Director of development Linda McCullough and tourism manager Ainsley McWilliams were joined by deputy mayor Gerardine Mulvenna, Ald Roy Beggs and Cllr Gregg McKeen at the 2008 conference.

The local delegates played a part in ensuring that Northern Ireland will succeed Kansas in hosting the annual event in August 2009, when an estimated 1,500 delegates from around the world will attend.

It will be the first time the conference - which helps government officials from around the globe to share expertise - has been held outside the US.

The Sister Cities International network has been in operation for 53 years and links cities from across the US with communities in 134 countries.

Speaking on her return, Larne deputy mayor, Gerardine Mulvenna said that the ground work has been laid to create "avenue of economic opportunity." She said: "It has to be finalised but it will create economic and tourism opportunities. It was very, very positive," she said.

Cllr McKeen said that while the conference itself will based in and around Belfast, there is scope for Larne to share economic and networking benefits.

"We know that 150 of the delegates who were in Kansas have already signed up to come here and we were able to speak to many of them while we were there. I think we were fairly successful.

"We promoted the borough as an excellent base where delegates can stay and of course in doing that we were helped greatly by the fact that the borough has one of world's biggest must-see attractions in the Antrim Coast Road and the gateway to the Glens of Antrim and the Causeway coast."

Mr McKeen said: "There could be spin-offs for Larne and the council will be doing everything it can to attract as many delegates as possible here next year."

"We also met with representatives of our own sister city, York County, South Carolina, and strengthened our developing relationship. Some of the participants have been involved in Sister Cities for maybe 50 years and have established links that include business, cultural and educational exchanges. We've only been involved for a couple of years and already we're starting to see the benefits."

Director of development, Linda McCullough said: "This was a very worthwhile exercise, not only has Northern Ireland secured this major event and the financial benefits which come with it, it will bring specific benefits to Larne as agreements have been reached to include the borough and its many tourist development opportunities in the itinerary for a delegation from the Sister Cities organisation."