Brussels, Belgium (November 10th, 2011) — Alfons Westgeest, Managing Partner at Kellen Europe and Group Vice President of the Kellen Company received the ‘Outstanding Contribution to EU Public Affairs’ award yesterday evening at the European Public Affairs Awards Ceremony. The European Public Affairs Awards brings recognition to individuals and organisations active in European Public Affairs and stimulates best practice throughout the community. The Award Ceremony was held in Brussels for the 4th year in a row and is organized by the Parliament Magazine and Dods.

In 1981, Alfons Westgeest introduced the concept of Association Management in Brussels. This helped to form and shape EU Advocacy from the particular angle of trade and business associations. He also initiated the EuroConference, known for years and recognized as an excellent platform for EU association executives to exchange best practices, identify trends in the association community and connect with EU leaders and officials.

The jury also praised Alfons for his involvement in a variety of associations in different industries and the recognizable contributions he has made to the representation of a variety of sectors and industries in the Brussels’ arena.

‘I am extremely pleased and honored with this award’ said Alfons Westgeest, ‘It is a true recognition for years of hard work and commitment to the association world and the community of European Public Affairs. The award was decided upon by a panel of independent judges, well respected and known in the EU scene, and that gives it an additional value for me.’ He added: ‘This award is of course not my sole achievement, I am surrounded by a solid and experienced team of professionals at both Kellen Europe and Kellen Company, who play an important role in the success of the company and who I would like to thank at this occasion for their hard work and loyalty.’

About Kellen Europe

Kellen Europe provides association management, strategic advice, communications, government affairs, benchmarking studies, internet services and other professional advice to associations and corporations worldwide.  Over the last 20 years, Kellen Europe has gathered considerable expertise that enables the company to rapidly anticipate the needs of emerging or existing associations and to provide tailored organizational solutions. For more information, please visit www.kelleneurope.com

Kellen Europe is the European base of the Kellen Company, which has offices in Atlanta, Beijing, Brussels,  Chicago, New York, Singapore and Washington D.C. and Global alliance partners, among others in China, India, Japan and the Middle East