I think nearly any environment can be used as a training session.
Companion shows are great for it, I tend to not let my dog socialise with other dogs at these and just get focus on me.
Even on the show ring I tend to use it as a training ring as you can take food in there.
I have never been to an Ipo event so can't comment, but again I'm sure there is something to train there.

Thanks for that

I agree that it's good to take pups to shows so they begin to enjoy the atmosphere. Dependant on your training techniques, a training round should help. You can still reward in a training round.

Those who do not use reward based methods end up with a Ring Wise dog. (Not meaning you) Just saying, as the youngsters say, LOL

We went along to an IPO trial once and all non-competing dogs were kept in vans or cars until it was their turn. Not my idea of a good day out for the dogs. Right or wrong, my idea of an obedient dog is one that will work with all distractions.

I've been to many VPG/IPO trials & only if the weather was really bad were the dogs kept in the vehicles this was in the UK & abroad BTW

Sometimes it's good to keep putting the dogs back in the car, gives them time to settle down. And a rest, if you are tied at the end of the day for a place you want a fresh dog.
Plus it's an exciting experience and you don't want a young dog getting over shelves or over tired.

Just to add, depends on the weather on the day and if you car is appropriately set up fir airflow and cages.

I train with marker/ rewards ,that is why I thought maybe a training round would be good as I could give my dog a great,fun experience in the ring. I do try to use every venue as an opportunity to train.