John Ball wins Irish Government support for IPAF Summit
27 February 2009
John Ball, the President of IPAF (the International Powered Access Federation), has met with the Irish Prime Minister - known as the Taoiseach - Brian Cowen to introduce him to IPAF and its aims.
During the meeting, which took place at the Irish Government Buildings, Mr Ball briefed Mr Cowan on IPAF's role and told him that the 2009 Summit would take place in Dublin.
This is the first time that Ireland has hosted the conference, which is being held at Crown Plaza Hotel, Dublin on Thursday 2nd April 2009.
The Taoiseach congratulated Mr Ball on his election as President of the Federation and for the key role he played in securing Dublin as the host city for the 2009 conference.
Mr Cowan said, "While IPAF may not be a household name in Ireland, they have gained a well deserved international reputation for promoting and developing their industry.
"IPAF have members in over 30 countries and I hope that the 300 delegates attending this year's conference will not only enjoy an interesting and informative event but that they will also get a chance to sample some of our capital's delights during their stay."
The Taoiseach also expressed the hope that more Irish business leaders in a similar position of influence could follow John Ball's lead by actively promoting Ireland as a suitable conference location.
"This is more important now than ever as we have a plentiful supply of top quality hotels and will be completing our National Conference centre in 2010".
Among the speakers addressing the IPAF conference will be Pat Cox former President of the European Parliament and Micheal Kneeland president of US based United Rentals, the world's largest equipment rental company.
The conference will be opened by Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power whom John Ball met with at his offices at the Department of Foreign Affairs prior to his meeting with the Taoiseach. The IAPA (International Awards for Powered Access) will also be presented on the evening of April 2nd.
