This will be the second edition of the academy which was launched this year at the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) as a collaboration between AIPC and the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA). The first academy was held at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in June.
“The inaugural AIPC ABEA ANZ Academy was an outstanding success, with 100 per cent satisfaction from participants and genuine impact felt across the board,” said ABEA board chair, Peter King.
“What set the program apart was not only the calibre of content and facilitators, but the opportunity for participants to engage in real-life venue scenarios and build lasting professional networks.
“This is exactly the kind of capability-building our industry needs – practical, collaborative and regionally focused. We are proud to support its return in 2026.”
The five-day in-person intensive leadership program will be held from February 16 to 20 next year, the week after AIME brings the business events industry together in Melbourne.
The NZICC has announced its intention to open in February next year, with no specific date in the month yet set as the definitive opening.
“We are honoured to host the AIPC ANZ Academy for the first time in Aotearoa New Zealand,” said the NZICC’s general manager, Prue Daly.
“The academy’s focus on nurturing regional talent aligns perfectly with our vision to be a catalyst for world-class experiences and leadership excellence.
“We look forward to showcasing the very best of New Zealand’s manaakitanga with delegates from across the region.”
The program’s New Zealand debut comes at a good time for Australia’s nearest neighbour, given that, by next February, New Zealand will have opened three convention centres in four years.
“Bringing the academy to Aotearoa New Zealand in its second-year signals AIPC’s commitment to deeper regional engagement,” said Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre general manager, Ross Steele, who is an AIPC board member.
“It ensures we are supporting venue leaders across the region with a focus on relevance, access and excellence.”
