Annual conference brings in association and business leaders from across the European Union

Brussels, Belgium (May 15, 2012) – Over 100 association and corporate executives met at EuroConference 2012 to discuss best practices for associations in the European Union. Hosted by Kellen Europe, an association management company, it is the premier annual forum for association discussion in Brussels.

“The EuroConference 2012 edition comes at a pivotal moment for the European economies. Our topics and themes underline the critical role that the associations play in the European Union,” said Alfons Westgeest, Managing Partner, Kellen Europe. “Associations and their dealings with the public, media, governments and businesses are more important than ever.  Participants held wide ranging discussions and also raised solutions on how best to operate associations in the European as well as global arena.”

The keynote speech was given by Guntram Wollf, deputy director of the economic policy think tank Bruegel. Other noted panelists and speakers on the opening plenary session included:

· Marie Donnay, Deputy Head of Unit DG ECFIN, European Commission

· Karl Cox, Vice Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU

· Erika Mann, Director EU Affairs, Facebook

· Thérèse de Liedekerke, Managing Director of Business Europe

“In order to find a balance between growth and employment, the European Union needs to ensure sound public finances and structural reforms that improve competitiveness of companies,” said Thérèse de Liedekerke. “There is a need for intelligent solidarity in and between the member states, by creating flexible and sound social security systems and labour legislation. The European Union will need to grow out of the crisis and that will only be possible by putting company development first.”

“The main strengths of the European Union are our highly competitive markets, our highly educated workforce, the diversity within the EU and presence of innovative and strong companies in various industries and sectors. With regards to the latter however, the challenge is to create and stimulate innovative start-up companies that will create jobs and ensure growth, next to the well-established larger existing companies. We should also not forget that the EU can benefit from its position as the largest investor and exporter on a global level. There is great potential for growth if Europe takes advantage of the high economic potential in countries on our doorstep in an arc flowing from Russia through Turkey to the Gulf states and across to North Africa,” said Karl Cox. “ There have been many challenges for the European Union over the past years such as the need for structural reforms. Hopefully in the face of the current serious economic situation some of these will be addressed with a higher sense of urgency” he concluded.

Following lunch, Mark Dober, Senior Director from Ellwood & Atfield, the search and selection consultancy, gave an exclusive preview of their latest report on EU Business Associations in Brussels.

The break-out sessions at EuroConference 2012 covered following topics:  “Trends in Lobbying”, “How to Successfully Combine Digital and Traditional Media in your Organization’s Communication Strategy”, and “Human Resources in Associations”.

A Closing Plenary debate on“Strategic Planning: Best Practices & Case studies” concluded a day of learning, sharing best practices, and connecting with peers.

# # #

Note to editor:

For pictures and presentations of the event and any additional information, please contact Nele Devolder by e-mail: ndevolder@kelleneurope.com or via phone: 32 2 761 16 00

Additional information on the EuroConference can also be found on www.kelleneurope.com/euroconference

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

About Kellen Company

Founded in 1964, Kellen Company provides association management, government affairs, public relations, meetings management, creative communications, web site development and other professional services to associations, as well as individual companies and other organizations. Kellen serves more than 10,000 companies and 100,000 professionals worldwide, through its more than 100 client associations directly from offices and representation in the United States, Europe, China, the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia. For more information, please visit www.kellencompany.com and www.kellencommunications.com.