Successful businessman, producer, and entrepreneur Nurlan Konokbaev is one of the most prominent figures in modern Kazakhstan at the intersection of culture, art, and strategic business. A former ballet soloist, winner of international competitions in South Korea, Russia and Ukraine, he is now the director of the Almaty Theater and founder of the Konokbaev Group and AlanBars Group (USA). His name is associated with large-scale ballet tours, international festivals, cultural initiatives and entrepreneurial breakthroughs.
In 2025, Nurlan joined the International Business Partnership Association (IBPA), a prestigious business organization that brings together entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators who shape the economic future of Kazakhstan and the world. We talked to him about why this association matters, how to get there, and what it brings to the table.
– Mr. Nurlan, you have become a member of the prestigious International Business Partnership Association. What does this membership mean to you?
For me, it is, first of all, a great honor and recognition of my professional path. IBPA is not just a business club, but an elite association that brings together leaders who are able not only to respond to changes but also to create them. It is a community where everyone has their own unique value and where the level of dialog is strategic. Participation in such a structure is an opportunity to expand your influence, combine cultural experience with business opportunities, and join the formation of a new economy.
IBPA is a community not for everyone, but for those who lead the way. Founded in 2018, the International Business Partnership Association has quickly become an important institution in the economic life of Kazakhstan and the international business environment. This is not an association for passive observers, but for people who create trends, build industries and change the approach to leadership. It’s not easy to join IBPA – the selection process is rigorous and multi-level.
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Could you tell us how difficult it is to join the IBPA?
It is one of the most structured and professional processes I have ever encountered. You cannot just apply. You need to provide a detailed portfolio: biography, company performance, participation in forums, innovations, publications or inventions. Then there is an online interview with the presidium of the association. They don’t ask only about business; they are interested in your values, vision, and contribution to society.
Membership in IBPA is open only to entrepreneurs who meet the high standards of selection. The main criteria include having an operating business with a proven track record of at least three years, an annual revenue of $200,000 or more, and a leadership role as a founder, CEO, or director. Recognition in the industry, participation in professional events, and publicity – mentions in the media, scientific publications, or presence in the international arena – are also important. Recommendations from current IBPA members are a prerequisite. It is thanks to this level of selection that only honest, strong, and forward-thinking entrepreneurs join the association, not those who seek formal titles.
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What does membership in such an association as IBPA give you?
IBPA members get not just access to a powerful business community, but also real tools to influence the economic environment. They participate in the development of business policies and economic programs, have access to international forums and panel discussions. In addition, members are provided with consulting, legal support, and expert analytics. As part of the association, they can initiate their own projects, participate in mentoring, create cross-border collaborations, and implement strategic initiatives with real impact.
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What attracts you most as a member of this association?
The opportunity to combine culture and business in one strategic space. I believe that cultural projects can be no less influential than technological ones. Through IBPA, I got a platform where I can talk about cultural diplomacy as part of economic policy. It is also an environment where you can teach and learn, share experiences and open new markets. The IBPA’s mission is not just to promote business development, but to responsibly shape an economic ecosystem where leadership is based on integrity, innovation, and social contribution. The Association is actively involved in lawmaking, promotes entrepreneurship, and builds bridges between government agencies and the private sector.
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In conclusion, what advice would you give to those who aspire to join the IBPA?
Do not chase status, but build value. IBPA is not a club for ticking boxes, but a space for those who are ready to change the rules of the game. If you believe in the power of ideas, build an honest business, and are ready to think globally, then this is the place for you.
Nurlan Konokbaev is an example of how art and strategy can grow together in a new type of business. His path proves that culture can be a powerful economic force. And participation in IBPA is a confirmation that true leaders shape not only profits but also the future.
