RCN Annual Congress To Be Hosted In Belfast

Belfast is to host the 2018 Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Annual Congress.

The congress, which will be held over five days in May 2018 is the largest event secured to date for the Belfast Waterfront Conference and Exhibition Centre, which will open its £29.5 million extension next year.

The redevelopment, funded by Belfast City Council, Tourism NI and the European Regional Development Fund, through the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland, will add a further 4,000m² of flexible exhibition and meeting space, doubling the size of the current facilities on offer.

The RCN is the largest union and professional body for the nursing profession in the United Kingdom. Representing over 420,000 members, including nurses, midwifes, healthcare workers and students, the annual congress is the Association’s flagship debating forum and helps to inform the RCN’s policies and work for the coming year.

Visit Belfast worked in partnership with Belfast Waterfront to secure the event for Belfast.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Arder Carson said: "The announcement is a real vote of confidence in the world-class facilities being created at Belfast Waterfront.

"Since opening in 1997, the venue has been instrumental in reshaping our city. Now, in 2015, it is again a catalyst for change, bringing more jobs, visitors and economic opportunities, and showcasing what Belfast can offer.

"With less than a year to go until opening, our investment is already beginning to bear fruit, and the scale of this booking – the biggest ever for Belfast Waterfront – shows the ripple effect of tourism on our economy, and the positive impact it has on the whole city."

(CD)