Hotel managers, congress organisers and convention bureaux, will debate the key issues surrounding London’s capacity to win international congress business.

The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) believes large hotel chains in the city could help the capital woo the lucrative association market.

It says a shortage of room allocations, uncompetitive forward rates and unrealistic terms and conditions, indicate that the city is too relaxed about attracting not-for-profit meetings.

To explore the issue ABPCO - in partnership with meetpie.com sister title Association Meetings International - is holding a panel discussion during International Confex next month.

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

The hotel sector will be represented by Michael Levie, from Citizen M,  Ernie Kane, from Marriott Hotels, Jackie Brown, from Guoman & Thistle Hotels, and David Taylor, from  IHG. Other panellists include Dan Ritterband, from Mayor of London’s Office , Gordon Inness, London & Partners, Scott Taylor – Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, Didier Scaillet, from professional members group MPI, and Richard Torriani, from congress organiser and association management company MCI.

ABPCO chairman Michael Foreman, said: “ABPCO’s 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. “

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