Jean Evans, European Director of Association Relations for MCI, said ‘The decision of IAPCO to bring their Annual Meeting to Ireland is a major boost for the indigenous industry and another tangible sign of the progress made in the raising of standards within the Irish meetings industry over the last decade. We are now one of Europe’s top meetings destinations and can offer the best in the industry the best service available.’

Nicola McGrane, Managing Director of Conference Partners, added ‘Ireland has changed dramatically and has rapidly become not only a prime tourist destination but also a top-class business destination for international travellers. This combination of social activities and business facilities make Ireland an ideal host for IAPCO 2013 and we are delighted to have the opportunity to show what this country can do.’

Keith McCormack from Failte Ireland, the prime sponsor of the event, said ‘We are delighted that Ireland has been awarded this prestigious conference. These are some of the biggest decision makers in the industry and we will support this eminent group of PCOs to help them showcase the best of Ireland. We treat every guest that comes to Ireland with warmth and professionalism and IAPCO 2013 will be no different.’

‘It’s exciting to have so many of our industry peers arriving on our shores’ added Noel Mitchell, Managing Director of Keynote PCO, ‘The PCO partnership that has been created will be working closely together over the next two years to deliver a world-class event to the IAPCO 2013 attendees.

“We are thrilled to go to Ireland in 2013! says Philippe Fournier, IAPCO President. The bid we received was of excellent quality and our members in Ireland want to showcase to all their colleagues the assets the country has to hold international meetings”.

The meeting will take place in The Westbury Hotel, one of Dublin’s premier meeting establishments located right in the heart of the city. Completely renovated over the last few years, The Westbury Hotel is a symbol of the work done in Ireland to raise standards across the sector and is a model of five-star luxury in an historic setting.