Programme

Moderator: Jennifer Woodbridge, Head of Policy & Destination Development
| WYSE Travel Confederation

Speakers:

Lisa Heyn, Associate Director for Government Relations | Alliance for International Exchange
Mark Overmann, Vice President of External Affairs | InterExchange
Steve Lowy, Chairman | British Educational Travel Association
Dan Baker, Head of Marketing | StudentUniverse

What will more restrictive movement and closed borders mean for youth travel’s future? This session will examine developments in two major exchange markets: the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Who is talking and who is listening? Hear from your industry colleagues in the UK and USA to gain an understanding on the current state of play in each of these markets and to consider the possible courses that inbound and outbound travel will take as the UK leaves the European Union and the USA establishes new immigration policies. What can industry players do? Join us and make this a lively debate.

– or business appointments (4)

The IAPA Board would like to invite and encourage all of our members to attend our 23rd International Au Pair Association Annual General Meeting (AGM).

During the AGM we will be presenting our activities over the last year and also looking at the business plan for the coming twelve months. In addition, we will be presenting the annual accounts and budget as well as ratifying and approving our new members. 

The AGM is open to all members and forms an essential part of your membership.  It is important that you are there to hear about the work we are doing on your behalf, have your say and directly contribute to the future direction of the association.  We also welcome all non-members who are interested in IAPA´s work.

– or business appointments (5)

Speaker: Bastian Weinberger, CEO | Smaller Earth

The United Nations has proclaimed 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, a declaration that centers around the ethos that sustainable tourism supports economies and fosters greater cross-cultural understanding without disrupting local cultures and the ecological environment that the industry/activities are founded on.

The volunteer travel sector certainly has strong links to the principles of sustainable tourism and provides a positive contribution to international development. With the younger generation driven by wanting to give back to the destinations they visit, volunteering is often a fulfilling and meaningful experience both for the participant and community they undertake the project.

At the 2015 WETM-IAC, findings from the first stage of research that investigated the perceived project and personal benefits of volunteering from a participant/volunteer perspective was presented.

During this workshop, you will find out how the projects and communities on the ground are impacted and what long-term benefits and value volunteering contributes to communities and destinations around the world.

– or business appointments (2)

Venue: Wirtshaus am Bavariapark

Speaker: Julie Leonard | Potentia

Conflict between people is part of life but for many it is an unpleasant situation that we often want to avoid or don’t feel confident to handle. Conflict arises in a variety of settings – at work, amongst friends, in families and between partners.

By the end of  this presentation you will:

• Understand the reasons for conflict (such as cultural differences, language barrier, age and experience)
• Understand the barriers to resolution (including avoidance, denial, power struggles, blaming)
  Learn 5 effective communication styles to enable you to resolve conflicts satisfactorily (these include defusing, empathy, exploration)
• Have practical tools and phrases to use in conflict situations
• Learn how mindfulness can help you stay present and calm
• Feel more confident to handle complaints and conflicts when they arise
• The focus will be on work scenarios, however these techniques can be applied to all aspects of your life.

How to prepare your applicants for their best au pair experience

Moderator: Linda James, Senior Vice President | Au Pair in America

Speakers:

Emma Dewey, Director | Babyem
Patricia Brunner, Managing Director | IAPA
Cynthia Cary, Director | Rainbow Au Pairs

During this interactive workshop our panel will explore:

• The challenges applicants face in preparing for, and working as an Au Pair
• The key issues faced by parents and agencies during placement process
• Ways to support candidates to prepare for their role as an Au Pair by gaining skills and developing confidence
• Ways in which agencies can add value for applicants and host families and, in turn, develop a repeat client base

.– or business appointments (3)

Venue: RAMADA Hotel