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AIPCO announces new board members
The Association of Irish Professional Conference Organisers (AIPCO) is delighted to announce the make-up of its new executive board that will oversee the association over the next two years. With member companies managing conferences worth €70m to the Irish economy over the last three years, AIPCO aims to give the member organisations in this distinct and specialised sector a single, united voice on the international stage.
Nicola McGrane, Managing Director of Conference Partners, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the AIPCO board. With over 20 years experience in the business tourism sector, she began her career in the DMC/Incentive market before establishing Conference Partners in 1998.
Ms Mc Grane, who has over 250 international conference and events in her portfolio, said ‘As chairperson of the AIPCO board I am determined to continue the tireless work of AIPCO in promoting Ireland as a conference destination. Proactively lobbying government, city councils and all organisations concerned with international meetings along with increasing our membership with quality Irish conference organisers is a top priority. By continuing to develop industry relations with key players at home and abroad we at AIPCO will strive to raise and maintain the highest professional standards held by our members.’’
Nicola’s new leadership role comes at a very exciting time for the association with the recent announcement of its acceptance into the prestigious European Federation of Associations of Professional Congress Organisers (EFAPCO). This is a major honour for our association and recognises the excellent work done by our members over the past decade.
Working with Nicola McGrane on the board over the next few years includes new vice-chairperson, Jean Evans, Director of Conferences at MCI Dublin. The rest of the executive board is comprised of Susan Nolan and Christophe de Patoul of Odyssey Convention Ireland, Ronan Flood of Advantage ICO, Brian McColgan of Abbey Conference and Corporate, Terri Cullinane from MediConference Partners and finally Marina Finn from Abbey Incentive and Events.
All the members of the board were chosen for their experience and passion in their chosen fields. Over the next few years it will become increasingly important to proactively promote Ireland and distinguish it from other destinations in order to attract international conferences. With its commitment to quality we hope that Ireland’s worldwide reputation will continue to grow under the guidance of the new executive board.
About AIPCO - Association of Irish Professional Conference Organisers
The Association of Irish Professional Conference Organisers was founded in February 1999, and officially launched by the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation in May 1999. Membership of AIPCO is open to Professional Congress Organising companies operating in Ireland, who have demonstrated the comprehensive experience and ability to organise all aspects of major international conferences. Prospective members are carefully assessed under strict criteria and existing members must also maintain these high standards of quality
For further information please visit www.aipco.ie or you can contact AIPCO, vice chair, Jean Evans at jean.evans@mci-group.com
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