Who attends

The Work Experience Travel Market and IAPA Annual Conference bring together the world’s leading organisations in the work experience, au pair, and cultural exchange markets, some 200 plus organisations representing more than 45 countries under one roof. Providing an exceptionally targeted opportunity to establish and strengthen sector-focused partnerships, gain industry intelligence
and tap into emerging global markets.

See past attendee list

What attendees are saying...

At the pre-organised business meetings, networking events and even in the dining room, I made more successful contacts with West European agents than I imagined possible! I return to the UK feeling much more positive about this year’s prospects, Bryan Levy, Quick Au Pair and Nanny Agency

The smaller size allowed me to visit with members I had not had a chance to meet with previously. Additionally, the ideas and thoughts that were shared by everyone were invaluable and will help us all get through a challenging year. Wonderful new relationships were fostered and the camaraderie was truly felt among everyone I believe. Congratulations on a job well done!  Kerry Carr, Global Resources for Education and Travel

Because WETM focuses on just one business area, cultural exchange, it made it an extremely cost-effective trade event for us, Randy LeGrant, GeoVisions

In addition to the ideal setting for making direct contacts with our partners around the world and developing new partnerships, the Work Experience Travel Market and IAPA Annual Conference provide speakers who are leaders in the field and venues in some of the most ideal cities, Troy Peden, GoAbroad.com

2010 Miami Highlights

Two hundred and fifty work abroad, volunteering, cultural exchange and au pair professionals representing 183 organisations gathered in the InterContinental Hotel for three days of sector-focused seminars, business appointments, board meetings and networking receptions.

Now in its seventh year, The Work Experience Travel Market & IAPA Annual Conference (WETM-IAC), has become the most significant trading opportunity for cultural exchange programme providers.

With an amazing 2,210 prescheduled business appointments, delegates had plenty of opportunities to reinforce existing partnerships and to develop new business relationships with organisations from more than 43 participating countries.

Seminar Programme: Addressing Industry Concerns

The seminar programme provided fascinating insights into industry issues and sector-specific concerns, including the impact of new visa policies.

In his seminar "What’s Going on in Washington? Exchange Programs and the Obama Administration", Michael McCarry from the Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange, gave examples of how President Obama's administration have proposed some big ideas for exchanges, including connecting teenagers in Kansas and Cairo, matching Muslim students with internships in America and sending 100,000 American college students to study in China.  But in Washington’s bitterly partisan political climate, how these exchanges are faring was also addressed by McCarry.  

The Keynote seminar “Wired to Care Connecting with Your Customer”  by Dev Patnaik was a big hit with delegates and a good kick-off to the conference. His focus on connecting with the customer is particularly timely and is proving popular with global brand such as Nike and Google.

Drawing from his best-selling book, Dev demonstrated real world examples of how businesses innovate by building more meaningful relationships and creating greater empathy with their consumers. 

In the “One Goal, Many Tools” seminar, Michael D’Abramo of Youthography, a leading North American communications agency specialising in the youth market, enlightened delegates on how this unique generation of young people is using social media, and most importantly, provided guidance on how work abroad programme providers can reach young people through these online social communities.

"We're not in Kansas anymore... Examining Culture Shock" with Dr. Weaver, provided tools and strategies for delegates to prepare travelers for life abroad, drawing from his 40 years as a member of the faculty of the School of International Service at American University, the largest school of international affairs in the USA.

Download seminar presentations

2010 conference by the numbers

- 35% first-time attending organisations
- 183 total organisations
- 2200 plus business appointments booked