In statements to ACN, Isabel Puebla, president of the management commission, said the unanimous decision was recognition to Cuba and its professionals in the field, and is an opportunity to boost the projects of the confederation and further promote the islands options for this type of event.

With the slogan "How to optimize the congress business in Latin America?", COCAL 2008 addressed themes such as the role of cooperation and political relations in the organization of events, marketing of the conference sites, gastronomy as a cultural identity indicator, the concept of total quality, and the new strategies of the meetings market.

Besides Puebla, the management group is made up by Carmen Ibarra (Uruguay-first vice president), Flor Solano (Costa Rica-second vice president), Bertha Garcia (Venezuela-secretary), Alisson Batres (Guatemala- assistant secretary), Jorge Sancho (Costa Rica-treasurer). Other members are Ana Maria Viscosillas (Puerto Rico), Jose A. Rodriguez (Mexico), and Julieta Espindola (Argentina).

Cuba was formerly president of the organization from 2001-2003.
COCAL 2009 will take place in Costa Rica.

(www.cubanews.ain.cu)