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The Association of Irish Professional Conference Organisers (AIPCO) is delighted to announce that Jean Evans has been appointed Chairperson of the Association. Jean works as Regional Director - Association Relations at the MCI Group and will hold the position of Chair throughout 2012 and 2013.
‘I’m honoured to be appointed Chairperson by my colleagues. Nicola is one of the leading lights in our industry and I’ve very big shoes to fill following the tremendous progress she helped manage against the background of one of the toughest economic periods in this country’s history’ said Jean Evans, continuing ‘In this country we sometimes underestimate our ability to deliver world-class meetings and events, despite all the evidence to the contrary. We are one of the best, and everyone here at AIPCO is working towards making us the best.’
Jean replaces Nicola McGrane, Managing Director of Conference Partners, as Chairperson. Nicola, speaking on the appointment, said ‘I am delighted to be handing over the Chair of AIPCO to Jean who has such vast International experience. Her exposure to the global association meetings industry will bring great experience to the Irish business tourism sector.’
AIPCO, a non-profit organisation committed to raising standards of service among its members and other sectors of the meeting of the industry, works closely with the Irish Tourism Board, Fáilte Ireland, to promote Ireland as one of the premier international conference hubs in the world. With nine full-time members, AIPCO is the largest association of its kind on the island of Ireland.
Susan Nolan, CEO of Odyssey Convention Ireland and the new Vice Chair of the Association said ‘Being a member of AIPCO gives you access to an incredible pool of knowledge and support, and for me is the perfect tool to drive change within our industry. It’s much more powerful standing with a group than on your own; a message that is true for the wider industry as well.’
AIPCO also works as a hub for organisations seeking out information about holding a meeting in Ireland and for individuals wishing to bring their association or corporation to the country. With the Conference Ambassador Programme, initiated by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with AIPCO members, there is now a streamlined process including funding supports for all international conferences.
The other appointees to the AIPCO board were Marina Finn, Joint Managing Director of Abbey Tours, as Secretary, Ronan Flood, Managing Director of Advantage ICO, as Treasurer and Brian McColgan, Chairman of Abbey Tours, as a Board Member.
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