A meeting is being held to discuss whether London’s hotel managers are hampering the efforts of congress organisers seeking to bring major association events to the capital.

The Association of British Professional Congress Organisers (ABPCO) reckons hotels in London could do more to attract lucrative international conventions to the metropolis.

It says a shortage of room allocations, uncompetitive forward rates and ‘unrealistic’ terms and conditions, suggest the city is blasé about attracting association meetings.

To thrash out the issue ABPCO, in partnership with meetpie.com's sister title Association Meetings International, is holding a panel discussion during International Confex in March.

Association executives, hotel managers, convention bureaux representatives, PCOs and delegates from association management companies are expected to debate the issue.

ABPCO chairman Michael Foreman, said: “I am looking forward to a constructive discussion with hotels and venues across the capital regarding what is needed to attract large congresses to the capital. 

“ABPCO’s PCO members, including Kenes UK, have experienced fierce competition from other destinations keen to attract association businesses and we are keen to explore how we can help London as a destination become more attractive to this sector. 

He added: “I am also delighted that Dan Ritterband , director of marketing from the Mayor of London’s office, will be attending to understand the issues London faces in attracting valuable association business.”

The half-day meeting takes place during International Confex, on Wednesday 7 March, at ExCeL, London. For more information visit www.international-confex.com/AMIconference