Hi °C | Lo °C IBEC hosts its annual chief executives' conference next week in the National Conference Centre.
The lobby group is not without its critics. Even the employers' group's allies can sometimes throw up their hands in frustration as IBEC scores another own goal when it once again defends the indefensible.
Still, it must be said that the annual chief executives' shindig is becoming something of a fixture on the calendar.
The mix of high-quality speakers and lots of scope for chat and networking is proving a winner.
The affair includes an address from European Commission president Manuel Barroso while other heavy-hitters include Ericsson chairman Leif Johansson, Pernod Ricard boss Pierre Pringuet and CRH's Myles Lee. Most of the action will be away from the stage but it is nice to have insights from people who matter.
The conference began in the depths of the recession with some pretty unlikely forecasts suggesting the economy was about to rebound. Those forecasts, like so many others, proved wildly optimistic but the conference itself has staying power.
The Punt is not surprised. Many chief executives are often a solitary lot and often don't have much opportunity to get out.
There are endless conferences on all sorts of arcane issues.
Economists gather at the drop of a hat. Accountants hold their monthly luncheons. Stockbrokers gossip in a hundred different places but chief executives occupy a lonely perch.
IBEC has done well to give them an excuse to flock together and chew things over.
Irish Independent
