Our 2023 Anniversary Conference is in London: the thriving metropolis where the first meeting occurred in 1975. As many of you know, in the first years of the EPDA, they met several times a year, and somewhere along the way, the anniversary changed from years to meetings. Nevertheless, we have something to celebrate, and we will. Just look at the programme of speakers and the unique social events.
With thanks to our sponsors
An excellent rate at a great hotel
This year’s anniversary conference will be held at Leonardo Royal Hotel St. Paul’s, located in the heart of the City of London. We have secured an excellent discounted rate on hotel room nights. Book your stay NOW to receive the preferential rate, saving over €150 a night on the hotel’s standard rates. Don’t delay your booking, as only a limited number of rooms are available at this rate. London can be an expensive city to stay in, but with this rate, you might even consider staying an extra night (or two).
New this year: Optional Welcome Dinner
This year we are introducing an optional Welcome Dinner, which is open to all members and will take place following the Welcome Reception. So kick off your conference with a fantastic networking opportunity at one of London’s best restaurants. Located on the river Thames, Sea Containers is easily accessible from the conference hotel and has a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.
Memorable gala dinner at St. Paul’s Cathedral
This year’s Anniversary Gala Dinner will take place in the Crypt of the world-famous St Paul’s Cathedral. Guests will have the rare opportunity to view the Cathedral privately prior to dinner. You will enjoy drinks in Nelson’s Chamber and a 3-course dinner in the Cathedral Crypt. It will be a stunning occasion, so please join us for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! The gala dinner is kindly sponsored by:
Join us in a private EPDA pod in the London Eye
EPDA has chartered an open-topped red London bus and a knowledgeable guide to whisk you around London’s legendary landmarks, allowing you to soak up the city’s atmosphere with ease. As part of the tour, we’ll stop off at the London Eye and take a private pod to enjoy a drink whilst taking in panoramic views of London.
Optional Dinner at the Gherkin Skyscraper
When you are in London, you want to have dinner with a view – and with EPDA, you can! Dine at the top of one of London’s most iconic skyscrapers, The Gherkin. We will start with a glass of champagne followed by a lovely three-course meal in a private room with fantastic views. Join us to close our anniversary conference at this excellent restaurant and share a toast to the next 50 years of EPDA meetings!
Partner tour at The Savoy
Partners of our members will enjoy the world-famous and typically British Afternoon Tea experience at the Savoy in their glass-domed atrium, where tea has been served daily since 1889.
Conference Programme in detail
Wednesday 10th May 2023
18.00 – 18.30 New members & First-time Attendees Welcome Reception
18.30 – 19.30 Welcome Reception for all EPDA delegates and partners
20.00 – 22.00 Optional Welcome Dinner at Sea Containers (NEW!)
Thursday 11th May 2023
08.30 – 09.00 Arrival Coffee & Manufacturer Showcase
09.00 – 09.05 Opening address by our president Cintia Rebelo
09.05 – 09.45 New members in the Spotlight – Part one
09.45 – 10.45 Opening Keynote Speaker Joost
10.45 – 11.20 Coffee break & Manufacturer Showcase
11.20 – 12.00 New members in the Spotlight – Part two
12.00 – 12.45 Plenary session of the Shape Your Own Programme
12.45 – 14.00 Networking Lunch Break
14.00 – 14.45 Breakout Session 1 of Shape Your Own Programme
14.55 – 15.40 Breakout Session 2 of Shape Your Own Programme
15.45 – 16.45 Closing Keynote Speaker Thimon de Jong
16.45 – 17.45 Cocktail Hour and Manufacturer Showcase
19.00 – 23.00 Gala Dinner at St. Pauls Cathedral, kindly sponsored by MCAM.
23.00 – until late After-party drinks in the hotel Atrium Bar (NEW!)
Friday 12th May 2023
08.30 – 09.00 Arrival Coffee & Manufacturer Showcase
09.00 – 09.30 EPDA AGM meeting chaired by Cintia Rebelo
09.00 – 09.30 Next Gen Mentoring Session 1. by Duncan Smith (NEW!)
09.30 – 10.30 Industry Panel Discussion
10.30 – 11.00 Coffee Break & Manufacturer Showcase
11.00 – 12.00 Distributors Council Meeting + Manufacturer Council Meeting
11.00 – 12.00 Next Gen Mentoring Session 2. by Bryan Heath & future plans (NEW!)
12.05 – 12.15 Closing Address
12.15 – 14.00 Networking Lunch Break
14.00 – 17.00 Optional Tour Members & Partners: open-topped bus tour & London Eye
19.00 – 23.00 Optional Dinner at the iconic skyscraper The Gherkin
Please note that the early bird rate ends on 5th March 2023.
With thanks to our sponsors
Sponsorship opportunities
Do you want to know more about sponsorship opportunities? Please email victoria@epda.com.