ABEA and AIPC partner to deliver inaugural leadership training program for convention centres  

The International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) and Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) have partnered to deliver a tailor-made leadership training program for convention centres from June 2025.

Ross Steele, Chief Executive of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre and AIPC Board Member, and Peter King, Chair of ABEA made the announcement at the AIPC@AIME summit.  

The AIPC Academy, the flagship educational initiative, will make its debut in Australia as part of the strategic alliance between ABEA and AIPC.

The ABEA and AIPC ANZ Academy will take place in June 2025. This comprehensive five-day program will cover a range of critical topics in leadership and convention centre management, combining expert lectures and hands-on exercises to equip participants with actionable insights they can immediately apply in their venues.

Peter King said the business events community in Australia is the great benefactor of this partnership noting “as a former AIPC Board member, I’m thrilled we can bring this outstanding management program to the ANZ region, whilst removing a big part of the financial threshold for participation.  

“It will be the first, but definitely not last outcome of the partnership between these two great associations.”

Steele added “bringing the AIPC Academy to the region is an integral part of AIPC’s strategy to enhance engagement with convention centres in the region, while adapting the program to meet local needs. In 2025, we’re excited to be delivering four Academies globally.”

Natalie O’Brien AM, Chief Executive, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre will host the inaugural AIPC Academy in Australia enthusing “we’re delighted to be the venue for the first-ever ABEA and AIPC ANZ Academy.  

“In the past, we’ve sent several of our staff to attend the AIPC Academy in Brussels, and the return on investment in emerging talent has been invaluable. Bringing the Academy to Melbourne will now open this unique opportunity to convention centre professionals from across the entire ANZ region.”

In a further step to ensure the highest standard of operational excellence, ABEA and AIPC are partnering with REVSTAR Group, a Melbourne-based agency renowned for its expertise in hotels and business events to project manage the Academy.  

The detailed program and registration information for the ABEA and AIPC ANZ Academy can be found at www.aipc.org.  

Image. Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre will host the inaugural AIPC Academy in Australia