relevant but gave a new perspective, I will be able to use what I have learnt and apply it were I work.
Please never stop doing what you are doing.
To my fellow delegates, your openness and friendliness made a stay far from home very memorable. I bless you and wish you all the best in your respective careers and you guys are some of the nicest people I have met. Look after yourself and your families and I hope and believe that we will meetup again someday.
Remember to have that ABF.”