Upcoming ABPCO roundtable to focus on ‘Bidding to host a congress’

The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) will be looking at the benefits of ‘Bidding to host a congress’ and best practice at Oxford Martin School on the 22nd September.

Ian Goldin, Professor of Globalisation and Development and Director of Oxford Martin School at the University of Oxford, will begin the event with a presentation ‘The Future in 20 Years’. Ian Goldin was Vice President of the World Bank (2003-2006) and prior to that the Bank’s Director of Development Policy (2001-2003). He served on the Bank’s senior management team and led the collaboration with the United Nations and other partners as well as with key countries.

Following the presentation, attendees will then discuss the benefits of ‘Bidding to host a congress’ under Chatham House rules.

“The opportunity to discuss this subject in great detail is something we expect to be quite popular,” comments Caroline Windsor, joint-chair of ABPCO. “There are many benefits and challenges when hosting a congress so the idea of this event will be to give attendees a balanced overview of what is right for their business. We are honoured to have Professor Ian Goldin joining us for the event as we look to the future and I expect those that attend will feel inspired by what he has to say and of course what their peers have to share in the discussions that follow.”

Discussion points for the event include:
• Why bid? What are the risks and rewards of hosting a congress? Will it help your organisation be recognised as a centre of excellence?
• What are the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders (host association, ambassador, convention bureau, venue, PCO, congress suppliers) in producing a bid?
• What is the essential information you should receive in an RFP (request for proposal) in order to produce a bid?
• What factors influence the success of a bid and how can they be addressed?
• Who pays the costs of producing the bid? Is it fair that the burden generally falls on suppliers and not on the association? ABPCO members and industry professionals interested in being a part of this event can find further detail and booking information at www.abpco.org/abpco-roundtable.

ABPCO is the UK’s leading organisation for professional conference and event organisers, industry associates and those studying for, or seeking a career in the conference and meetings industry. For more information about ABPCO visit www.abpco.org