The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) and FIEXPO Exhibitions Group have announced the launch of the FIEXPO & IAPCO Emerging Leaders Programme – LATAM and Jorge Castex Scholarship, a new regional initiative designed to identify, develop and support the next generation of leaders across the meetings and events industry in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Officially announced by IAPCO CEO Martin Boyle during the FIEXPO Latin America 2026 Gala Dinner at the InterContinental Hotel Costa Rica last night, the programme represents a significant investment in the future of the region’s meetings industry.
Sponsored by FIEXPO, the programme will provide structured education, mentorship and professional development opportunities for emerging leaders working within Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs) and Destination Management Companies (DMCs), helping to strengthen leadership capability and support long-term regional capacity building.
The programme will bring together up to 15 emerging leaders from across Latin America and the Caribbean in a structured educational journey delivered through the IAPCO Training Academy. Combining online education, mentorship, collaboration opportunities and engagement with international industry leaders, the programme will equip participants with the professional confidence, skills, networks and perspectives needed to contribute to the future of the meetings industry.
Participants will undertake a series of leadership-focused modules led by recognised regional and international industry experts. Topics will include the evolving role of the modern PCO, accountability and governance, committee and stakeholder leadership, budgeting and negotiation, and leadership for the future.
The programme culminates in the Jorge Castex Scholarship, named in honour of Jorge Castex, former IAPCO President, former Chair of the IAPCO Training Academy, and one of Latin America’s most respected meetings industry leaders.
Widely recognised as a foundational figure in the development of the modern PCO profession, Castex’s commitment to education and dedication to professional development left a lasting mark on the global meetings industry. The scholarship has been established to honour his legacy while creating opportunities for future leaders to follow in his footsteps.
Martin Boyle, CEO of IAPCO, said the programme reflects the association’s commitment to leadership development and the long-term sustainability of the meetings industry.
“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.
“Latin America and the Caribbean continue to demonstrate growing capability, influence and innovation within the global meetings industry. This programme provides a structured pathway to nurture talent, strengthen regional capacity and connect emerging professionals with the international meetings community.
“By investing in emerging leaders today, we are strengthening the long-term resilience, professionalism and global influence of the meetings industry across Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Arnaldo Nardone, Director of FIEXPO Exhibitions Group, said the programme reflects a shared vision for the future of the region’s meetings industry.
“FIEXPO is proud to partner with IAPCO to bring the FIEXPO & IAPCO Emerging Leaders Programme to Latin America and the Caribbean. We are especially honoured that the scholarship bears the name of Jorge Castex, an IAPCO past President, a great advocate for professional development in LATAM and around the world, and one of the most influential figures in the history of our industry who continues to inspire many of us.
“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the meetings industry through collaboration, leadership excellence and regional impact. By combining FIEXPO’s regional platform and IAPCO’s global expertise, we are creating lasting opportunities for professionals across Latin America and the Caribbean while honouring Jorge Castex’s enduring contributions to our sector.”
Jimena Ruiz, IAPCO Council Member and IAPCO Training Academy Representative for Latin America, said the programme recognises both the talent and potential that exists throughout the region.
“At IAPCO, education is central to our mission to advance professional excellence and strengthen the global business events industry. We are committed to delivering learning opportunities that respond to the distinct needs of each region, equipping professionals with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to thrive.
“Latin America and the Caribbean are home to extraordinary talent, innovation and ambition. By combining IAPCO’s global education expertise with the strength of our regional network and strategic partnerships, we are creating a practical learning journey that equips professionals with the skills, confidence and international perspective needed to advance their careers and contribute to the future of our industry.”
Registrations for the FIEXPO & IAPCO Emerging Leaders Programme – LATAM and Jorge Castex Scholarship opened this week, with the inaugural programme commencing in July.
Emerging leaders, PCOs and DMCs across Latin America and the Caribbean are encouraged to register their interest and stay informed regarding applications and programme announcements.
For more information visit: https://www.iapco.org/education-and-training/awards/iapco-fiexpo-emerging-leaders-programme-latam.html