EFAPCO's campaign to secure greater political and economic recognition for the meetings industry from the European Union has received a major boost.
The German Convention Bureau (GCB) is to assume a more active role in the activities and development of the Federation through its dedicated PCO group.
The GCB represents more than 250 members who, in the main, comprise the leading PCO companies active in Germany.
Federation President Nicolas Le Brun welcomed the GCB's decision.
"To date, Germany has been ably represented in the Federation by Berlin Preferred Agencies. But the decision made by GCB members to take over the reins will enhance the breadth and depth of Germany's involvement in EFAPCO affairs and will most certainly help us to strengthen our voice in Europe's corridors of power."
"The GCB representation will be formalised at the next EFAPCO Board meeting scheduled for mid-September in Brussels. The reaction from all Board members has been nothing but positive. Strong and active participation within EFAPCO can only benefit us in our discussions with the EU."
"My last round of EU talks with Gunter Verheugen, Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry, was most productive and augured well for the future of our relationships with the EU."
"I hope we will now be able to make further progress before and during our next EFAPCO Congress, which takes place in Brussels on January 7-9, 2010."
This news comes shortly after France became a full and already active member of the Federation.
Le Brun added: "We are now in discussions with organisations and PCO groups in several other European states with a view to establishing a mechanism whereby they can come into our information-exchange, education and networking arena. Links with PCO-orientated organisations in other quarters of the globe are also being explored."
Anke Pruust, Deputy Director of the German Convention Bureau was delighted that at its recent General Assembly GCB members had agreed to play a more active role within EFAPCO.
"Helping to raise the Federation's profile presenting Europe as the finest conventions destination worldwide, and its influence within the EU, will in turn benefit the activities of our PCO members, and all of the others with whom they work in the meetings industry."
For more information, visit EFAPCO
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