Plans for major conference taking shape

Preparations are now well under way for a hugely significant event, planned for Belfast next year.

Scheduled for June 2012, the European Foundation Centre Conference will see over 700 representatives from independent charitable Trusts and Foundations across Europe converge on the city to discuss charitable action.

Together, these Trusts and Foundations disburse hundreds of millions of pounds in direct funding to good causes and great community activities continentally each year.

The Host Committee and Programme Committee members are already finalising the details for the conference and they visited Belfast last week to cement plans for the events.

Site visits to venues being used for various aspects of the conference have taken place and delegates involved in the planning got a sneak preview of one of the most important venues, the new Titanic Signature Building,  in the Titanic Quarter, which will be the venue for they key conference dinner.

Currently under construction, the fascinating attraction will open in April 2012, offering an impressive visitors and interpretive centre on the banks of the River Lagan.

Community Foundation for Northern Ireland Director, Dr. Avila Kilmurray, spoke of her impressions of the Titanic building and her belief that the incredible backdrop will provide a ‘best of Belfast’ vision for the conference's international guests.