Jessica Ferguson
Chief Executive Officer, Arinex
Council Member, IAPCO
Jessica Ferguson is Chief Executive Officer of Arinex, one of Australasia’s leading professional conference organisers, and brings more than 20 years of experience across conference management, event operations, business development and marketing. With deep expertise in the association meetings sector across Australia and New Zealand, she has built a reputation for combining operational excellence with strategic growth, client partnership and innovation. Jessica began her career in conference management and operations, including work with major convention venues, before moving into commercial and leadership roles that shaped her broader industry perspective. Today, she leads Arinex with a people-first approach, helping associations deliver conferences that create lasting professional, scientific and community impact. She also serves as West Australian Chair of the Australian Business Events Association, reflecting her commitment to advancing the business events sector both regionally and as part of the global meetings community.
Alexandros Terzis
Event Coordinator, ERA Congresses & Events
Alexandros Terzis is an Event Coordinator at ERA Congresses & Events in Athens, Greece, and has been active in the meetings industry since 2017 (initially part time), with full-time experience since 2019.
At ERA, he has progressed from Congress Secretariat to Junior Project Manager and now Event Coordinator, supporting the planning and delivery of local and international medical and scientific congresses.
His work spans stakeholder coordination, programme logistics, speaker and participant management, and industry liaison, with a strong focus on consistent delivery and delegate experience.
Alexandros served as a member of IAPCO’s Next Gen Committee from 2024–2026 and currently serves as Chair of the IAPCO Emerging Leaders Committee and a Co-Opted Council Member (since 2026).
He is committed to strengthening engagement and development opportunities for emerging leaders worldwide and supporting initiatives that elevate professional standards across the meetings industry.
Alexandros Terzis serves as a Co-Opted IAPCO Council Member in his role as Chair of the Emerging Leaders Committee.
Bar Gelfand
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.
Sofia Laddaji
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