Portugal. The European Federation of the Associations of Professional Congress Organisers (EFAPCO) held their 5th congress at the Estoril Congress Center from 12 to 14 January. Highlights included an analytical presentation by Jose Manuel Bastos, Head of Unit Conference Organisation at the European Commission. He gave delegates some “inside track” guidance as to how meeting planners could become involved in the organisation of EU business events at a variety of levels ranging from high-level political and technical gatherings to broad public meetings. As for working with the European Commission, it was always more receptive to linking up with companies who belong to recognised membership organisations representing a broad perspective. EFAPCO President Nicolas Le Brun, a key contact with the EU over recent years, commented: “In lobbying the EU, it is important that our Federation continues to grow and thereby strengthen our voice in seeking greater political, economic and cultural recognition.“
