23 June 2008

Congress On Concrete To Generate Over £500,000 For Local Economy

Approximately 500 delegates from around the world are expected to descend on Dundee this July to attend the seventh International Congress, Concrete: Construction's Sustainable Option. The congress will take place from 8 - 10 July and will feature three two day conferences and three one day conferences focusing on various themes relating to sustainability. The event will provide the local economy with a boost estimated to be worth in excess of £540,000.

Providing an international platform for the discussion of the key role concrete engineering plays in addressing and implementing sustainability, the conference will bring together professionals from the various areas of concrete design and construction.

Professor Ravindra K Dhir, Director of the Concrete Technology Unit at the University of Dundee explains: "The conference programme is extremely comprehensive and brings together influential leading experts and professionals from throughout the spectrum of concrete design and construction. Dr Jean-Marie Chandelle, Chief executive of the CEMBUREAU has been confirmed as one of the opening speakers at the conference. Dr Chandelle will discuss concrete and its effect on climate change, examining the long-term net benefits for sustainability associated with using concrete in construction."

The conference will cover various themes relating to sustainability, from the durability of concrete to the role it plays in global development, as Professor Ravindra K Dhir explains, "Addressing the future this globally used construction material has within contemporary society and the impact of, for example, environmental and societal elements will be a key focus of the event. Creating the occasion for significant discussions and networking opportunities across the sector, the congress will be extremely valuable for those involved in the use and beneficial exploitation, of concrete."

Karen Tocher, Business Tourism Manager of Dundee & Angus Convention Bureau comments: "Attracting major conferences and similar business tourism events as the Concrete: Construction's Sustainable Option congress will be key to achieving our aims of attracting a further £5.5 million of estimated future delegate expenditure to the area, during the course of 2008/2009.

"The congress has attracted a large international contingent and will welcome delegates from 60 countries across all the five continents of the world. Showcasing the area to business tourists, such conference delegates, can be extremely valuable in encouraging them to return with their friends and family as leisure tourists, thus further increasing the economic impact of tourism to the Dundee & Angus area."

More information about the seventh International Congress, Concrete: Construction's Sustainable Option, can be found at www.ctucongress.co.uk.

Dundee & Angus Convention Bureau offers a complete professional support service to conference buyers. This includes event planning, event promotion and destination support. For more information about the Dundee and Angus Convention Bureau telephone 01382 527531 or visit www.conventiondundeeandangus.co.u.

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