The scholarship offers Keylinn complimentary access to ACE I, the first level of IAPCO’s Accredited Conference Expert (ACE) programme. The first individual accreditation for PCO professionals, ACE connects learning and professional experience with formal recognition, reflecting IAPCO’s commitment to professional excellence. Building on her participation in the Emerging Leaders Programme, this opportunity supports the next stage of Keylinn’s professional development.
The scholarship honours Jorge Castex, IAPCO Past President and former Chair of the IAPCO Training Academy, whose commitment to education and professional excellence helped shape the meetings industry in Latin America and beyond.
Stephen Noble (The Conference Company), Chair, IAPCO Training Academy, said:
“IAPCO’s education strategy is grounded in our mission to raise standards through continuing education and professional exchange. Across regions, we bring expertise from IAPCO-accredited PCO companies into learning that supports professionals at different stages of their careers. EDGE Seminars and regional Emerging Leaders programmes create opportunities to develop and apply knowledge, while ACE connects learning and professional experience with formal recognition. Partnerships such as our collaboration with FIEXPO bring international expertise together with regional insight, helping us support emerging talent and strengthen professional capability throughout our global community.”
Recognising Talent and Commitment
At Expo Eventos de Panamá, Keylinn manages academic programming, speaker and exhibitor relations, and strategic partnerships. Her experience includes the Adventure Travel World Summit, Maritime Convention of the Americas and International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations General Assembly, alongside trade fairs and exhibitions.
Reflecting on the scholarship, Keylinn Rodríguez Vega (Expo Eventos de Panamá) said:
“I am truly honoured and grateful to have been selected as the first recipient of the Jorge Castex Scholarship. Receiving this recognition is incredibly meaningful to me, especially considering the values that Jorge Castex represented and that this scholarship seeks to promote.”
“This Programme has been an enriching and transformative experience. It has broadened my perspective on our industry, strengthened my commitment to continuous learning, and inspired me to contribute even more actively to the development and recognition of the meetings and events profession in Latin America.”
A Regional Investment in Emerging Leaders
The inaugural programme welcomed 17 emerging professionals from 12 countries, following approximately 50 expressions of interest. Across five modules, participants from PCOs, DMCs, convention bureaux and other industry organisations explored leadership, governance, stakeholder management, financial strategy and adaptability.
Delivered by the IAPCO Training Academy in partnership with FIEXPO Exhibitions Group, with support from IAPCO Accredited Member BTC Americas and its BTC Connects platform, the programme was guided by Jimena Ruiz (BTC Americas), IAPCO Council Member and Training Academy Regional Representative for LATAM.
Faculty included Juan José García (BCO Congresos), José Bisteni (Servimed), Renata Pozza (MCI Brazil), Mariano Castex (MCI Group) and Álvaro Rojas (Costa Rica Convention Center).
Jimena Ruiz (BTC Americas), IAPCO Council Member and Training Academy Regional Representative for LATAM, commented:
“The 2026 IAPCO & FIEXPO Emerging Leaders Programme – LATAM brought together 17 professionals from 12 countries, reflecting the breadth of talent across our region. Across five modules, participants explored leadership, governance and the business responsibilities that shape their work, learning from experienced faculty and exchanging perspectives across markets. For Latin America and the Caribbean, these opportunities help strengthen the connections between emerging professionals and our wider industry community. Keylinn’s commitment to learning and her contribution to this first cohort reflect the potential we want to continue supporting. The Jorge Castex Scholarship gives her a valuable opportunity to build on that experience while honouring his commitment to education in our region.”
Arnaldo Nardone, Director, and Carolina Adano, Partner and Co-owner of FIEXPO Exhibitions Group, added:
“We are proud to celebrate Keylinn as the first recipient of a scholarship honouring Jorge Castex. His belief in education and professional development continues to inspire our industry. Together with IAPCO, FIEXPO is committed to opening doors for emerging talent across Latin America and the Caribbean.”
The scholarship marks the beginning of a new opportunity for Keylinn and continues Jorge Castex’s legacy by investing in the next generation of meetings industry leaders.
Explore the IAPCO & FIEXPO Emerging Leaders Programme – LATAM and stay informed about future editions
Stay tuned for more information about ACE I accreditation coming soon.
Tags: IAPCO
