International conferences are back and they’re bigger and better than ever! What do conferences and tradeshows of the future look like?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Sven Bossu, CEO, of the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC). Sven discusses:

• How AIPC represents 200 convention centers across 60 countries.
• AIPC’s membership growth in Africa, India, and Southeast Asia, which is driven by economic expansion and changing market dynamics.
• Sven’s journey to becoming CEO of AIPC in May of 2020 during the pandemic, when 95% of members were shut down.
• How during the pandemic, convention centers pivoted to support communities as hospitals, testing centers, vaccination hubs, and even creative spaces like drive-in cinemas.
• AIPC’s “Future Shapers” leadership program, focused on cultivating top talent through leadership training, mentorship, and real-world challenges. Participants present innovative solutions at the annual conference.
• AIPC’s “Regional Academies,” which are globally accessible, five-day boot camps for middle management, emphasizing practical skills like crisis management and conflict resolution.
• AIPC’s “Quality standards” certification program, which helps convention centers in developing regions overcome perceptions of being “inferior” markets.
• AIPC’s upcoming annual conference in Shenzhen, China will highlight cutting-edge technology and ambitious practices in the convention space. The conference will be held in the world’s largest conference center, covering 400,000 square meters, and with two separate subway stations underneath.
• How events are shifting from traditional formats to unique, immersive experiences with flexible layouts, natural light, and a focus on sustainability.

References:

• AIPC Website
• Future Shapers
• Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/zoo/clarity