PCMA Convening Leaders 2026

IAPCO President Sissi Lignou will participate in PCMA Convening Leaders 2026, celebrating the event’s 70th anniversary, taking place from 11–14 January 2026 in Philadelphia, PA.

IAPCO is proud to be part of this milestone edition, contributing to conversations that shape the future of our industry.

On Tuesday, 13 January (14:30–15:15)Sissi will take part in a dedicated programme session, sharing perspectives on leadership, innovation, and how our sector can continue to evolve in a rapidly changing environment. 

About the session:

Title: The Innovation Mindset: How Senior Event Leaders Can Foster a Culture of Experimentation

Information:

In today’s rapidly evolving events landscape, playing it safe is no longer a strategy, it’s a risk. Senior event professionals are expected to deliver flawless execution, but also lead with curiosity, embrace change, and create a culture where bold new ideas thrive.

In this highly interactive session, we’ll explore how senior leaders can unlock innovation by shifting team mindsets, empowering experimentation, and cultivating environments where creative risk-taking is not only supported but expected. Through real-world examples, leadership insights, and peer-to-peer discussion, Leah Lewis and Stephanie Santini will guide attendees on to how to dismantle "we've always done it this way" thinking and inspire teams to test, iterate, and evolve.

Whether you’re launching new formats, reimagining attendee engagement, or navigating emerging technologies, this session will equip you with the tools to lead with vision, flexibility, and resilience turning uncertainty into opportunity. You don’t need a bigger budget to innovate - you need a braver mindset. Come ready to challenge assumptions and rewire how your team defines what’s possible.

Speakers

  • Sissy Lignou
    President, IAPCO - CEO, AFEA CongressIAPCO/ AFEA Congress
  • Leah Lewis
    Vice President, Education & EventsMotion + Power Manufacturers Alliance
  • Stephanie Santini
    Vice President, MeetingsAmerican Association of Airport Executives

Join us in Philadelphia!

×

IAPCO EDGE Auckland 2026

IAPCO EDGE Auckland 2026, taking place from 16–19 March 2026, marks 10 years of IAPCO EDGE and returns to the city where the EDGE journey began.

This highly interactive three-day seminar is designed for meetings and events professionals seeking to strengthen their skills, broaden their perspectives, and grow their global networks.

Combining expert-led sessions, case studies and collaborative group work, the programme focuses on practical tools, current trends and actionable insights. The seminar faculty comprises world-leading industry professionals and long-standing leaders within IAPCO: Stephen Noble, Chair of the IAPCO Training Academy and General Manager Asia Pacific, The Conference Company; Mathias Posch, IAPCO Past President, Chair of the Accreditation Committee, and President & Partner, International Conference Services (ICS); and Jan Tonkin, IAPCO Past President and Founder & Advisor, The Conference Company.

More than a seminar, EDGE is about connection, teamwork and shared experience—delivered with the distinctive manaakitanga (warmth and hospitality) that makes Auckland and New Zealand unique.

See more & Register