The next generation of meeting industry leaders took the spotlight on May 13, 2024, at the “How to get a seat at the table” workshop at IMEX Frankfurt, hosted by Association Partners and supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Organised by IAPCO in partnership with AIPC (International Association of Convention Centres), AMC Institute and IFES (International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services), the half-day workshop at the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel and Conference Center brought together a group of project managers from the four associations.
Participants learned of the challenges faced by today’s senior professionals during their early careers and the important role of mentorship. Attendees also gained insights into effective succession planning, navigating generational leadership dynamics and key characteristics of successful next-generation leaders.
To start with, industry professionals from the four associations were tasked with ‘Defining the Next Generation’ during a panel discussion moderated by Stephen Noble, chair of the IAPCO Training Academy and Giulia Sarri, chair of the IAPCO Next Gen Committee.
During the Next Gen Hackathon session, small groups reflected on the views of senior leaders, and discussed the changes they would like to implement.
At the end of the workshop, the Next Gen leaders participated in a panel discussion about their ‘Ideas for the Future’, where their diverse perspectives provided a well-rounded understanding of the generational opportunities and challenges ahead.
“One of the biggest challenges our generation faces is getting that coveted ‘seat at the table’ where strategic decisions are made,” said the Next Gen representative of the IAPCO Council and chair of the IAPCO Next Gen Committee Giulia Sarri. “This workshop is a chance young professionals can grab to challenge their creative intelligence, find solutions that can bring an impact on their clients’ communities and, therefore, play a meaningful role in shaping our industry’s future direction.”
“The meeting industry’s future relies on fostering an inclusive environment where wisdom is passed between generations, as well as creating a safe space for the newer generations to share their ideas,” said panellist and IAPCO Council member Ellen Franck of Meetagain Konferens AB. “Today’s discussions will empower project managers to secure a seat at the decision-making table through enhanced leadership skills and personal branding.”
IAPCO will be holding another education session at IMEX titled, ‘Paving the Way for the Next Generation’ today (May 15) from 15.30 to 16.15 in the Canyon Room within Inspiration Hub at Hall 9, where the outcomes from the Joint Association Partners Workshop will be shared.
