An event taking place in Brussels that may be of interest to readers:

AidEx 2012 is the leading event in Europe for professionals in humanitarian and development aid. The event, will take place on 24-25 October in Brussels, expects to bring together 2,000 aid experts from all over the world to address key issues in the humanitarian aid and development space.

Entitled “The Changing Face of Aid”, AidEx 2012 will bring together major humanitarian aid and development agencies, organizations and suppliers from across the world to uncover new strategies for optimizing aid resources and discuss how to adopt more innovative approaches within the sector in times of economic crisis.

AidEx 2012 comprises an exhibition space where over 200 suppliers of relief products and services representing the sector will showcase innovative and cost-effective tools that can guide development professionals in their purchasing strategies. This platform is created under the patronage of major NGOs to address humanitarian aid and development issues, to facilitate expertise and knowledge sharing among partners from a practical, on-the-ground perspective.

AidEx 2012 exhibition and conference is free to attend, on either or both days. To receive a free entry badge to the event, please register at http://www.aid-expo.com/en/visitor-zone/registration.aspx

AidEx2012 takes place at : Hall 6, Brussels Exp,  Belgiëplein 1 – Place de Belgique | B-1020 Brussels | Belgium

Wednesday 24 October: 09:30 – 17:00 Thursday 25 October: 09:30 – 16:30

For more information about the event programme and location, please visit http://www.aid-expo.com/

Following is an event that may be of interest to members (discount for GCN members applies).

The International University in Geneva and the Organization of Women in International Trade – Lake Geneva present a roundtable conference:

Ageing of Working Society – Trends, Impact and Solutions  

We dedicate this evening to exploring the topic of ageing societies, managing pre-retirement and new “old” age in European societies;  we will touch upon intergenerational workforce dynamic, and will get a glimpse into practical solutions offered by governments in the EU and employers in Switzerland. Age management is no longer an option but a must : society, companies and individuals need to address the complexity and the diversity of all ages in order to keep both younger and older talents at work.

Panel:

Dr. Hans Groth, Chairman of the Board of the World Demographic & Ageing Forum (WDA Forum) Ms. Geneviève Reday-Mulvey, head of the Four Pillars Programme on Social Security, Pensions and Employment, The Geneva Association Ms. Birgit Peeters, Founder, Aquincum

Date & Time:    Thursday, 11 October 2012, 18:30 — 21:30 Location:     Geneva Press Club, 106 Route de Ferney, Geneva, 1202

Entry fees:
40 CHF: International University alumni, OWIT members, Geneva Communicators Network members

30 CHF: Student/pensioners

65 CHF: General public

Register here >>

This may be of interest for those members with children of school age:

The Independent Schools Show Geneva 2012

Kempinski Hotel in Geneva, on Thursday 13th September and Friday 14th September  from 2pm to 7pm.

The Independent Schools Show Geneva 2012 is the first exhibition in Switzerland to address the decisions parents face when choosing a school.  It promises to provide enlightened parents with a crucial research tool to explore the multitude of options the independent system offers and will give schools an opportunity to shake the stuffy image of private education. Amongst other benefits it will give families the opportunity to evaluate the financial implications, including learning about the availability of scholarships and bursaries. It also provides a real snapshot of private education today. Day or boarding?  Mixed or single-sex?  International Baccalaureate or A Levels?  iGCSE or GCSE?

Further information>>

Geneva Communicator Members are offered a 50 GBP reduction of the entry price for this conference – write to us if you are interested: genevacom@gmail.com

The 6th Leadership & Communication Conference with Bournemouth University Media School, UIK

21 September 2012

Every year the UK Speechwriters’ Guild together with the European Speechwriter Network hosts a conference at Bournemouth University to bring together the top communicators from across Europe.

In 2012, we have invited speakers to address the topic, do speeches still matter?

How often do eyes glaze over at the prospect of listening to another PowerPoint presentation?

We need to explore better ways to persuade and lead those around us.

Speeches remain an efficient way to get a message across. Leadership is about influence, not information.

When many forms of communication compete for attention, how do we persuade leaders to use the rawest and most powerful ones?

What the two-day conference is all about:

The UK Speechwriters’ Guild has pioneered a format where we listen to top speechwriters talk about their work.          We learn what techniques they use, how they craft stories, how they build relationships with their speakers and organisations.

