Social Programme and Logistical Management
Objective
Sister Cities International is a not-for-profit, organisation dedicated to creating and strengthening partnerships between U.S and international communities. For the first time in its 53 year history, Sister Cities International decided to host its Annual Conference outside of USA and they selected Belfast to be the inaugural site for this international event. In a world filled with conflict, Sister Cities International continues to work toward achieving enduring world peace. The success found in Northern Ireland is an example of how differing sides can find a resolution through perseverance.
Implementation
Happening were responsible for Sponsorship Management, management of the Social Programme for this prestigious event, along with other logistical arrangements, which included transport and volunteer management. The Social Programme consisted of a Leadership Reception hosted by the US Consul on the eve of conference, Welcome Reception in Parliament Buildings where the delegates were addressed by First & Deputy First Ministers, Mayors Reception in Ulster Hall and ended with a Gala Dinner in a city hotel.
The conference theme was “Building Enduring Peace after Conflict” and we wished to reflect this in our entertainment schedule, with a collaborative programme of performers representing both traditions. The Ulster Scots Agency and Foras Na Gaeilge came together and devised a varied entertainment programme, with performers from both traditions often appearing on stage together and presenting a vision of our new future to the international audience.
Results
Almost 800 guests visited the city with elected and appointed city officials, business executives, educators, nonprofit leaders, community activists, and volunteers attending from across the U.S. and around the world.
Testimonials
“Congratulations on a superb conference and all your hard work certainly paid off!”
“……you did an awesome Conference --- it will be known for many years to come, not only as the first real “international” conference, but for the efficiency of all arrangements and events…Thanks again and again……..”
“THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!
What a wonderful conference. I know you and your team put in many hours of hard work to make this such a successful conference. I'm sure there were things that didn't go off as planned, but to those of us attending we only experienced a well organized event with many volunteers to help when we got lost or had questions.
“Kudos to all of you who worked on the conference.”
