Employment week 2006: Working together for growth and jobs

Employment Week 2006, taking place at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers and Crowne Plaza Hotel in Brussels, on 16-18 May next year, will as usual offer an opportunity for European decision-makers and practitioners to connect and discuss the latest policies and trends in employment. Employment Week 2006 will bring together European and global performers from regional bodies, businesses, employment services, research agencies, NGOs and social partners to debate current issues in new and interactive formats.

This yearís theme will be ëWorking Together for Growth and Jobsí, asking such questions as:

- Is the new, enlarged, EU creating the kind of jobs that will ensure growth and prosperity in the expanding global economy?

- How well are companies and workers adapting to change? Is Europe moving towards a better work-life balance? Are we developing the right workforce skills to ensure continued competitiveness?

- How successful are we in building partnerships, promoting mobility, addressing demographic and social challenges, and creating the jobs of the future?

Employment Week 2006 will present a broad vision of the challenges faced by all parties. The conference programme is designed to ensure that all delegates are up to date with current developments in European employment strategy - and learn about all the latest trends. The conference will also focus on best practice, provide practical advice and present case studies for practitioners at a national, regional and local level. In addition, Employment Week 2006 will also feature extensive presentations regarding the latest developments in EU employment, regional and social policies, along with the latest information on EU funds and funding.

For the first time, for the 2006 event, an advisory committee representing the interests of EU employment sector stakeholders has been created and is involved in the development and of the conference programme for Employment Week 2006. The Advisory Committee is made up of: Economic & Social Committee; Committee of the Regions; ETUC; CEEP; Platform of Social NGOs; Eurocities; REVES - European Network of Cities and Regions for the Social Economy; WAPES - World Association of Public Employment Services; Eurochambres; European House, Hungary; and The Nordic Labour Journal.

In addition, the conference will be complemented by an exhibition, a programme of Project Showcases, and a variety of networking and other social events ñ giving delegates excellent networking opportunities. Approximately 60 exhibitors are expected to take part, including: Ministries of Labour; training and education organisations; public employment offices; NGOs; and EU project partners ñ all keen to share their knowledge and experience with others involved in job creation and regeneration within the EU.

Stephanie Pothier, Employment Week 2005 Event Manager, said, ìWe are very excited about Employment Week 2006. The event will present a fantastic conference programme that will for the first time in twelve years include business leaders presenting their views on how to work together for growth and jobs. The input of the Advisory Committee has already ensured all stakeholders will have their say in this influential conference. A new programme of networking activities at the event will provide participants with the ultimate platform to meet with all concerned with employment issues at the EU level. We can all look forward to Employment Week 2006 that will undoubtedly stimulate discussion and debate.î