Next Generation Leaders earn their seat at the table at IMEX Frankfurt IAPCO Next Gen Workshop

The next generation of meeting industry leaders took the spotlight today 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, AMC Institute and IFES, the event provided a unique platform for Project Managers to network with industry peers from across the globe and to learn from industry experts about leadership and management.

The half-day workshop at the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel and Conference Center, brought together a diverse group of Project Managers from the four collaborating 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 Gen leaders.

"Empowering the next generation of talent is crucial for continued growth and innovation," said IAPCO CEO, Martin Boyle. "This workshop created a valuable forum for knowledge sharing between seasoned veterans and rising stars."

Leading industry professionals from all 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 collaborated to reflect on the views of senior leaders and discuss 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’. Their diverse perspectives gave attendees 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 decisionmaking table through enhanced leadership skills and personal branding."

This workshop underscores IAPCO's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering professional development within the industry. The Joint Association Partners Next Gen workshop paves the way for a brighter future within the meetings industry by empowering the next generation of young professionals.

IAPCO held another education session at IMEX titled, ‘Paving the Way for the Next Generation’ on Wednesday, 15 May between 15:30 and 16:15 in the Canyon Room within Inspiration Hub at Hall 9, where the outputs from the Joint Association Partners Workshop were shared.

For more information on the association partners and their upcoming events and initiatives, visit www.iapco.org, www.aipc.org, www.amcinstitute.org and www.ifes.online.