An exciting year ahead
AIPC CEO SVEN BOSSU LOOKS WITH OPTIMISM AT THE CHALLENGES OF THE YEAR AHEAD
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022 was a great year for convention centres and for AIPC . Despite challenges , recovery is turning into growth and 2023 has the potential – fingers crossed – to become a best ever for many members of the AIPC community . It is an ambition we also have at association level , as we want to grow both in terms of members but – even more importantly – in the value we deliver to our members .
In a way , I was very lucky to come on board at AIPC in May 2020 . Yes , there were some challenges – every AIPC member had to close its doors and the event industry come to a halt – but both the Board and the Business Partners of AIPC were committed to use that period as an opportunity to prepare for a next phase of AIPC .
A six-pillar plan was put into place and the first results were delivered in 2021 and 2022 , with the launch of the AIPC talent programme Future Shapers , the intensified collaboration with other associations and the revisited relationship with the AIPC Business Partners , who have become true partners and actively involved in all our activities .
This work will continue in 2023 . The second edition of the talent programme has been launched , with the support of RAI Amsterdam and we have a great and diverse group of upcoming talents signed up who will undoubtedly blow us away at the next Annual Conference in Luxembourg . The collaboration with other associations , via the Joint Meeting Industry Council ( JMIC ) will result in key milestones in 2023 , with the delivery of eight roadmaps towards Net Zero Carbon Events . And the onboarding of new business partners will allow for even more intellectual cross-pollination between the leaders of these organisations and the AIPC community . In addition , we want to revamp our suite of activities and increase their value and inclusiveness . The ambition is to make the AIPC events testing grounds for some of the new technology and formats we see arising , allowing our members to experience the value firsthand , potentially resulting in new product and service offerings . At the same time , we want to increase our reach , either by co-creating activities with other associations ( like the
“ 2023 has the potential – fingers crossed – to become a best ever for many members of the AIPC community .”
Above : Sven Bossu
Canadian Academy which will take place for the first time in 2023 , in collaboration with the Convention Centers of Canada ) or partners ( like the first ever AIPC Africa Summit which takes place next year , in collaboration with the South Africa National Convention Bureau ).
So , yes , a lot of plans for 2023 , all driven by the input and support of our members and partners . Having worked in a very different industry for over 20 years , it never stops to amaze me how people in the event industry are open for collaboration , not shy of sharing information and most importantly : having fun while doing so . The event industry is a great place to work in and I am proud to be part of it . See you in 2023 !
ISSUE 122 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 11