The EMT Conference

The EMT conference is a 4-day conference held annually in May by one of the participating chambers. The conference centres around a contemporary topic of interest to all chambers. The theme should be related in one or another way to developments within the EU.

In order to maintain the quality of the conferences all chambers should endeavour to achieve a 20 % attendance rate.

The purpose of the EMT conference is to discuss other chambers’ viewpoints on the conference theme, to extend members’ knowledge of other chambers, their work and activities, and to help members reach a better understanding of other cultures in social gatherings. Last but not least, the EMT conferences are one of the best opportunities offered by JCI to make friends for a life time.

Although the official ceremonies start on Friday, most participants arrive on Thursday.

The official inauguration of the conference on Friday is held traditionally at the local Town Hall. The local mayor presides over the ceremony while the presidents from the different chapters present gifts and offer best wishes on behalf of their cities’ mayors and their chapters.

In the afternoon all Jaycees participate in the "theme session", discussing the topic of the current conference. The Get-Together-Party in the evening provides the ideal opportunity to make new international friends. Traditionally, all chambers contribute to the evening’s entertainment.

Early in the morning a business breakfast will unite people from different chapters from similar professional backgrounds. Thus, international and professional contacts between all members are encouraged. In the afternoon the second presidents’ meeting takes place. Meanwhile, all other participants go on a sightseeing tour. The evening gets off to a start with the award ceremony were various awards are presented..The evening culminates with an extravagant Gala Ball.

After the last presidents’ meeting early in the morning, the EMT brunch rounds off this unique week end. Before leaving, the host chapter of next year’s EMTgives a presentation, introducing its program.