This year the European Regional Alumni Conference happened in Varna Bulgaria. My first time in the country saw sunshine and rain.
Together the Bulgarian Organizing Committee, the Serbian Conference Manager and Serbian Host we delivered a wonderful event that was positively received by the Bulgarian, European and International delegates. Arriving a day earlier gave me the chance to enjoy the benefits of the 4 Star Melia Grand Hotel as well as prepare last minute things.
Throughout Wednesday and Thursday more delegates arrived and we started of the event with a before the dinner Welcome and Get-2-know. From very old and conference experienced alumni to young alumni and active AIESECers joining for the first time, from Varna itself to India and Argentina and from all sorts of professional backgrounds, the delegates made an interesting melting pot. The first evening, we lounged in the lobby welcoming all the new delegations with a big applause.
The second day concentrated on impact that we want to generate with the Alumni Theme Program „Break out of the Routine“. The delegates created several project ideas to put the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into action. Several focusing on climate action (SDG#13), education (SDG#4) and innovation (SDG#9).
In the afternoon, we went out to the Varna Port and spent two hours cruising the bay to get a different perspective of the city. As the Black Sea was a bit rough dancing on the ship was difficult - nonetheless we tried our best.
On return to the hotel and after the dinner, we launched into the Alumni Talks - 6 speakers gave us insights on different topics: from „The new mindset of sales“, „A life without fear“, to „Take ownership of your life“ or „Inner peace“. In the Global Village afterwards, all countries presented their cultures, food and drinks. We also enjoyed a Bulgarian folklore dancing group who not only performed but also taught us some moves.
The next day was dedicated to personal development - every delegate could join one of the following trainings: „To motivate or to lead?“, „Using HR technology for your leadership development“, „How to become a social entrepreneur?“ and „Mindful balance at work & home“. In the meantime, Bulgarian Alumni started the Founders Meeting of their association - AIESEC Alumni Bulgaria - which was very successful. In the afternoon, we came together for an Open Space to discuss various topics.
For the evening, we all dressed up and came down for the cocktail and photo reception. After all photos were clicked we enjoyed a gala dinner in the ball room and our hostess Anja led us through the evening: the Bulgarians shared their status in forming the association, Peter Mandl (President of AIESEC Alumni Europe) presented awards to AIESEC Alumni Bulgaria, AIESEC Alumni United Kingdom, AIESEC Alumni Belgium and AIESEC Alumni Germany and before the desert alumni from three different generations shared their experiences: Victor Loewenstein on the 1960s, Beatrice Pesci on the 1980s and Petar … on the new millennium to commemorate 70 years of AIESEC. The evening finished with a fantastic party that lasted till the last delegate went to bed for a very short time.
Sunday saw an update on the European region as well as information from AIESEC Alumni International on several topics. The closing plenary summed our experience and gave a big thank you to all the organizers and participants. Farewells as always took forever.
View from my room
Pool Area
Presenting the agenda
Host & OC are ready for morning plenary
The second day concentrated on impact that we want to generate with the Alumni Theme Program „Break out of the Routine“. The delegates created several project ideas to put the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into action. Several focusing on climate action (SDG#13), education (SDG#4) and innovation (SDG#9).
Let's reduce plastic use in Germany!
In the afternoon, we went out to the Varna Port and spent two hours cruising the bay to get a different perspective of the city. As the Black Sea was a bit rough dancing on the ship was difficult - nonetheless we tried our best.
Black Sea
On return to the hotel and after the dinner, we launched into the Alumni Talks - 6 speakers gave us insights on different topics: from „The new mindset of sales“, „A life without fear“, to „Take ownership of your life“ or „Inner peace“. In the Global Village afterwards, all countries presented their cultures, food and drinks. We also enjoyed a Bulgarian folklore dancing group who not only performed but also taught us some moves.
Bulgarian Folklore Dancers
Global Village
The next day was dedicated to personal development - every delegate could join one of the following trainings: „To motivate or to lead?“, „Using HR technology for your leadership development“, „How to become a social entrepreneur?“ and „Mindful balance at work & home“. In the meantime, Bulgarian Alumni started the Founders Meeting of their association - AIESEC Alumni Bulgaria - which was very successful. In the afternoon, we came together for an Open Space to discuss various topics.
For the evening, we all dressed up and came down for the cocktail and photo reception. After all photos were clicked we enjoyed a gala dinner in the ball room and our hostess Anja led us through the evening: the Bulgarians shared their status in forming the association, Peter Mandl (President of AIESEC Alumni Europe) presented awards to AIESEC Alumni Bulgaria, AIESEC Alumni United Kingdom, AIESEC Alumni Belgium and AIESEC Alumni Germany and before the desert alumni from three different generations shared their experiences: Victor Loewenstein on the 1960s, Beatrice Pesci on the 1980s and Petar … on the new millennium to commemorate 70 years of AIESEC. The evening finished with a fantastic party that lasted till the last delegate went to bed for a very short time.
Team of AIESEC Alumni Europe & AIESEC Alumni International
Sunday saw an update on the European region as well as information from AIESEC Alumni International on several topics. The closing plenary summed our experience and gave a big thank you to all the organizers and participants. Farewells as always took forever.
final group picture
When the biggest crowd had left, a small group was led by Zhan to the city centre of Varna for a guided tour. Thanks for the great time.
Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin
Monument of Tsar Kaloyan
whose army liberated the city from Byzantine rule and re-joined it back to Bulgaria in 1201.
Opera
Grand Hotel London
Varna's flat iron building by Dabko Dabkov
Architect Dabko Dabkov
who built more than 300 in Varna especially in the city centre
The Social Teahouse - founded by Maya Doneva
Go there, enjoy a tea and support the young adults in their venture to employment and entrepreneurship: http://thesocialteahouse.bg
Roman ruins
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