Highlights from the 2024 AIPC Operational Excellence Summit in Barcelona

The 2024 AIPC Operational Excellence Summit, held from November 21-22 at the CCIB in Barcelona, proved to be an inspiring gathering for leaders and professionals in the convention centre industry. With its focus on operational innovation and collaboration, the event attracted participants from over 20 countries, offering a unique platform to explore the evolving demands of centre management in a digitized and sustainability-focused world.

Engaging themes and transformative sessions

Under the theme “Excellent Operations = Unique Experiences,” this year’s Summit tackled pressing topics such as risk and crowd management, AV trends, sustainability, and cybersecurity. Highlights included the keynote session “Embracing Failure as a Catalyst for Growth” by Sandy Kennedy, which set the tone for embracing innovation through resilience.

The back-of-house tours at both Fira Barcelona and the CCIB Sustainability Experience provided participants with first-hand insights into venue management practices. These tours, led by industry experts Carlos Moreno and Philippe Mesnard, were an invaluable addition to the Summit’s hands-on approach.

Knowledge sharing and networking

Interactive discussions like “AV: Making It Work” and the panel on “Leading Through Failure” encouraged attendees to exchange practical insights and strategies. The Networking Lunch & Roundtable Discussions created meaningful opportunities to share challenges and best practices with peers, fostering collaboration across the global AIPC community.

Notable sessions such as “The Future of Food” by Kevin Watson and the case studies on security management and cybersecurity showcased innovative solutions to emerging industry challenges. These discussions underscored the importance of adapting to new event formats and technological advancements while remaining committed to sustainability.

A global gathering

The Summit brought together a diverse group of 50+ professionals, including operations managers, technical directors, and sustainability leaders. Representatives from renowned venues such as the Vancouver Convention Centre, Scottish Event Campus, and Hungexpo shared their expertise, making the event a truly global exchange of ideas.

A look to the future

As the industry continues to evolve, the AIPC Operational Excellence Summit reaffirmed its role as a vital forum for addressing contemporary challenges and envisioning the future of venue operations. The closing Samoan Circle Discussion provided attendees with an opportunity to reflect on lessons learned and set a collaborative agenda for the years ahead.

With its compelling sessions, interactive learning opportunities, and global networking, the Summit once again highlighted the value of coming together to drive operational excellence.

We look forward to welcoming you to the 2025 AIPC Operational Excellence Summit, where we will continue this journey of innovation, collaboration, and grow!