Press Release

The Joint Associations Next Generation Workshop, on Cultivating Leadership in a Globalized Workforce, took place on Monday at the North Convention Center, Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Organised by IAPCO, IFES, AIPC, and AMCI, the workshop provided a platform for deepening understanding of adaptive leadership in today’s globalised workforce.

The four associations collaborated again to empower the next generation following the success of the previous shared workshop at IMEX Frankfurt.

It highlights the importance that each of the four associations places on collaborating with, and the importance of giving a voice to, the Next Generation.

Estefanía Zárate Angarita, of Kenes Group, said: “The Joint Associations Workshop is a demonstration of continuous and strengthening collaboration between key players of our global meetings sector, where the visions and talents of the future leaders are centre stage.

“The programme and the format, including the logistics and the delivery of this educational session have been mindfully crafted by ambitious early career professionals to enable a platform for cutting-edge conversation around leadership, globalisation, and knowledge exchange across cultures and generations.

“As a member of the IAPCO Next Generation Committee, it was my honour to work alongside colleagues from AMCI, IFES and AIPC to bring this format for the first time to IMEX America, transferring the lessons from our first Joint Associations Workshop, carried out this past May at IMEX Frankfurt and tailoring the content to the audience from the Americas.

“It was exciting to share my experience as a Colombian journalist and digital nomad, working remotely for the world-class PCO Kenes Group since 2021.”

Uta Goretzky, Executive Director, IFES, said: “Motivated employees who have a stable network within the industry are a key factor in the MICE industry. The Next-Gen workshops at IMEX contribute to these networks and, along the way, participants learn from each other and from experienced experts. In short, the offer from the cooperating associations is a must.”

Key topics included adapting to a shifting global landscape and creating leadership opportunities for talent from low and middle-income countries.