World Café Europe in Bilbao, 2008

From June 5 – 7, Bilbao, Spain will provide a unique setting for conversations that matter about the on-going challenge of renewal.

Come join the WORLD CAFÉ conversations with citizens of Bilbao, people from all over Europe and the world to explore this year’s topic: Seeing Renewal with New Eyes – The Bilbao Experience

Bilbao, Spain is recognized all over the world as a city which has successfully transformed itself.  It has inspired World Café Europe to hold the 2nd World Café European Gathering in this city.

Register early and save 30% on your registration!

The Planning Team from World Café Europe in Bilbao, all over Spain and Europe have been collaborating to create a unique experience of the city by exploring the topic of renewal.  Through both conversations and experiences of the cityscape of Bilbao, the participants will consider the question:
What role does renewal play to address the challenges in our communities, organizations and businesses today?

This 3-day Gathering has been designed for experienced hosts as well as individuals new to the WORLD CAFÉ.  It explores cutting–edge approaches to design, hosting and harvesting of a WORLD CAFÉ conversation.

Enjoy the cultural milieu of Bilbao
The Gathering begins with a social evening in a local cultural institution in Bilbao on Wednesday, June 4th. During this evening of Basque pintxos and wine, participants will be able meet people from all over Spain, Europe and the world in an informal atmosphere.   

Experience the city of Bilbao through conversations that matter to them
The Gathering continues on Thursday, June 5th with an exploration of the city through a series of 12 local WORLD CAFÉS, hosted by representatives from all sectors of Basque society: education, business, health, media, economic development, municipal government and the arts. These conversations will be held all over the city in locations unique to this Basque city. Participants will be able to experience as many as two conversations, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. Conversations will be held bi-lingually or in Spanish.

In the evening after the local WORLD CAFÉS, participants will gather at the Sociedad Bilbaina, a cultural institution established in Bilbao in the early 19th century. Our Bilbao partners from all the the local WORLD CAFÉS will be joined by the Gathering’s participants to celebrate the power of conversations in communities.

See the renewal of Bilbao with new eyes
The large scale WORLD CAFÉ conversation on the topic of renewal will take place in the Palacio Euskalduna on Friday, June 6th and Saturday, June 7th.  Its award-winning design pays homage the ship building industry which stood there before the renewal process of the city began 10 years ago.

These WORLD CAFÉ conversations have been designed to provide the participants with new insights about the renewal process. It will provide them with concrete ideas and knowledge to lead the renewal process in their own communities, organizations and businesses.

For the first time, World Café Europe will capitalize on the richness of the participants coming from all over the Spanish-speaking world by hosting the WORLD CAFÉ conversations bi-lingually. This design of our conversation in English as well as Spanish will foster a cross - pollination of both culture and language.

On Friday evening participants will be able to see the renewal process of the greater metropolitan Bilbao area en route to a traditional tavern (Sidrería) in the Basque countryside. Partipants will enjoy the sounds of traditional music as they enjoy dining together.

Expand your understanding of the World Café principles through conversations
The Gathering concludes on Saturday afternoon with a series of “Coffee Shop Conversations”.  These conversations will explore issues of importance to the on-going development of the WORLD CAFÉ together with experienced WORLD CAFÉ hosts.  People new to the WORLD CAFÉ will be able to get an in-depth introduction to its seven core principles. The Coffee Shop conversations will also provide experienced WORLD CAFÉ hosts with a unique platform to exchange and develop new ideas about the WORLD CAFÉ with one another.

An early bird price (plus VAT) is being offered until March 15th
World Café Europe is offering an early bird rate (For-Profit € 395 , Non-Profit € 295, Student  € 150) to encourage a wide range of individuals – both experienced as well as young professionals – to attend the Gathering. A limited number of discounted rooms at the Sheraton Bilbao (across the street from the Palacio Euskalduna) are also available until March 18th.

Ensure your place at the table by registering now!

Help spread the word about the Gathering by sending a virtual invitation to colleagues and professional networks worldwide ... Download Invitation2Bilbao.pdf (141.5K)