This year, have the option of attending an intensive ‘Nuts & Bolts of Speechwriting’ seminar on Thursday 20 September from 2 – 5pm.

We’ll be hosting a quiz night on the eve of the conference, where you’ll be able to socialise with other speechwriters. You will be among like-minded communicators who bring expertise from many different backgrounds.

Who should attend?

Previous conferences have attracted speechwriters from the European Commission, the CBI, Orange, Deloitte, the United Nations, the European Investment Bank, Coca Cola as well as the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties.

This conference is for anyone wanting to improve their ability to write and deliver speeches. It’s also for people wishing to improve their company’s ability to communicate ideas and engage staff in developing new behaviours. We offer a limited number of spaces to students and recent graduates seeking to pursue a career in speechwriting.

More information and registration>>

An interesting masterclass coming up in Geneva:

Who speaks for your organisation?

Well of course ALL your staff do – whether in a formal communication role such as media interviews or face-to-face presentations, or informally through personal social media links, blogs, tweets etc, but:

– how well do they communicate the right messages both within and outside your company?

– how well do they cope with the tough questions that can arise?

Friday 15th June 2012 – 09.30-17.00 Colladon, Geneva

Cost:  CHF 330 incl. coffee, lunch + own recorded session to take away Special offer: Bring a guest and pay only CHF 220 for second place.

Speaker –  Michael Dodd:  journalist, media and presentation trainer, and an associate of Pulford Media, working regularly for both international organisations and government departments teaching media response skills. A lecturer in broadcast journalism for many years with the University of Westminster, he continues his association with the university through delivering media master classes.

To register for this session: liz@pulfordmedia.co.uk/ +41 79 547 5131

View the Masterclass flyer (pdf)>>

An interesting introductory session coming soon:

Maximising individual and team effectiveness – introductory session, Tuesday 22 May, Lausanne

An Invitation to all HR Managers and Team Leaders

-Do you have to deal with teams that seem not to “pull together” -Do you feel team spirit is often jeopardised by difficult team members? -Do you want to help your staff better understand the specific strengths each individual can bring to any team situation?

Today’s workplace is about teamwork and collaboration.  Effective teamwork increases both productivity and satisfaction…and reduces costs.   Belbin Team Role profiling gives individuals and their colleagues a better understanding of the range of behaviours needed to make a team effective, and a respect for the unique contribution that each individual can bring to the team. Worldwide, many organizations in both public and private sectors are using the Belbin approach to enhance individual and team performance.

Why not join us for an introductory session on Belbin Team Role profiling. We will introduce the method in a fun and participatory way and show how it can help the teams in your organisation to perform to maximum effectiveness.

The session will be run by Sarah Clark and Liz Tayfun Belbin Team Role accredited facilitators

Next session: Lausanne:   Tuesday 22 May 18.00-21.00   All welcome – please register – email or phone 079 547 5131 liz@pulfordmedia.co.uk

sarah@clearthinking-clearcommunication.ch

www.pulfordmedia.co.uk

www.clearthinking-clear-communication.ch

Please note GCN members have a reduced entry price for this event!

The International University in Geneva and the Organization of Women in International Trade – Lake Geneva present a roundtable conference:

How is the Luxury Industry Responding to a Rapidly Changing World?  

How does the luxury industry that caters to the top 20% of global earners evolve and adapt its strategies in this environment? What does the future of luxury look like – are the luxury brands going to go mainstream to attract new buyers or will the traditional luxury remain true to its timeless values of hand-made quality, superior design/ service, and exclusivity?

Panel:
Philippe Léopold-Metzger, CEO, Piaget
Christopher H. Cordey, CXO, Whole Beauty and Founding Director, Sustainable Luxury Forum
Dr Ray F. Iunius, Chair of Innovation, Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne

Date & Time:     Tuesday, 15 May 2012, 18:30 — 21:30
Location:     Geneva Press Club, 106 Route de Ferney, Geneva, 1202

Entry fees:
40 CHF: International University alumni, OWIT members, Geneva Communicators Network members
30 CHF: Student/pensioners
65 CHF: General public

Register here:
http://www.owit-lakegeneva.org/component/option,com_attend_events/Itemid,37/task,view/id,297/