Co-operative Union to hold Congress in Belfast

The 133rd annual Co-operative Congress meeting will take place in Belfast over the weekend – the first time the conference has been in the city since 1926.

This annual meeting of the Co-operative Union will bring together more than 1,000 visitors and delegates from all sectors of the Co-operative Movement.

The event is the result of a joint bid made by the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) and the Belfast Waterfront Hall in October 2000 and takes place at the Waterfront on Sunday May 26 and Monday May 27 with many worker co-ops from throughout the UK represented.

Speaking prior to the conference Pauline Green, Chief Executive of the Co-operative Union, said: “I am confident that Congress 2002 will prove highly successful and I think all delegates and visitors will be interested, not just in the business of Congress itself, but also in the development of the city and the Co-operative Movement in Northern Ireland."

Gerry Lennon, Chief Executive of the BVCB, welcomed the Congress back to Belfast after a gap of 76 years. He said that such major conferences "provided a significant boost to the local economy and with more than 1,000 delegates and visitors attending this particular event, it’s good news for local businesses."

“Belfast is one of the most exciting new conference destinations in Europe and there has been significant investment in the city’s infrastructure in terms of transport, travel, accommodation and meeting facilities.

“It is pleasing to hear that the city’s efforts have been recognised and that the ongoing developments are playing a major part in attracting more business in the conference market.

“Once again, we welcome all visitors to Belfast this weekend and I’m sure that delegates will enjoy both the excellent conference facilities and social programme on offer, as well as a warm Belfast welcome.”

Anna McAleavy, Secretary of Northern Ireland Co-op, said: "The choice of Northern Ireland for this year's Congress is a reflection of the growing role of co-operatives in the province, with the formation last year of the NI Co-operative Forum plus the successful business operations of Northern Ireland Co-op, which span food retailing, funerals and travel."

The BVCB is funded by Belfast City Council and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and sponsored by Guinness UDV.

(SP)