Overview

Details

Future Leadership & Resilience Track: Preparing for the Future – Personally and Organisationally

In Track 2, Taubie Motlhabane (CEO, Cape Town International Convention Centre)  and Anju Gomes (Senior Regional Director Middle East, ICCA)  guide you through a forward-looking journey to help you and your organization futureproof your leadership and management strategies. This experience is designed in four key stages:

1. Exploring Future Trends:

We begin with a deep dive into major trends shaping our world, using insights from key partners such as the Future Meeting Space and their research on 13 emerging megatrends. Session moderated by Jane Cunningham, Director of European Engagement, Destinations International

2. Immersive Scenario Experience:

Next, join Kurby Court, CEO from the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre for an interactive session on managing high-stakes and challenging congresses at your venue or destination.

3. Inspiration Through Ideas:

Be inspired by TEDx-style talks focusing on future leadership and resilience. These sessions are designed to spark ideas and shift perspectives. Lisa Schulteis, Elisabetta Degiampietro and Ross Steele will share how they’ve led through crises in diverse contexts, from climate challenges to geopolitical disruptions.

• From disaster to resilient and sustainable regeneration – How conventions make an impact​ 
• Leading Global Events with the Brain in Mind: Want your international meetings to stick? Discover how neuroscience helps future-ready leaders reduce overload, spark engagement and design events that people remember and act on
• How changes in the events sector are transforming the way the European Commission delivers its conferences. ​

4. Expert-Led Group Conversations:

We’ll close the afternoon with small group discussions on critical future-readiness topics, including:

• Crisis Management & Resilience Planning: Scenario-based roleplay to sharpen crisis response skills.
• Leading Teams through Uncertainty: Practical methods for motivating, guiding, and managing others during disruptions.​ 
• The Leadership Mindset: Embracing Change with Authenticity, Purpose and Service 
• Research on Well-being (white paper developed in 2025)​ 
• Leading With the Brain in Mind: Neuroscience Strategies for Global Engagement​ 
• Challenges and opportunities for conference organisation at the European Commission. How changes in the events sector are transforming the way the European Commission delivers its conferences.​ 
• Gen Z is Boarding: Challenge or Your Greatest Leadership Opportunity​ 
• From disaster to resilient and sustainable regeneration – How conventions make an impact. 
• Charting the Course: Navigating Political Uncertainty in 2026 and Beyond 

Your facilitators and experts for these workshops include:

• Anna Case, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
  
• Ana Sa, Researcher, CEF. UP
• Lisa Schulteis, Neuroscience and Experience Design 
• Genevieve Lim, Executive Director, Marina Bay Sands
• Lai, Mun Yee, Hospitality and Tourism professional, Sunway University 
• Teh, Pek Yen, Senior Lecturer in the School of Hospitality and Service Management, Sunway University 
• Kurby Court, Calgary TELUS Convention Centre
• Ross Steele, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
• Yoyo Ng, Manager - Event Services and Operations, Macau Expo Group Limited​ 
• Tommy Goodwin, the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA)
• Elisabetta Degiampietro - Head of Unit Conference services - DG Interpretation at European Commission, Brussels

Venue: Caves Ferreira

Located just across the Douro River, the iconic Caves Ferreira is more than a symbol of Porto’s renowned wine heritage - it’s a portal into the rich legacy of one of Portugal’s most entrepreneurial women.

This unique venue will immerse you in the story of Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, a visionary who defied conventions and reshaped the wine industry with courage, innovation, and a deep commitment to people and place.

As you explore this historic space, you’ll:

• Discover how tradition and entrepreneurship coexisted in shaping Porto’s identity
• Draw inspiration from Dona Antónia’s leadership journey - a story of resilience, creativity, and business acumen
• Reflect on how her mindset can inform modern approaches to leadership, innovation, and inclusion in the business events world

All set against the breathtaking backdrop of Porto’s wine cellars and the Douro’s timeless charm.