Leadership in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC+) Sector
JOIA Paraiso by Iberostar - Cancún
Insights, Strategies & Actionable Dialogue
SCHEDULE
11th - 13th February
SCHEDULE
DETAILS
A Networking Cocktail for early arrivals to connect before the official program begins.
19:30
JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar
10th February 2026
TIC+ Market Evolution & Growth Strategies
08:30
Registration, Networking & Coffee
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09:00
Opening Remarks & Participant Introductions
Presenter: Talal Yousef
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09:30
Reflections on 30 Years in Global TIC+: Evolution, Disruption & Opportunity - with focus on the Americas market
Presenter: Paul Hesselink
Overview of how the TIC+ sector evolved over the past three decades - highlighting consolidation waves (Europe vs Americas vs LATAM), the early growth of European players - and what the Americas can learn, Structural differences: regulation, labor, fragmentation (between the America and Europe).
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10:30
Coffee Break
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10:45
Strategy Case Studies - “Where to Play & How to Win”
Facilitator:Kirsten Raapke
Presenters: Raj Naran, George Pfeil and Calin Moldovean
Three to four case studies 15-minute case studies showing how TIC+ companies chose their markets, built competitive positions, and created long-term value.
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12:15
Moderated discussion Q&A
Facilitator: Kirsten Raapke
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13:00
Lunch Break
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14:00
Panel Discussion & Case Studies M&A Models in TIC+
Facilitators: Raj Naran and Paul Hesselink
Presenters: George Pfeil, Mike De Groot and Brent Williams
What Works, What Doesn’t, and How to make different approaches work!
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15:30
Coffee Break
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15:45
Roundtable - What is the “+” in TIC+?
Facilitator: Paul Hesselink
A forward-looking session exploring what the “+” means in TIC+: consulting, cyber, medical testing, robotics, training, and other adjacent sectors. Large groups like SGS and Bureau Veritas are already expanding into these areas - what does this mean for TIC firms, and how should they respond?
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16:25
Close
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19:30
Networking Dinner
11th February 2026
Leadership & Value Creation in TIC+
08:15
Networking & Coffee
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08:30
Welcome to Day 2, Warm-Up & Poll
Presenter: Paul Hesselink
Quick recap of Day 1 highlights and sets the stage for deeper dives. Unpack “yesterday’s strategy” and show how it links to value creation, especially in the Americas context
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09:00
Workshop: Navigating Market Uncertainty
Geopolitics - Robots/AI - Trade & Risk in TIC+
Facilitator: Kirsten Raapke
An interactive, scenario-driven session exploring how geopolitical shifts, technological acceleration, trade dynamics, and other relevant external factors shape strategic assumptions and leadership decisions - without predictions or prescriptions.
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10:00
Roundtable - M&A Intelligence - Signals, Valuations & Pipelines (Americas Focus)
Facilitator: Calin Moldovean
Presenters: Talal Yousef and Brent Williams
Ground the discussion in current, real-world M&A dynamics across the Americas and transatlantic corridors. Transatlantic deal flow: Europe ↔ Americas, Valuation trends, Buyer appetite: strategic vs PE vs platform add-ons
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11:00
Coffee Break
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11:15
Roundtable: Finding the Right Growth Pace
Facilitator: Paul Hesselink
Presenters: Mike Tims and Mark Thomae
A discussion on how different ownership models shape growth strategy. Private equity investors may push for faster expansion and bold M&A, while operators often prioritise integration, culture, service delivery & quality and sustainable margins. This session explores how to balance pressure for rapid returns with the discipline needed to build long-term value.
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12:15
Leadership & Talent in TransformationBuilding teams, culture, and leaders in a rapidly evolving TIC+ landscape.
Presenter: Harry Woolfall
Exploring how leadership and organizational culture shift as portfolios evolve.
Stories of emerging TIC+ leaders driving transformation in their companies and the wider industry, through a diverse thought process and impact on business portfolios, divestments and growth strategies.
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13:00
Lunch Break
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14:00
Acquiring a TIC+ Business - Lessons learned from SME Transactions
Presentor: Talal Yousef
Real case studies from SME sellers highlighting how preparation, timing, and owner decision-making influence deal success.
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14:45
Coffee Break
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15:00
Roundtable Discussion: Digitalisation in TIC+ - Where Are We Really?
Facilitator: Paul Hesselink
Industry self-reflection: are we moving fast enough? In Marbella, participants said digitisation lags because TIC firms must first secure their TIC client base before layering on digital. This theme can continue here, with Americas examples.
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15:45
Close
12th February 2026
Digital Transformation in TIC+
08:15
Networking & Coffee
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08:30
Panel & Roundtable: Embracing Digitalisation - AI Implementation & Market Disruptors
Facilitators: Kieran Walshe and Paul Hesselink
Bringing “techies” and “TIC+ dinosaurs” into the same room, this session challenges the slow pace of digitisation in TIC+. Using practical examples of innovative approaches, it examines how AI is being applied in testing, audits, and certification to reduce manual work, enhance quality, and strengthen the impact of standards.
Part 1- Part 1:
Panel (45 min) – The Builders: Software vendors & AI disruptors
Presenters: Jake Lewin, James Gunn-Wilkinson, Bart Riegman, Konstantin Klingler and Steve Thomas
Vendors and AI innovators discuss their experiences with real-world TIC+ implementations, highlighting where automation and AI are proving valuable today, where projects encounter delays, and what organisational, data, and process foundations are essential for success. The focus is on practical insight, not product pitches or future promises.
Part 2:
Roundtable (45 min) – The Operators: TIC leaders reactions
Facilitators: Kieran Walshe and Paul Hesselink
TIC leaders reflect on their own digital journeys, examining why initiatives stall after pilots, how legacy systems and governance constrain progress, and where leadership decisions—not technology—are the true blockers. The discussion prioritises honesty, shared experience, and practical learning over success stories.
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10:30
Coffee Break
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10:45
Roundtable: Digital Trust & Cyber Readiness - Building Secure & Scalable Frameworks
Facilitator: Kieran Walshe
Explores how TIC firms build client confidence in digital systems by addressing cyber threats head-on. It examines where organisations are most exposed, how weak governance and accountability amplify risk, and what practical cyber readiness looks like for leaders responsible for protecting data, operations, and reputation
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11:45
Closing Roundtable Recap: What Changes on Monday?
Facilitator: Red Swan
3 Days of Insights & Key Takeaways - A participative session where attendees reflect on learnings from strategy, leadership, and digitalisation discussions, and identify priorities for their own organisations.
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12:30
Lunch Break & Close
13th February 2026
Optional Weekend Extension & Activities
A relaxed setting for informal networking, business discussions, and peer connections in a premium resort environment. (Additional Cost)
El Camaléon Championship Golf Course - Spa - Ocean Adventures - Explore Chichen Itza
14th & 15th February 2026
Spaces are strictly limited to preserve the quality of discussion, connection and intimacy.
Registration
is closed
When
Wednesday - Friday
11th - 13th February 2026
Where
Cancun - Mexico
