ESPO Conference 2018: Rotterdam, here we come!
18 May 2018
On 31 May and 1 June, European port managers, port and maritime stakeholders and EU policymakers are gathering in Rotterdam for the 15th edition of the ESPO Conference hosted by the Port of Rotterdam.
The central theme of the Conference is “Investing in the Port of Tomorrow”. On 2 May, the Commission adopted a proposal for the EU budget for 2021-2027. On 6 June, the Commission will release its proposal for the next Connecting Europe Facility, the main financial framework for supporting transport investments. What’s in for ports? European ports are facing enormous challenges. What are the main drivers and game changers? What does this mean in terms of investments? How to best finance these investments? Has the current European Transport Infrastructure policy delivered? What could be improved? These questions will be discussed between some high-level officials from the Commission, Members of the European Parliament, TEN-T coordinators and the port and maritime sector.-for web use.png)
We are also proud to announce that the Conference will open with a keynote speech from the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure, Cora van Nieuwenhuyzen and a keynote from State Minister and former EU Commissioner for Trade and former Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karel De Gucht who will be giving his views on the future of Europe in a global context. On day 2, we have the honour to welcome Lord Andrew Adonis, Labour Peer in the House of Lords and former Chair of the UK National Infrastructure Commission, who will reflect on how European infrastructure will be affected by Brexit.
The ESPO Conference 2018 is taking place in Europe’s new capital of cool, the city that “makes it happen”, Rotterdam. You can be sure that our host, the Port of Rotterdam, is going to do everything possible to live up to its reputation as Europe’s biggest port. ESPO will be welcoming its guests in the recently renovated Onderzeebootloods, an impressive hall where submarines slipped off the ramp in earlier days.
ESPO Conferences are more than just a ‘conference’. Also this year, throughout the Conference, delegates will have the opportunity to network and will be invited to a very exclusive Conference dinner in the remarkable historic setting of the Laurens Church. Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of Rotterdam, has kindly accepted to address the Conference guests during dinner.
As you can see, participants to the Conference will be going home with plenty of new ideas, intelligence and information.
We have already more than 250 registrations. If you still would like to join this highlight for the European Port and Maritime industry, do not wait too long and register now. Hotels are getting fully booked.
See you in Rotterdam?
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