Panel Discussion. Political, Economic and Social Significance of the Meetings Industry

Moderator and panelist: Paul Kennedy MBE, Director and Owner of Kennedy Integrated Solutions (UK) Panel: Sally Greenhill, Managing Director at The Right Solution (UK), Penilla Gunther, MP Sweden, Roger Kellerman, Publisher of Meetings International (Sweden), Ruta Vainiene, Economist (Lithuania) The meetings and events industry is now getting political attention in many countries and some including Denmark and the UK have measured the economic impact in a credible way. This session explores why politicians should and are now taking notice of the business of meetings conferences and events as well as examining the positive social benefits which can be generated for destinations. The sessions brings together a Swedish MP who was once a meeting planner, a leading industry consultant who has in depth experience of creating the case for infrastructure investment and an editor who created the Swedish meetings week and politicians forum. The Professional Education Programme was a one-day event, designed for exhibitors at CONVENE to network, share the latest up to date news in the Meetings Industry and get prepared for CONVENE exhibition.