The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) has reinforced workforce development as a core strategic priority at its 2026 Annual Meeting & General Assembly (AM&GA) in Athens, formally adopting the term “Emerging Leaders” from “Next Gen” to reflect a broader shift in industry mindset, launching a new regional award for Latin America, and announcing its 2026 award recipients.
Moving from “Next Gen” to “Emerging Leaders” reflects IAPCO’s view that leadership is not a future entitlement based on tenure, but a present responsibility demonstrated through action, influence and accountability.
“Language shapes culture,” said Sissi Lignou, President of IAPCO. “Referring to professionals as ‘Next Gen’ implies succession at a distance. Recognising them as ‘Emerging Leaders’ acknowledges the leadership already taking place across our organisations today.”
The shift forms part of IAPCO’s long-term strategy to strengthen intergenerational collaboration, formalise leadership pathways and embed sustainable talent development across the global meetings and events industry.
Launch of the IAPCO & FIEXPO Jorge Castex Scholarship Programme for Latin America
IAPCO announced the launch of the IAPCO & FIEXPO Jorge Castex Scholarship Programme for Latin America, sponsored by FIEXPO, extending structured leadership recognition into a region of growing strategic importance to the global meetings sector.
Named in honour of Jorge Castex, a foundational figure in shaping the modern PCO profession, IAPCO Past President, and former Chair of the IAPCO Training Academy, the programme strengthens IAPCO’s engagement across Latin America while recognising the region’s growing capability and global influence.
Arnaldo Nardone, Director of FIEXPO Exhibitions Group, commented: “We are proud to support the IAPCO Next Generation Leadership Program in Latin America and the Caribbean, named in honor of Jorge Castex, one of Latin America’s most respected industry leaders and a past IAPCO President, whose visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to professional development left a lasting mark on the global meetings industry.
"This initiative reflects our shared commitment to professional development and leadership excellence, strengthening the global meetings industry through collaboration, legacy, and meaningful regional impact," said Nardone.
Martin Boyle, CEO of IAPCO, said: “The long-term sustainability of the global meetings industry depends on how deliberately we cultivate leadership across generations. Emerging Leaders must be integrated into governance, strategy and decision-making. By formalising this framework, we are reinforcing the professionalism, resilience and long-term credibility of our sector.”
2026 IAPCO & NZICC Jan Tonkin Scholarship Award
The 2026 IAPCO & NZICC Jan Tonkin Scholarship, delivered in partnership with New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) and IAPCO Training Academy, was won by Malaysia-based Shimal Jaykant, Conference and Events Manager, Medical Conference Partners, in recognition of her reflective, values-driven leadership approach and forward-thinking vision on APAC congress delivery.
On winning the scholarship, Jaykant said: “Before this programme, I led mostly through effort – doing, fixing and pushing projects forward. The learning I have experienced has helped me shift towards intentional leadership. In complex environments, teams don’t need more instruction; they need steadiness, clarity and trust.”
This scholarship combines structured online education and mentorship, culminating in one outstanding participant attending a fully hosted experience at the IAPCO AM&GA alongside global industry leaders.
2026 Emerging Leader Award, supported by IAPCO Destination Partners
The 2026 Emerging Leader Award, formerly the IAPCO Hero Award, recognises early-career professionals whose work demonstrates measurable impact and alignment with IAPCO values.
Entries are independently assessed by a jury panel comprising representatives from IAPCO’s nine Destination Partners against weighted criteria including innovation, impact, leadership, and professional contribution.
The 2026 award was presented to Cheryl Choy, Project Manager, Asia – International Conference Services (ICS) from Singapore.
Choy was recognised for implementing a cross-functional ‘Dual Role Framework’ that enhanced operational agility, employee resilience and organisational scalability.
Choy said: “We created the ‘Dual Role Framework’ with one simple goal in mind: to help our team work smarter, not harder.
“By cross-training across areas that used to feel siloed, we have built a culture where people can step in, support each other, and grow beyond their original roles.”
