As AIPC moves into 2026, the AIPC Academy 2026 continues to evolve in response to the changing realities faced by convention and exhibition centres worldwide.
Following the creation of the AIPC Educational Committee, the Academy programme has been further strengthened, with an increased focus on leadership, human factors, crisis communication, and real-world operational decision-making. The objective is clear: to equip venue professionals with practical skills they can apply immediately in complex, high-pressure environments.
This refreshed approach also introduces an optional Pre-Academy Workshop, designed as a practical foundation for the Academy week, allowing participants to deepen critical skills such as active listening, inquiry, conflict management and strategic communication bringing additional, tangible value to the overall learning journey.
Optional Pre-Academy Workshop | 10–12 April 2026
Ahead of the Academy, participants have the option to join a Pre-Academy Workshop focused on strategic communication under pressure, one of the most critical skills for venue leaders and frontline professionals.
This highly practical workshop will equip you to:
- Stabilise conflict before it escalates
- Use active listening and inquiry to surface critical information
- Communicate and lead effectively during a cyber incident
- Make fair, lawful and defensible decisions in sensitive situations
Estimated cost: approx. EUR 750
Places are limited. If you wish to participate, please let us know as soon as possible so we can reserve your spot.
AIPC Academy 2026 | 12–17 April 2026
Immediately following the workshop, the AIPC Academy 2026 will take place at Dolce La Hulpe, Belgium, bringing together venue professionals from around the world for a week of immersive learning, peer exchange and hands-on challenges focused on leadership and operational excellence.
A limited number of discounted rates remain available for long-haul participants, in recognition of travel costs.
Hotel booking – important deadline
Please note that the hotel room booking cut-off date is 6 March 2026. After this date, availability and rates cannot be guaranteed.
The AIPC Academy 2026 promises a highly practical, impactful, and career-shaping learning experience for venue professionals at all stages of leadership.
