Groundbreaking AI-powered training course wins IAPCO Innovation Award 2025

 

The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) is proud to announce Nuria Fernández Roldán, Online Education Specialist at Kenes Group, as the winner of the IAPCO Innovation Award 2025 for her visionary work in transforming medical education through artificial intelligence.

IAPCO President Sissi Lignou presented the 11th annual IAPCO Innovation Award – which is supported by IMEX and recognises those who push the boundaries of what is possible, and then take action to bring meaningful change – at the prestigious IMEX Frankfurt Gala Dinner on 21st May.

Nuria Fernández Roldán photographed with IMEX Chairman Ray Bloom and IAPCO President Sissi Lignou at the IMEX Gala Dinner and Awards 2025.

This year’s award-winning project, AI-Powered Simulation Training: Mastering Sensitive Discussions on Weight Management, is a breakthrough online course hosted on UNLOK Education, Kenes Group’s digital learning platform. This short course is designed to help healthcare professionals navigate emotionally sensitive conversations with patients living with chronic conditions like Type 2 Diabetes. This fully digital, self-paced course blends emotionally engaging actor-led simulations with real-time emotional recognition AI. Nuria Fernández Roldán said that by analysing facial expressions, tone of voice, and engagement levels, the course which is only 15 minutes long, provides personalised feedback on verbal and non-verbal communication, empowering healthcare professionals to navigate complex conversations with greater sensitivity. “We saw the potential to use emotional recognition AI to help healthcare professionals handle conversations with their patients more sensitively and without judgement. “This technology provides an opportunity for self-reflection and growth in a way that traditional training does not,” said Fernández.

The IAPCO community celebrating with Nuria Fernández Roldán, winner of the IAPCO Innovation Award 2025, at the IMEX Gala Dinner and Awards. Pictured: IAPCO President Sissi Lignou, CEO Martin Boyle, Council Members, as well as IAPCO Members and Ambassadors.

Launched at the Advanced Technologies and Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) 2024 Congress, the course has alredy trained over 300 medical professionals worldwide, with participants praising its innovation and human-centric approach. Kenes Group continues to lead the way in integrating AI into professional healthcare training with plans to expand into more patient and clinicial scenarios. In presenting the award, Sissi Lignou said Fernández and Kenes Group are a great example of working to raise the standards of professionalism across the meetings indsutry, which is the mission of IAPCO. “This innovation truly represents the best of what our industry can achieve when we lead with compassion, creativity, and purpose,” said Lignou. For more information about the IAPCO Innovation Award and this year’s winning project, visit: https://www.iapco.org/resource/groundbreaking-ai-powered-training-course-wins-iapco-innovation-award-2025.html

About IAPCO The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) is the only global accreditation body for Professional Conference and Congress Organisers (PCOs), representing the gold standard of excellence in the global meetings industry. A not-for-profit, member-driven organisation, IAPCO exists to elevate professional standards in the planning and delivery of world-class conferences and meetings. IAPCO has over 92 members, operating from over 180 offices across the globe.  In 2024, they delivered a combined 19,469 events with an economic impact of over €17.8 billion.  Our members have undergone a rigorous peer-review process to be regarded as IAPCO Accredited and need to consistently demonstrate an unwavering commitment to quality, integrity, and innovation.  Underpinned by three strategic pillars – Community, Education, and Advocacy – IAPCO is the global voice of the PCO. Together, we champion the profession, inspire excellence, and unlock new possibilities in event delivery.  The key to quality. IAPCO: Unlocking Excellence.  www.iapco.org Tags: IAPCO Sissi Lignou  IMEX Gala Dinner  Awards 2025.