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by VisitBrussels and UIA
Brussels. “Associations have been quick to adapt to social media. Now they need to improve the ability to effectively choose among the channels“, observes John H. Graham IV. The President and CEO of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) spoke at the first European Association Summit (EAS) on 16 and 17 May 2013 in Brussels.
He adds: “Mobile is a game changer: If you go to a conference the association is creating the experience for you, mobile allows you to create your own experience“. 80 international associations listened carefully and exchanged later very actively in a bar camp with Ramon Suarez, Founder Betacowork, their social media experiences.
Under the banner “New Horizons, Fresh Ideas – Taking Associations to the Next Level” EAS 2013 aims to give association operatives a vital educational platform, help them add value to their organizations, and create a dynamic meeting point.
The European Association Summit was organized by VisitBrussels and co-hosted by the Union of International Associations (UIA), the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE) and the Federation of European and International Associations established in Belgium (FAIB). According to UIA, over 2,000 international associations have their head offices in Brussels.
Day 1 at the “Autoworld” was held in partnership with the European Business Summit, one of Europe’s top events for business leaders and policy makers from more than 60 countries. Around 1,500 delegates are attracted every year to this meeting which combines business spirit with social awareness. Themed, “Unlocking Industrial Opportunities - An EU Strategy for Competitiveness”, the day finished with an address by European Commission President José Barroso.
Day 2 at the Brussels Congress Centre SQUARE was entirely dedicated to associations. “EAS 2013 is the place to be for all association professionals who want the latest thinking, ideas and developments in the fast-changing world of associations”, says Hervé Bosquet. The Director of the Brussels Convention Bureau explains: “We try to build a community for association executives to learn from each other and to exchange from peers to peers“.
Hervé Bosquet knows, “we cannot do this on our own, we needed partners who know the association business: UIA, ESAE and FAIB“. “UIA was happy to be represented on the scientific committee of EAS 2013“, confirms Nancy Carfrae. “We are keen to support initiatives that support associations“.
“I believe this first Summit was a success! It was a very good idea to do it one day after the European Business Summit which allowed participants to listen to some excellent speakers in plenary sessions and workshops on the economic situation in Europe. I believed Mr Barroso's speech at the end of the summit was really thought provoking“, said Pierre Sonigo, Secretary General of the Federation of European Risk Management Associations, FERMA, sharing his impressions on the first EAS.
He adds: "Then there was this excellent dinner at the Bozar. Very innovative and fun. It very much allowed participants to network around a delicious bio dinner. The next day was also extremely informative on the future of associations. I enjoyed the workshops which allowed for both networking and exchange of worthwhile information. Finally the Brussels surprise was ... surprising! Chocolate making, beer tasting and Comic psychology were excellent. A day well spent“.
After its successful premiere the European Association Summit (EAS) is destined to become an annual event in Brussels. The date for 2014 will be announced soon.
www.easummit.eu
www.visitbrussels.be