August 2009 - 10th World Forum Foundation Conference a Huge Success for Europa Hotel, Belfast

Over 600 early childhood administrators, trainers, caregivers, public officials and advocates from over 70 countries gathered in Belfast in June for the 2009 World Forum to exchange ideas about the quality of services for young children in diverse settings. The conference was held in the Europa Hotel, Belfast, a world renowned 4* hotel in the bustling city centre.

Siobhan Fitzpatrick, chief executive of Early Years – the organization for young children – has worked closely with Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) as an Ambassador for Belfast and Northern Ireland for over five years. BVCB’s Ambassador programme has been running for ten years, working with medical, business and academic professionals to encourage local professionals to bring meetings and conferences to Belfast and Northern Ireland. Siobhan was successful in bringing the conference to Belfast this year, beating off competition from destinations such as Hawaii and Johannesburg. Proving to be a very popular destination for the conference amongst delegates, the event was fully subscribed three months in advance. Belfast’s reputation as a world-class conference destination had obviously preceded it, setting the scene for the staff and facilities at the Europa Hotel to excel and exceed the expectations of both the conference organizers and the delegates.

The conference itself, which marked the 10th Anniversary of the World Forum Foundation, welcomed 120 presenters from 60 nations, including addresses by the Irish president, Mary McAleese, the Minister for Education Catriona Ruane, and junior Ministers from the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister, Jeffrey Donaldson and Gerry Kelly. International delegates enjoyed at first-hand the celebrated Northern Irish hospitality with a packed social programme, including the 10th Anniversary International Dance, five networking receptions, Gala Welcoming Receptions and Farewell Luncheons, all handled beautifully by the Europa hotel.

Bruce Schon, Event Planner for the World Forum Foundation, was so overwhelmed by the tremendous professionalism and support he received from the staff at the Europa, he wrote personally to the management following the event to congratulate them.

“It would have been impossible for me to cope with the size and complexity of this event without the individual efforts of [the Europa] staff who shared my vision to make this a memorable experience for each and every guest. I have taken the world forum to a diverse selection of properties and locations over the years. Never before have I experienced the team effort put forth by the Europa to ensure that every detail was handled, every expectation exceeded, every attendee honoured, and every request met with action and a smile”

William Lougheed, Manager of Business Tourism (NITB), was delighted to receive the positive comments and warm thanks from the organizers of the World Forum on Early Years Education Conference and added,” The positivity generated by the success of this event is indicative of the high standards of professionalism that we are now seeing in our hotels and conference venues across Northern Ireland. We are now very much open for business and are ready to meet the high standards demanded by international conferences and business tourists. Along with this, Northern Ireland still remains very competitive and is possibly the best value for money business tourism destination within the UK, Ireland and European context. ”

To find out more about bringing a conference to Northern Ireland or Belfast, and to find out more about BVCB’s Ambassador programme, contact:

Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau
Tel: +44 28 9023 9026
Email: info@belfastconventionbureau.com
Web: www.belfastconventionbureau.com

Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau
Tel: +44 28 7137 7577
Fax: +44 28 7137 7992
Email: conference@derryvisitor.com
Web: www.derryvisitor.com

Northern Ireland Tourist Board
Tel: +44 28 9044 1676
Fax: +44 28 9044 0960
Email: businesstourism@nitb.com
Web: www.discovernorthernireland.com/convention

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