The Association of Irish Professional Conference Organisers (AIPCO) has said their professional staffing levels are still down 44% on pre-pandemic figures.
A review of AIPCO operations last year showed that the number of conference professionals employed by members stood at approximately 130 last year, down significantly on the 2019 figure of 230.
Despite this, AIPCO delivered 147 conferences in 2022, a 40% increase on the 2019 figure.
Today's figures show that 68,500 delegates attended events planned by AIPCO members last year, down 2% on 2019's total.
AIPCO members delivered events in other countries which attracted 29,000 delegates last year. It said 35% of the revenue from these events comes back to the Irish economy through fees.
Speaking at the group's annual Business Tourism Conference, Chairperson of AIPCO Nicola McGrane said the extension to the lower VAT rate for hospitality will be a boost they all need.
"We've fought tooth and nail to keep our industry going through the past three years and it’s phenomenal to see the number of events climbing again," she said.
"I know that our members are putting a huge amount of resources into finding and investing in talent to build up teams so that we can continue to deliver with excellence and drive more International conferences into Ireland.
"Competitiveness is hugely important in a global marketplace, so the 9% vat rate is very welcome in positioning Ireland against our competition," she added.
Addressing the AIPCO annual conference, Minister for Finance Michael McGrath said the decision to extend the lower rate of VAT for the hospitality industry for a further six months is designed to provide additional support to businesses like those among AIPCO and the related enterprises that their projects support.
"The business tourism sector is a really important part of the national economy and the government values their contribution very highly.
"I'd like to wish Nicola and her members the very best as AIPCO members continue their great work to rebuild their businesses so they can showcase everything Ireland has to offer national and international delegates for many years to come," he added.
