The 3rd AIPCO Business Tourism Conference will focus on how Ireland can remain competitive in the global business tourism market place, reflecting the increased competition in the field from established and emerging destinations.
The Association of Irish Professional Conference Organisers (AIPCO) has announced that the 3rd AIPCO Business Tourism Conference will take place in the Powerscourt Hotel, Wicklow, on Friday 27th March.
The conference will focus on how Ireland can remain competitive in the global business tourism market place, reflecting the increased competition in the field from established and emerging destinations. A key networking and educational event in the calendar, the AIPCO Business Tourism Conference will bring delegates together from regional convention bureaux, the hotel industry, venues, restaurants and service areas within the business tourism industry.
2014 saw Ireland take a leap forward in how it is viewed internationally in the business tourism industry, moving up 9 places to 13th best destination worldwide in the influential ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) rankings while also moving up 6 places to 11th place in Europe. In total, the business generated for Ireland amounted to €51m with 40,000 association delegates coming to Ireland throughout the year.
“It may seem a cliche, but the best results come when we work together” said Susan Nolan, Chair of AIPCO. “In Ireland we have the unique advantage of being a close-knit community that has the ability to sell Ireland as one coherent entity. When a client sees every stakeholder in the chain working towards what they want, it becomes a powerful tool in securing more business for Ireland.”
The conference will be moderated by Padraic Gilligan, SoolNua Group, for the second year running, and will include plenary sessions with Irish and international speakers, a panel discussion from Irish industry partners, discussion groups and networking opportunities including a Welcome Reception in the Presidential Suite in the Powerscourt Hotel on Thursday 26th March 2015 and the conference will conclude with a Gala Networking Dinner.
“We’ve seen from the previous AIPCO conferences how important it is for everyone in the industry to take stock of what’s been happening in the industry and to have a singular strategy to deal with the future challenges” commented Miriam Kennedy, Head of Business Tourism Ireland and Keynote Speaker at AIPCO 2015. “I’m looking forward to those discussions where different sections of the industry begin tackling issues head-on and provide solutions on how we can become a better product.”
Approximately 200 delegates are expected to attend AIPCO 2015, gratefully supported by Failte Ireland, and there are several exhibition and sponsorship opportunities for those wishing to reach these industry stakeholders, while special accommodation rates are available in the Powerscourt Hotel for conference delegates.
“We’re also offering 20% discount on all spa treatments for our AIPCO guests’ said Deirdre O’Brien, Director of Sales and Marketing for Powerscourt Hotel. “So we hope they can enjoy our wonderful facilities and perhaps take the time to explore our Wicklow surroundings; undoubtedly one of Ireland’s most beautiful corners.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
