One of the world’s most respected leadership programmes for convention and event professionals is coming to New Zealand for the first time, and will be held in the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC)

The AIPC ANZ Academy, developed by the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) in partnership with the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA), is a five-day intensive programme that combines expert-led lectures with hands-on learning experiences.

The second edition of the programme will take place at the NZICC in Auckland from 16-20 February 2026 and will be a feature of the NZICC’s official opening month.

Prue Daly, General Manager NZICC, says, “We are honoured to host the AIPC ANZ Academy for the first time in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Academy’s focus on nurturing regional talent aligns perfectly with our vision to be a catalyst for world-class experiences and leadership excellence. We look forward to showcasing the very best of New Zealand’s manaakitanga with delegates from across the region.”

The announcement was made by Sven Bossu, CEO of AIPC, alongside Ross Steele, CEO of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre and AIPC Board Member, and Peter King, Chairman of ABEA.

Peter King shared "The inaugural AIPC ABEA ANZ Academy was an outstanding success, with 100% satisfaction from participants and genuine impact felt across the board. What set the program apart was not only the calibre of content and facilitators, but the opportunity for participants to engage in real-life venue scenarios and build lasting professional networks. This is exactly the kind of capability-building our industry needs—practical, collaborative and regionally focused. We are proud to support its return in 2026."

Ross Steele, says, “Bringing the Academy to Aotearoa New Zealand in its second-year signals AIPC’s commitment to deeper regional engagement. It ensures we are supporting venue leaders across the region with a focus on relevance, access, and excellence.”

Programme delivery will again be led by Stephanie Martin from Revstar Group, a Melbourne-based management agency with expertise in business events and programme strategy.

Full programme details and registration for the AIPC and ABEA ANZ Academy 2026 will be available soon at www.aipc.org

ENDS

Contact: media@nzicc.co.nz

About AIPC & ABEA ANZ Academy:

The International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) is the global industry association for professional convention and exhibition centre managers. AIPC is committed to encouraging and recognising excellence in convention centre management, providing research, education, and networking opportunities to support its members worldwide.

The ANZ Academy stands as the region's premier professional development initiative, specifically designed to upskill and retain critical talent within the international convention centre industry. As the sector faces challenges in maintaining experienced leadership and qualified staff, the Academy delivers a strategic solution that addresses workforce development needs whilst demonstrating organisational commitment to career progression, a proven strategy for retaining top talent. Distinguished international faculty and expert guest presenters deliver cutting-edge curriculum covering all facets of modern convention centre management, ensuring participants gain both technical expertise and strategic thinking capabilities essential for senior leadership roles.

Beyond exceptional professional development, Academy participants gain access to an invaluable network spanning both the ANZ region and the global Alumni community, creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and career advancement that extend far beyond the programme itself. Graduate feedback consistently reinforces the Academy's value as essential professional development, with participants reporting enhanced job satisfaction, increased confidence in leadership roles, and stronger organisational commitment. The programme's evolving format encourages ongoing participation in future programmes, creating a continuous learning pathway that supports long-term career development whilst building lasting professional relationships across the international convention centre industry.

Event Dates:

Monday 16 – Friday 20 February 2026

About NZICC:

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) is located in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland CBD, making it one of the most connected convention centres in the world.

Designed collaboratively alongside event industry experts, the NZICC is a vertically stacked, flexible and modern building, creating a hub of innovation and positive exchange integrated into the fabric of a vibrant city.

Uniquely positioned to make each event a memorable experience, the NZICC will offer:

• A venue that is designed around giving delegates fast and effortless transitions between meetings, exhibition, pre-function, banquet, and performance spaces.

• A glazed facade provides delegates with an inviting and transparent connection to the vibrancy of the city while allowing views of Auckland’s natural beauty, from the Waitākere Ranges to the Waitematā Harbour.

• Close proximity to Auckland’s innovation ecosystem – universities, business headquarters and innovation hubs – allowing event organisers to tap into New Zealand’s leading knowledge centres.

• An integrated atrium and public laneway encourage networking and enhances the delegate experience within a city full of excitement and sophistication, with over 8000 hotel rooms, dining precincts, shopping and entertainment all within 10 minutes walking distance.

• Configurable spaces presenting opportunities for a wide range of events with intimate meeting spaces on all levels, pre-function capacity for 2,700 people, convention capacity for 3,150 and one-off events for 4,000.