In partnership with the Australian Business Events Association, the International Association of Convention Centres announced the second AIPC ABEA ANZ Academy following the inaugural 2025 edition. The 2026 Academy is scheduled for 16–20 February 2026 and will be hosted at the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland. The announcement was made by Sven Bossu (CEO, AIPC) together with Ross Steele (CEO, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre; AIPC Board Member) and Peter King (Chairman, ABEA).

Five-day intensive leadership programme at NZICC

The AIPC ANZ Academy 2026 will offer a five-day intensive programme combining expert-led lectures with hands-on learning and real-life venue scenarios designed for convention centre and venue professionals. Peter King stated that the inaugural Academy achieved 100% participant satisfaction and highlighted the programme’s practical, collaborative and regionally focused approach. Ross Steele commented that hosting the Academy in Aotearoa New Zealand signals AIPC’s commitment to deeper regional engagement. Prue Daly, General Manager of NZICC, said the centre is honoured to host the Academy and noted alignment with the venue’s vision for leadership excellence. AIPC will again collaborate with Stephanie Martin of Revstar Group as the official programme delivery partner.