IAPCO and FIEXPO Launch Emerging Leaders Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean

The programme was officially announced by IAPCO Chief Executive Officer Martin Boyle during the FIEXPO Latin America 2026 Gala Dinner at the InterContinental Costa Rica. It represents a joint investment in leadership development and professional education at a time when the meetings industry continues to face growing demands for specialised skills, governance expertise and long-term talent development.

 

Sponsored by FIEXPO, the programme will provide structured education, mentoring and professional development opportunities for emerging leaders working within Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs) and Destination Management Companies (DMCs). The initiative aims to strengthen leadership capacity across the region while supporting the long-term development of the sector.

 

Up to 15 participants from Latin America and the Caribbean will take part in a structured educational journey delivered through the IAPCO Training Academy. Combining online learning, mentoring and opportunities to engage with international industry leaders, the programme is designed to equip participants with the skills, networks and confidence needed to advance their careers and contribute to the future of the meetings industry.

 

Participants will complete a series of leadership-focused modules led by regional and international industry experts. Topics will include the evolving role of the modern PCO, governance and accountability, stakeholder and committee leadership, budgeting and negotiation, and future-focused leadership.

 

The programme will culminate in the Jorge Castex Scholarship, established in honour of the late Jorge Castex, former IAPCO President, former Chair of the IAPCO Training Academy and one of Latin America's most influential meetings industry leaders.

 

Widely recognised as a pioneering figure in the development of the modern PCO profession, Castex left a lasting legacy through his commitment to education and professional development. The scholarship has been created to honour that contribution while opening new opportunities for future industry leaders.

 

Martin Boyle said the initiative reflects IAPCO's commitment to leadership development and the long-term sustainability of the global meetings industry.

 

"The long-term sustainability of the global meetings industry depends on how deliberately we cultivate leadership across generations. Emerging leaders need to be integrated into governance, strategy and decision-making.

 

"Latin America and the Caribbean continue to demonstrate growing capability, influence and innovation within the global meetings industry. This programme provides 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 long-term resilience, professionalism and global influence of the meetings industry across Latin America and the Caribbean."

 

Arnaldo Nardone, Director of FIEXPO Exhibitions Group, said the initiative 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 honoured that the scholarship bears the name of Jorge Castex, a former IAPCO President, a passionate advocate for professional development in Latin America and globally, and one of the most influential figures in the history of our industry.

 

"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 across Latin America and the Caribbean while honouring Jorge Castex's enduring contribution to our sector."

 

Carolina Adano, Director of FIEXPO Latin America, said the programme also provides a practical pathway for emerging professionals to take on leadership roles within the industry.

 

"The future of our industry is built not only on new ideas, but on providing emerging talent with the education, confidence and opportunities needed to lead. This programme turns that commitment into a tangible opportunity for professionals across Latin America and the Caribbean, connecting them with international industry leaders while recognising the identity, perspectives and priorities of our region.

 

"At FIEXPO Latin America, we want the next generation not only to participate in the meetings industry, but also to have the tools to shape its future."

 

Jimena Ruiz, an IAPCO Council Member and the IAPCO Training Academy representative for Latin America, said the programme recognises both the talent and potential that exist throughout the region.

 

"Education is central to IAPCO's mission of advancing professional excellence and strengthening the global business events industry. We are committed to delivering learning opportunities that respond to the specific needs of each region, equipping professionals with the knowledge, skills and networks they need to succeed.

 

"Latin America and the Caribbean are home to extraordinary talent, innovation and ambition. By combining IAPCO's global educational expertise with the strength of our regional network and strategic partnerships, 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."

 

Applications for the FIEXPO & IAPCO Emerging Leaders Programme – LATAM and the Jorge Castex Scholarship opened this week, with the inaugural programme scheduled to begin in July.

 

Emerging leaders, PCOs and DMCs from across Latin America and the Caribbean are invited to register their interest and stay informed about future programme announcements and application deadlines.

  

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