The coordinated timing and location of the two workshops means that IALC institutions as well as exhibitors can easily attend both.

The coordinated timing and location of the two workshops means that IALC institutions as well as exhibitors can easily attend both

Director of IALC, Jan Capper, said the combined logistics creates “a unique opportunity for agents” to network with a larger pool of organisations and visit more education markets.

Capper told The PIE News: “The IALC workshop is all about partnership. We put a lot of emphasis on networking and developing relationships alongside the business appointments.”

ANZA, ICEF’s annual Australia and New Zealand workshop, takes place at Hilton Sydney from 6-8 April, while the IALC workshop, which draws IALC-accredited providers from 20 countries including Australia and New Zealand, follows at the Sofitel Brisbane from 10-13 April.

Fam trips have also been lined up to maximise delegates’ time in the region. Participants can visit Sydney, Cairns, The Gold Coast and Byron Bay in between the two conferences, while post-conference fam trips will visit Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, Auckland, Whitianga, Christchurch & Nelson.

In addition to giving agents previously on the fence about venturing as far afield as Australia another business incentive, the partnership will allow IALC and ANZA to use their respective networks to market the events together.

In 2013, the ANZA Workshop took place in Brisbane and hosted 438 participants from 316 organisations in 47 countries. The IALC workshop in Lisbon attracted around 300 delegates.

“Customers who book premium services have high expectations, so agents and schools at this end of the market need to work very closely and trust each other totally,” added Capper.