Ambassadors
Meet our IAPCO Ambassadors
IAPCO Ambassadors are integral to our international outreach and engagement. They are recognised as industry leaders in their companies and regions. IAPCO Ambassadors comment on and lead business and professional event knowledge-sharing opportunities that further our industry’s profile and reputation. We are grateful for their on-going commitment and support in doing so.
If you are interested in being an IAPCO Ambassador, contact us.
Europe
Elena Alexandrová
Head of Congress Unit – AIM Group International, Prague Office Ambassador, IAPCO
Elena brings over 25 years of experience in the meetings and congress industry, with a career rooted in project leadership, business development, and innovation. As Head of the Congress Unit at AIM Group International’s Prague Office, she leads a dedicated team, oversees the delivery of complex international congresses, and drives strategic growth initiatives, including the integration of new technologies.
Before joining AIM Group, Elena co-founded the congress division and led the international research department at AIMS International in Prague. She has played a key role in organizing high-profile events such as the NATO Summit 2002 or the World Environmental Education Congress 2022.
Elena actively contributes to the development of the industry ecosystem. She supported the vision behind founding the Czech Association of PCOs, which today unites all Czech IAPCO members. In addition, she teaches at the Prague University of Economics and Business, has lectured at INCON University, and collaborates with regional convention bureaus to foster business growth and knowledge sharing.
Peder Andersen
Managing Director, DIS Congress Service
Peder Andersen has been a dedicated leader in the event and congress industry since starting his career at DIS Congress Service A/S in March 2001. He was appointed Managing Director on January 1, 2003, overseeing the company's operations, including administrative management, sponsorships, exhibitions, and sales. Peder’s hands-on approach and strategic vision have significantly contributed to DIS’s growth and reputation.
In 2008, Peder was elected to the Council of IAPCO (International Association of Professional Congress Organisers), where he played a key role in developing and implementing IAPCO’s quality control standards, fostering excellence among members. Also as Treasurer for 6 Years. After a decade of service, he stepped down in 2018 and now serves as an IAPCO ambassador, advocating for best practices within the industry.
He is a graduate of IAPCO’s specialized course in congress planning, recognized as one of the few formal educations within the PCO sector. Additionally, Peder was a council member of Meeting Place Wonderful Copenhagen from 2010 to 2019, strengthening industry networks and local event infrastructure. Through his extensive experience and commitment, Peder continues to be a vital contributor to the global congress and events community.
Christine Hense
Member of the Managing Board, Director People & Operations
INTERPLAN Congress, Meeting & Event Management AG
For Christine Hense, the role of a PCO goes beyond delivering events. It is about creating the conditions in which people can come together, exchange knowledge, build trust and work towards meaningful change. This understanding has shaped her work throughout nearly three decades in the international congress and meetings industry.
Since joining INTERPLAN in 1998, Christine has developed deep expertise across all areas of professional congress organisation and helped shape the company’s quality-driven approach, including the establishment of a comprehensive quality management system from 2006 onwards. As a member of INTERPLAN’s management team since 2014, she has played a significant role in the company’s continued growth and development.
In her current position, Christine focuses on organisational design, people development and aligning teams and structures around shared goals. Combining systemic leadership with a strong solution-oriented mindset, she connects different perspectives and interests to create sustainable success for all involved and to help the organisation navigate change in a dynamic environment.
Her professional roots in the hospitality industry gave her a strong foundation in service excellence at the highest level. This experience continues to shape her understanding of service excellence as a shared effort between teams and clients to achieve meaningful goals together.
Christine has been actively involved with IAPCO for many years, particularly in quality audits and online education. As an IAPCO Ambassador, she is committed to sharing knowledge, nurturing future talent and helping shape a PCO community in which congresses continue to enable progress, connection and positive impact.
Claire Smyth
Claire Smyth is Sales & Marketing Director at Conference Partners International. Drawing on 20 years across hotels, hospitality and professional conference organisation, Claire offers a 360-degree perspective on event development, client care and delivery. Having joined CPI four years ago, she leads the strategic marketing, pre-operations and incentive sales teams, driving proactive business development across both the PCO and incentive divisions.
Claire’s focus lies in the early establishment of project planning and shaping a clear, shared vision with clients. She is passionate about the long-term cultivation of partnerships, ensuring that every project begins with strong strategic foundations and a deep understanding of client ambition. Known for her ability to build trust and lasting relationships, she approaches each opportunity with creativity, marketing insight and forward-thinking strategy.
People are at the heart of everything Claire does. She recognises that successful events are built on collaboration, shared purpose and meaningful human connection, and this philosophy underpins her leadership style.
