Preparations are well underway for the 10th edition of the ESPO conference, which will be held in Varna on 30-31 May. The conference programme is now as good as final.
Under the overall theme ‘Port Development through Cooperation – Towards new Synergies’, participants will be able to engage in thought-provoking discussions on infrastructure corridor development, marketing of port regions and international strategies of port authorities. The programme also includes expert views on the economic outlook for Europe, shipping and ports. Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas and EMSA Executive Director Markku Mylly are set to give keynote speeches and the second conference day is entirely devoted to EU policy for ports. Participants will at least get a ‘sneak preview’ – if not a full ‘première’ – of the new proposals of the European Commission. The actual conference will be preceded by a special interest seminar on Black Sea port development.
“Last week I met with the Bulgarian Minister of Transport and the Regional Governor of Varna who both gave their full support to our conference”, said ESPO Secretary General Patrick Verhoeven, “With the conference team, we also visited the facilities at the Melia Grand Hotel and the venues for the social events. I must say I am really impressed by the efforts our Bulgarian hosts are making to welcome the European port community to Varna.”
As the conference is held at the start of the tourist season, there are several direct charter flights to Varna. Regular flights are available through Sofia and Vienna. An overview can be found on the conference website where registrations and hotel bookings can be made on-line.
And the ESPO Conference is now also on Twitter ! Follow us @ESPOConference and use #espo2013 to share your views on this year’s event.
