Buyers
According to (Rogers Tony 2009) there are two different types of buyers corporate and association there is also the public sector who do not want to be included in the category of association. These two types of buyers either buy or hire out the venue and other services so they can run there event.
Association buyers are those who represent a wide variety of different organisations such as charities, trade unions, voluntary associations and political parties etc.
Association buyers have specific characteristics because they operate in a certain manner according to (Rogers Tony 2009) for example association buyers are employed by non profit organisations these organisations would be mainly voluntary groups. the decision making process is done using a committee. The major conferences have long lead times to the event.
Association buyer tend to plan specific types of events. Delegate numbers can be a couple of hundred and for bigger associations thousands. Use purpose built venues, budgets tend to be lower. the majority of there major events occur in in spring or autumn and generally last 2 – 3 days. Association buyers delegates often have there wives or family member attend with them.
One example of association buyers in Ireland is the association of Irish professional conference organisers. According to (www.aipco.ie/board_members) (last accessed 29/10/14) the AIPCO was established in 1999 and is Irelands top professional association for conference organisers. Our association is committed to raising standards of service among its members and other sectors of the meetings industry by means of continuing education and interaction with other professionals.
Testimonial
“AIPCO closely works with Fáilte Ireland, Regional Convention Bureaux and Tourism Ireland in evolving Ireland into an International Conference centre. AIPCO has