In 2024, Claire was honoured as recipient of the IAPCO Innovation Award, recognising her commitment to fresh thinking and industry advancement. Having travelled extensively, particularly across the Middle East and Egypt, she brings a global outlook and deep appreciation for cultural nuance to her work.
Claire is passionate about knowledge sharing within the international community of PCOs and DMCs and is committed to strengthening collaboration and excellence across the profession.
Stéphane Talboom
VP Sales and Marketing, K.I.T. Group GmbH
Stéphane is a seasoned professional with a distinguished career in hospitality and international events spanning more than 35 years. He began his journey in the hotel industry in 1988, working in leading properties across Europe and gaining hands-on experience in customer service, operations, and corporate hospitality. His passion for connecting people and delivering high-impact experiences led him to transition into the meetings and events sector, where he has since built a global reputation.
Today, Stéphane serves as Vice President Sales and Marketing at K.I.T. Group, a globally recognized Professional Congress Organizer (PCO) and Association Management Company. He has successfully led the acquisition and execution of major international conferences, exhibitions, and medical congresses across the globe, with a strong focus on Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.
With a strategic mindset and cross-cultural sensitivity, Stéphane works closely with academic societies, governments, and global institutions to design and deliver impactful, financially sustainable events. He is particularly known for his ability to bridge cultures, negotiate complex partnerships, and position destinations on the global stage through knowledge-based events.
Fluent in multiple languages and based between Europe and Asia, Stéphane brings a personal touch and deep industry knowledge to every project he undertakes.
Irene Tolis
Partner and General Manager ERA LTD, Ex-President of HAPCO, Board Member of FEDHATTA
Born, a citizen of the world, since she was born in Greece but spent several years of her life in Africa, while returning to her homeland, she shares her time between Athens and candidate congress destinations, throughout Greece and the world.
Co-founder of ERA, with over 38 years of experience in organizing Greek, European and International Conferences, with an extensive action in the field of sales and public relations. Her leading character, has helped ERA evolve, in the Greek and international markets and consolidate the company, in its 25-year history, as one of the largest Professional Conference Organizers (PCO), in Greece.
She is distinguished for her strategic planning and has a tremendous experience that helps educating new employees to become competent executives, to manage and handle the outstanding demands of organizing in the Conference & MICE Tourism.
The main objective of her professional career, was always the promotion of Conference Tourism in the Greek and international spheres, with the provision of quality services that will promote the cultural and historical legacy of Greece.
Her active participation in relevant domestic organizations such as, HATTA, FEDHATTA, ACVB, TCB, HAPCO and SETE and in corresponding international IAPCO & ASCONET, makes her contribution to the domestic tourism industry really significant
Middle East and Africa
Ajay Bhojwani
Regional Managing Director-Middle East & Africa, MCI Group
IAPCO, Council Member
Michael Kern
Executive Director, DEKON Group
Michael Kern brings many years of experience in the events services industry, working across areas such as congress organization, tourism services, association management, and corporate meetings. With a law degree from the University of Vienna, he has built a career shaped by both strategic insight and practical leadership.
DEKON Group is a globally active professional congress organizer (PCO) and association management company based in Istanbul. Serving clients across Europe, Asia, and beyond, DEKON delivers comprehensive support—from event logistics to strategic consultancy—ensuring peace of mind for its partners worldwide.
Prior to joining DEKON, Michael served as Chief Operations Officer at Junior Chamber International (JCI), where he managed member services and engaged with key stakeholders including the EU, WEF, and several UN agencies. This experience deepened his understanding of nonprofit management and international cooperation.
Michael’s strengths lie in business development, corporate communications, and crisis management. His legal background, international exposure, and collaborative leadership approach allow him to contribute meaningfully to the evolving conversation around event strategy and association services.
Dr. Ahmed El Shal
Chairman & CEO, ICOM for Organization, Marketing and Research
Dr. Ahmed El Shal is a distinguished leader in the events management industry, currently serving as the Chairman and Head of the Executive Board at ICOM, which he founded in 1998.
A graduate of Saint Marc College (1989) and a holder of a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Alexandria University, specializing in Pediatric Medicine, Dr. El Shal effectively integrates his medical expertise with his extensive skills in marketing and organizational management.
Under Dr. El Shal's leadership, ICOM and ICOM Group have significantly expanded from a small team of five to a major player in the Middle East and Gulf regions, managing over 350 projects, conferences, and MICE events annually, particularly in the healthcare, governmental, and corporate sectors. The company is renowned for its high-quality, innovative event solutions and is supported by a dedicated team of over 194 professionals across multiple offices.
