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Events
THE ESPO CONFERENCE IS BACK AS A REGATTA
The ESPO Conference has become an annual highlight for the whole European port industry and this year it will take on an exciting new hybrid format
This year's event in May will take its participants on a Conference Regatta crossing Europe from South to North visiting the Port of Valencia, North Sea Port and the Port of Oslo.
There will be a morning conference in each of the three venues and, if the situation with the pandemic allows, a networking moment and port visit. These conference mornings will be complemented by some other smaller side gatherings and events.
“This format must allow everybody to attend at least virtually and by “sailing” around, we hope to be able to open for in-person attendance in the three venues,” says Isabelle Ryckbost, secretary general, ESPO.
“Both in content and in format, we guarantee an exceptional event, even for virtual participants. I promise, this won't be just a webinar.”
PORT TRANSITION
The theme of the 2021 ESPO Conference Regatta is 'Europe's ports at the crossroads of transitions'.
Obviously after a difficult year owing to the pandemic, the focus will be firmly on the strategic role of ports in Europe as real engines of growth and recovery.
“As ESPO, it is our role to follow these and to proactively explain to EU policy makers how Europe's ports can be partners in these transitions and in the recovery and what is needed in terms of policy to help ports in this role,” says Ms Ryckbost
THE CONFERENCE
On Tuesday 25 May, the first conference day will set sail with an impressive line-up of inspirational presentations, including the joint Deloitte-ESPO study which looks at drivers and trends explaining the changing role of Europe's ports.
The second conference day on Wednesday 26 May, discusses politics. Topics of discussion will be Europe's Recovery and Resilience policy, the review of the TransEuropean Transport policy, the Green Deal and Europe's mobility strategy.
On Friday 28 May, the final day of the ESPO Conference Regatta, the green deal and sustainability are both on the agenda. There will be a debate zero on pollution ports with stakeholders and experts from all around Europe and ESPO will also present its new Green Guide.
“We have now been experiencing working life without inperson meetings and events for a year,” says Ms Ryckbost.
“With our Regatta format, we aim at finding a positive answer by linking the event to three real venues in Europe.”
IMPORTANT TIMES
Virtual webstreaming will ensure that, notwithstanding the pandemic and lockdown restrictions in the different parts of Europe, all speakers can participate and everyone can follow in case travelling is not possible.
Ms Ryckbost says that after a cancelled conference last
8 Port of Oslo, one of ESPO’s hosts this year
year, there is now a need to come together, even if it will still be, to a large extent, virtual.
She points out there is so much to talk about. After a year of disruption, Europe is preparing for a green recovery, a plan that aims at combining the need to recover with the delivery of the Green Deal, Europe's flagship project to become the world's first net-zero emission area by 2050.
At the same time, Europe's economy is getting ready for a digital future. Being at the centre of different strategies, Europe's ports can be a partner in building a stronger and better Europe. They can develop towards becoming real engines of growth and green post-Covid recovery.
Finally, every crisis is also an opportunity she says. Since ESPO is providing full virtual coverage this year, it might be a unique opportunity for some European ports to allow more of their staff to follow the event and network.
REGISTRATION
The ESPO Conference Regatta 2021 comes with value for money registration fees, including a family rate for 5+ attendees from one company or port.
Register now at https://www.mercatormedia.com/our-
business/espo-conference-regatta-2021
All information on www.espo-conference-regatta-2021.com
