Mark Your Calendar Now for the 2026 Edition of AIPC's Operational Excellence Summit | November 19-20
The AIPC Operational Excellence Summit offers a high-level yet highly practical forum for convention centre professionals navigating increasing operational complexity, rapid technological change, and rising expectations around sustainability, security and customer experience.
Designed as a hands-on, peer-driven event, the Summit focuses on what truly matters behind the scenes: how to deliver complex events smoothly, safely and sustainably both today and in the years ahead.
Building on the success of previous editions, the programme will once again feature a series of discussion topics and formats that have proven to be particularly valuable and directly applicable, including:
- an annual industry update with a strong focus on venue operations
- hands-on venue experiences and peer knowledge exchange
- a supplier marketplace showcasing centre-specific solutions
- and practical insights into managing the critical handover from sales to event services.
- digitalisation and evolving technical requirements,
- new event formats and operational pressures, and the operational frameworks required to support consistent, high-quality delivery.
This Summit is a must-attend event for centres seeking the latest insights, best practices and practical tools to deliver outstanding experiences through operational excellence.
DATE AND TIME: 19-20 November 2026 (08:30 - 17:00)
LOCATION: Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB)
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This Summit is designed for the people who actually make events happen from operations directors and operational excellence leaders to technical, AV, ICT and facilities managers, as well as event services, F&B and customer experience professionals. It also speaks directly to security, risk specialists responsible for safe and resilient event delivery, senior management teams shaping strategic direction, and selected industry partners who work alongside venues to deliver complex, high-profile events in demanding operational environments.
PROGRAMME
The programme for the 2026 edition is currently being developed.
In the meantime, you may consult here the programme from the previous edition below to get a clear sense of the format, themes and level of content typically featured at the AIPC Operational Excellence Summit.
Expect a strong mix of CEOs, operations leaders and technical experts sharing real case studies from high-profile global summits to the day-to-day realities of running convention centre operations.
WHAT YOU WILL TAKE AWAY
- Practical insights you can apply immediately in your venue
- Real-world case studies from leading international convention centres
- Tools and approaches to improve operational efficiency and resilience
- Peer exchange with colleagues facing similar challenges worldwide
- Fresh perspectives on leadership, culture and continuous improvement
This is a must-attend event for centres seeking the latest insights and practical solutions to deliver outstanding experiences through operational excellence.
REGISTRATION FEE :
- Early Bird Registration (before October 1, 2026): 400 EUR (includes daily lunch, coffee breaks and closing cocktail)
- Regular Registration (after October 1, 2026): 500 EUR (includes daily lunch, coffee breaks and closing cocktail)
REGISTRATION:
Places are limited and early registration is strongly recommended.
Registration will open soon!