Throughout his career, Dr. El Shal has achieved numerous milestones, including participating in various courses and earning accolades that testify to his expertise in the field. He has authored several papers and articles in medical and professional journals, enhancing the reputation of ICOM within the academic community.
With over 27 years of experience, Dr. El Shal has successfully expanded ICOM's influence in African, Gulf, and European markets, establishing offices in Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Germany. ICOM is among the few companies in the MENA region certified by the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers (IAPCO), and holds memberships in renowned organizations, including ICCA, INCON, and PCMA—a prestigious network of leading conference and association management firms. Dr. El Shal himself was honored with the title of IAPCO Ambassador and has contributed to INCON University as a lecturer, championing innovative academic programs in events management.
Dr. El Shal is also actively engaged with various associations such as the Alexandria Business Association (ABA), the Egyptian Journal of Business (EJB), and the French and German Chambers of Commerce, where he has played a key role in community initiatives and business support. His commitment to social impact is evident from an early age. He began his journey in community service through school scouting, eventually becoming a leader of the Coeurs Vaillants Saint Marc scout group.
Additionally, he serves on the board of the Alexandria Pediatric Hospital and is the founder of the Rotary Club – Metropolitan. His dedication extends to leading workshops in the tourism sector and advocating for initiatives that resonate with local communities.
A visionary advocate for Egypt's global presence, Dr. El Shal was among the first to push for the establishment of a conference bureau in Egypt, striving to position the country as a leading destination for health tourism. He collaborates with international hotel chains and engages in planning economic, investment, and MICE conferences that have local, regional, and international significance. His partnerships with the Oman Convention Bureau and other international associations aim to solidify Egypt’s standing on both regional and global platforms.
Dr. Ahmed El Shal’s unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and community service has established ICOM as a leader in the events industry, earning the trust and respect of clients and partners worldwide.
Asia–Pacific
Mona Abdul Manap
Co-Founder & CEO, Borneo Sdn Bhd
Mona holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Management from Curtin University of Technology, Australia, and an MBA in Entrepreneurship from Kuala Lumpur.
- Vice President for Education, Malaysian Association of Conference & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers
- President, Sarawak Birdwatching Association
- Environmental Regional Chair, Rotary District 3310
Ikuko Nishimura
Corporate Executive Officer, MICE Business Strategic Planning Headquarters, Congrès Inc.
Ikuko Nishimura is a leading professional in the meetings and events industry, serving as Corporate Executive Officer of the MICE Business Strategic Planning Headquarters at Congrès Inc., Japan’s premier PCO. As a key figure driving the nation's MICE sector, Ikuko brings a proven track record in executing major governmental, scientific, and academic meetings within Japan—a top-tier destination ranked 6th globally and 1st in the Asia-Pacific region in the 2025 ICCA statistics.
Since joining Congrès Inc. in 2003, Ikuko has built a distinguished career, continuously developing the leadership and expertise that led to her current executive position. Currently, she oversees the strategic planning and management of international conferences across diverse domains. Notably, she played a pivotal role in the success of high-profile global events, including the G7 Hiroshima Summit (2023).
Dedicated to advancing the Japanese MICE industry, Ikuko serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB) and a Planning Committee Member for the Japan Congress Convention Bureau (JCCB). As a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), she has delivered numerous lectures on international conference management at universities and seminars across Japan, leveraging her extensive expertise to inspire and nurture the next generation of industry talent.
Chris Oh
Managing Director, Korea, MCI Group
Chris has worked as Managing Director of MCI Korea in Seoul, South Korea for more than 15 years. During that time, he has provided the clients with various solutions by convention & conference management, corporates meetings & events, and association management & consulting.
He was awarded the Best International Conference Organizer by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in 2024, recognizing the success of MCI Korea’s longstanding strategy of focusing on International Conferences.
Also, he had provided AMC services for ASAE in Korea for a decade, which contributed to the establishment of KSAE in the country.
Before he joined MCI, he primarily worked in sales and marketing at Korean air and later serving as Marketing Director for the Americas. His last position was Vice President, Passenger Business.
Amit Saroj
CEO, IA-Meetings
Amit Saroj is a distinguished leader and seasoned professional in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry, with over 25 years of experience shaping the landscape of event management in India. As the Founder and CEO of IA-Meetings, Mr. Saroj has been instrumental in transforming his vision of a world-class conference management company into a reality, making IA-Meetings one of the country’s premier names in the industry.
