The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) and FIEXPO Exhibitions Group announced the launch of the FIEXPO & IAPCO Emerging Leaders Programme – LATAM and the Jorge Castex Scholarship, a new regional initiative designed to identify, develop and support the next generation of leaders in the meetings and events industry in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Officially announced by Martin Boyle, CEO of IAPCO, during the FIEXPO Latin America 2026 Gala Dinner held last night at the InterContinental Costa Rica Hotel, the program represents a significant investment in the future of the region's meetings industry.
Sponsored by FIEXPO, the program will offer structured education, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for emerging leaders working in Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs) and Destination Management Companies (DMCs), helping to strengthen leadership capabilities and support long-term regional capacity building.
The program will bring together up to 15 emerging leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean for a structured educational journey delivered through the IAPCO Training Academy. Combining online training, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration and interaction with international industry leaders, the program will provide participants with the professional confidence, skills, networks, and perspectives needed to contribute to the future of the meetings industry.
Participants will complete a series of leadership-focused modules led by renowned 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 program culminates with the Jorge Castex Scholarship, named in honor of Jorge Castex, former president of IAPCO, former Chair of the IAPCO Training Academy and one of the most respected leaders in the meetings industry in Latin America.
Widely recognized as a founding 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 honor his legacy and, at the same time, create opportunities for future leaders to follow in his footsteps.
Martin Boyle, CEO of IAPCO, stated that the program 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 cross-generational leadership. Emerging leaders must be integrated into governance, strategy, and decision-making.”
“Latin America and the Caribbean continue to demonstrate growing capacity, influence, and innovation within the global meetings industry. This program offers 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 resilience, professionalism, and long-term global influence of the meetings industry in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Arnaldo Nardone, Director of FIEXPO Exhibitions Group, stated that the program 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 honored that the scholarship bears the name of Jorge Castex, former president of IAPCO, a great advocate for professional development in Latin America 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 with IAPCO’s global expertise, we are creating lasting opportunities for professionals in Latin America and the Caribbean, while honoring Jorge Castex’s enduring contributions to our sector.”
Jimena Ruiz, a member of the IAPCO Council and representative of the IAPCO Training Academy for Latin America, stated that the program recognizes both the talent and potential that exist throughout the region.
“At IAPCO, education is central to our mission to drive professional excellence and strengthen the global business events industry. We are committed to delivering learning opportunities that meet the specific needs of each region, equipping professionals with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to thrive.”
“Latin America and the Caribbean are home to extraordinary talent, innovation, and ambition. By combining IAPCO’s global expertise in education with the strength of our regional network and strategic alliances, we are creating a practical learning pathway that equips professionals with the skills, confidence, and international perspective needed to advance their careers and contribute to the future of our industry.”
Registration for the FIEXPO & IAPCO Emerging Leaders Programme – LATAM and the Jorge Castex Scholarship opened this week, and the inaugural program will begin in July.
Emerging leaders, PCOs and DMCs from Latin America and the Caribbean are invited to register their interest and stay informed about program applications and announcements.
For more information, visit: https://www.iapco.org/education-and-training/awards/iapco-fiexpo-emerging-leaders-programme-latam.html