EFAPCO’s Warsaw Congress takes shape

EFAPCO has reshaped its 2008 Congress programme, to embrace something like 15 hot topics within five keynote sessions.

*          Session One will examine the strategies that could shape the future development of the meetings industry across Europe and most crucially current activities within the realms of business tourism. The importance of meetings in global communications will be revealed by Carlos Vogeler, Chairman of the UNWTO Affiliate Members Council.

A similar session at EFAPCO’s second congress in Athens proved a major turning point in its relations with the EU when Jean Bergevin, Head of Unit of Market E2 Services – Directorate General for the International Market & Services – European Commission, offered dialogue with the Federation about its role and significance in making Europe’s conference industry increasingly and consistently professional.

Delegates are expected to get an update on progress made in the past year and how the Commission’s perspective has evolved. During the same session, another meeting industry Speaker  will give updates on the growing competition European PCOs face in the global marketplace – and how they can tackle these challenges.

*          Session Two will focus on the PCO’s role in partnership opportunities. Operating in isolation is no longer an option in this increasingly competitive sector of the business tourism industry. Strong working relationships with clients and all links in the supply chains serving meetings and events, are vital.

Another Speaker  is set to present case studies about medical congress events. Tuula Lindberg, Director of the Finland Convention Bureau will guide delegates on working successfully with European convention bureaus. And Marc Dans, President of the Association of Belgian Incoming Tour Operators will illustrate ways in which PCOs and DMCs can work together to maximum benefit.

*          Session Three will get to grips with “professionalising the profession”. Prof Andy Friedman, Director of PARN, the Professional Associations Research Network will examine the role of professionalism in raising the industry’s profile. Hungary’s EFAPCO Board Member ,Gusztav Hencsey, will analyse how PCOs and professional bodies can work together. And giving the corporate client perspective will be Elzbieta Czarnocka, Event Manager, Purchasing Department, with Polpharma, Poland.

*          Session Four will put ideas for a PCO code of ethics, professional certification and certification standards, under the spotlight. Sam van de Kerckhof, President of the Belgian Association of Professional Congress Organisers will look at a PCO code of ethics than protects both the client and the PCO.

PCO services in Europe - the need for standarization will be illuminated by Dr. Zygmunt Niechoda, International Relations Division Director with the Polish Committee for Modernisation. And the use of ISO 228 will be presented by Eduardo Moreno, from Spain, who is the Director of ISO-TC228, Spain.

A French perspective on this complex issue, will be presented by Catherine Sihey-Renard, Standardisation Project Manager with the normalisation association ASMOR.

The Congress theme is “Tomorrow is Today!”.

*          So Session Five is dedicated to Building the Future. The integration of the European PCO as a source of professional know-how, cutting-edge information and business exchange opportunities will be exposed, meanwhile Tom Hulton, IMEX Director of International Relations, will explain how a leading trade show like IMEX can support PCOs’ activities across a full spectrum of their activities.

ENDS

For additional editorial information contact: Robin Anderson, Editorial Consultant EFAPCO. Tel: 44 (0)1670 523 568.

Email: info@ra-a.demon.co.uk.