A graduate in Commerce from Delhi University, Amit began his professional journey in the hospitality sector, working in sales and marketing, where he cultivated his understanding of client needs, service excellence, and brand positioning. This foundation helped him recognize the evolving potential of India's conference and event industry in the early 2000s.
In 2000, Amit Saroj founded ATTITUDE EVENTS PVT LTD now operating the brand “IA-Meetings” with the mission to create impactful, value-driven conference experiences for global and domestic clients alike. Under his visionary leadership, the company has grown exponentially, known for its attention to detail, client-centric approach, and seamless execution of high-profile conferences across sectors, including healthcare, education, government, and corporate.
Amit leads IA-Meetings not just with strategy planning but with a strong people-first philosophy. He is deeply committed to the development of human capital, technology integration, and building robust infrastructure within the organization. The values he imparts—integrity, professionalism, collaboration, and innovation—are encapsulated in what he calls the "language of IA-Meetings."
Throughout his career, Amit has remained passionate about elevating India’s position on the global meetings map. He frequently collaborates with industry stakeholders, supports talent development, and encourages sustainable event practices.
As a respected thought leader and active contributor to the MICE community, Amit continues to inspire the next generation of event professionals. His ability to blend strategic vision with operational excellence stands as a testament to his enduring influence in the industry.
Latin America
Mariano Castex
Managing Director, Latin America, MCI Group
Mariano R. Castex is an experienced leader in the congress and convention industry, with a career spanning over three decades. Currently serving as the Managing Director for MCI Group in Argentina and Latin America, he oversees client resources exceeding $5 million annually, focusing on international congresses, activations, and corporate events. Castex has played a pivotal role in high-profile events, including the G20 preparatory meetings and major global conferences like the World Congress of Cardiology and the World Gas Conference.
He has held significant leadership positions, including Vice President of the Buenos Aires Convention & Visitors Bureau and President of the ICCA Latin American Chapter. Castex also served as the President of the Organizing Committee for the ICCA World Congress in Buenos Aires in 2015. His educational background includes studies at IAE Business School and Universidad Argentina de la Empresa, and he is a member of various professional associations such as IAPCO and ICCA.
With a proven track record in event management and strategic communication across Latin America, Castex continues to shape the future of international congresses and corporate events in the region.
Renata Pozza
Director of Association Solutions, MCI Brazil
Passionate about the association world, Renata works with market intelligence to enhance the performance of associations through congresses, trade fairs, and strategic management.
With over 20 years of experience, she develops tailored solutions for national and international associations, focusing on revenue diversification, governance, marketing, and the organization of high-impact congresses and business fairs.
Renata also leads consulting projects, acting as a strategist for non-profits and associations, supporting clients in adapting their business models to ever-evolving trends and cultural shifts.
She is an active advocate for the advancement of the association community, serving as a regional ambassador for IAPCO (International Association of Professional Congress Organisers) and playing a key leadership role in Conecta Associações, where she fosters dialogue around professionalization, innovation, and collaboration among industry peers.
Renata is also a frequent speaker at MICE industry events, where she shares insights on association management, business models, and the future of congresses and trade shows.
North America
Jessica Boze
Jessica Boze is the Senior Director of Global Events at MCI USA, where she leads a team delivering impactful meetings for high‑touch clients across a diverse portfolio of associations. She has deep expertise supporting organizations seeking to host conferences internationally, having planned and executed conferences in more than 15 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Singapore, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Jessica began her career in international event planning in London and has since built a reputation for designing event strategies that succeed in a multicultural world. She is committed to operational excellence, continually identifying efficiencies that streamline planning cycles and elevate the attendee experience. Her strong vendor relationships play a central role in this work, enabling seamless collaboration and consistent service delivery across global destinations.
Jessica has held notable leadership roles within the industry, including serving on the PCMA Capital Chapter Board from 2020–2022. She is a Certified Meeting Professional and a recipient of PCMA’s “20 in Their Twenties” award, recognized for her leadership and innovation in the global events sector.
Natasha Hilliard
Director, Client Solutions, Canada, MCI Group
Engaging communities through client-focused leadership With over 20 years of experience in the events and association management industry, Natasha leads strategic account management and business development for MCI’s association clients. Her client-centric approach is grounded in deep relationship-building and a commitment to delivering innovative, results-driven solutions.
Since joining MCI in 2007, Natasha has played a key leadership role in guiding her team, ensuring they have the tools and support to deliver exceptional value across both virtual and in-person events. She is focused on driving healthy revenue streams, fostering sustainable growth, and creating meaningful engagement for clients and their communities.
Natasha offers a unique blend of professionalism with heart, always aiming to create space for change, build community and leave a lasting legacy.