Regional Conference Cuts Costs to Crack Credit Crunch
Posted on 2009-01-18

In a fast changing world, building new networks and developing new skills has never been more important. But getting value for money is equally important as companies and consultants continue to tighten their belts.

As the world faces fresh economic challenges, IABC Eurocomm 2009 offers vital networking and development opportunities with some of Europe and the Middle East's leading communication professionals.

"When times are tough, networking and development is an inspired investment," comments Rob Briggs, IABC Europe and Middle East Chairman. "As a not-for-profit network, IABC partners with sponsors and hosts to keep costs to an absolute minimum."

"We have been very fortunate to partner with the Università della Svizzera italiana (University of Lugano)," Rob continues. "It is through their support and Hugin Group (www.hugingroup.com), MetaDesign (www.metadesign.ch), Wide Circle (www.widecircle.eu) and World Television (www.unit.net) that we're able to keep costs as low as €550 when the average conference registration is over €1,300."

EuroComm 2009's prestigious speakers have been drawn from communications professionals and academics from across Europe and the Middle East. They include:

• Nick Van Praag, Director of External Relations, UNHCR,
• Professor Cees van Riel, Managing Director of the Reputation Institute, and
• Clare Woodcraft, Director of Regional Communications, Middle East, Caspian and South Asia for Shell Exploration & Production

Plenary sessions during the two-day event will feature results from the IABC Research Foundation project on information overload, the latest developments in social media, and career prospects in turbulent times. Break-out sessions will cover case studies on branding, lobbying, marketing communications, and measurement methods.

The varied programme includes topics such as:

Employee Engagement - 'Creating an aligned workforce through professional employee communication' (Professor Cees van Riel, Managing Director, Reputation Institute)

Career Management - 'Key success factors for a career in communications (Gerry Murray, Director, Wide Circle; Dr. Francesco Lurati, Academic Director Executive MScom Program, USI, Switzerland; Sandra Macleod, Group Chief Executive, Echo Research, UK; and Todd Civardi, Managing Director, Foster Crouch, International Executive Search Consultants, UK)

Communication Challenges - 'Sex up your life: Europe's largest erotic company goes mainstream' (Assia Tschernookoff, Head of Communication, Beate Uhse)

"Right now, networking conferences like EuroComm are invaluable," Rob adds. "New networks can help uncover the hidden job market and unadvertised consulting projects. Plus professional development can boost your worth to companies and clients alike."

"The University offers excellent facilities and a relaxed atmosphere, giving conference participants ample opportunity to network and share experiences with communications professionals from across Europe and the Middle East," he concludes. "With plenty of valuable networking opportunities and respected speakers from Dubai, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, the UK plus many more, EuroComm 2009 promises to be an outstanding investment for the year ahead."

For more information, and to reserve a place, visit www.eurocomm2009.com.

For more information about IABC in Europe and the Middle East, visit europe.iabc.com.

For more information about IABC globally, see www.iabc.com.