Productivity conference to put area on global stage
A total of 200 delegates will travel to the town for the European Productivity Conference, which is being staged in conjunction with the National Productivity Centre and Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education.
Speakers from around the globe will descend on North East Lincolnshire in late October, in what is a first for the UK, with opportunities to learn from the best practice set by those who strive to get the utmost from products, resources and services available to private business and public bodies. And there will be a huge spin-off for the hotel sector.
John Heap, director of the Grimsby-based National Productivity Centre, said: "The European Productivity Conference 2009 will bring together world leaders from the public policy, business and productivity communities to exchange information and views about emerging strategies, methodologies, tools and techniques to support productivity development.
"This year's event will be set in the context of the current global economic situation and will explore approaches to business development which are appropriate for this particular – and unusual – context."
Conference presentations and discussions will focus on issues of public policy, together with lessons and case studies from the public and private sectors on how organisations can position and develop themselves for survival and growth.
The keynote address will be given by Tor Dahl, an eminent economist, consultant and associate professor in public health at the University of Minnesota, and he will be joined at the lectern by speakers from Japan, China, Germany, Canada, Romania and India, as well as some familiar faces from the Humber region.
Professor Daniel Khan OBE, principal and chief executive of Grimsby Institute; Professor Dillon; Sarah Pearson, assistant director at the Humber office of regional development agency Yorkshire Forward; Wynne Griffiths CBE, seafood industry figurehead and chair of Humber Seafood Institute; Dr Paul Williams, research director of The Seafish Industry Authority; Dr Glyn Hughes, chief executive of Humber Chemical Focus; Jerh Collins, managing director of Novartis Grimsby and Tony Hunter, chief executive of North East Lincolnshire Council are all active participants.
The three-day programme, beginning on October 28, features a mix of all-delegate events at Grimsby Institute's main hall and public/private streaming sessions at The Innovation Centre on Europarc and neighbouring Humber Seafood Institute. It will also include a civic reception and dinner at Grimsby Town Hall.
Mr Heap said: "We have got local speakers and world speakers side by side. We set out this conference not just to bring the world to Grimsby, but to take Grimsby to the world. We see this as another way of promoting the town and region. We would like the conference to leave a legacy with local industry which lasts for the next few years in terms of their ability to keep up with the current economic climate and the emerging future."
The delegate fee is £245 per person, with all refreshments, food, local transport and evening hospitality included.
Prof Khan said: "We are proud to be hosting this event and delegates can expect a packed programme of respected speakers.
"Delegates can also look forward to a warm welcome and a fantastic opportunity to network with leading figures from the productivity world. EPC 2009 is an essential event for public and private sector leaders to attend."
