European Communication Summit 2016

An overview of the 10th anniversary event

EU commissioner for digital economy and society, Günther H. Oettinger at the European Communication Summit

The European Communication Summit (ECS) celebrated its 10th birthday this month in Brussels. Almost 600 communicators gathered at Square to engage in and enjoy the events offered in the programme across Thursday 7 and Friday 8 July.

Extensive coverage of the event can be found on the new look website of the European Association of Communication Directors (EACD), which is also celebrating a decade in existence this year.

The occasion allowed EACD President Herbet Heitmann to present a statement of diversity on behalf of the association on stage. Attendees were also given insight into the digital direction of the European Union from EU commissioner for digital economy and society, Günther H. Oettinger.

The 10 year anniversary of the event provided an excellent opportunity to reflect on the key trends in the communications function during this time with the presentation of the key findings of the 2016 European Communication Monitor.

Further insight came from day two of the Summit with event highlights including a keynote from Ana Palacio, member of the Spanish Council of State, and a closing panel discussion on the implications of communications from Brexit.

The exchange of ideas also occurred away from the main conference hall. The ECS breakout sessions provided attendees the chance to participate in a diverse set of workshops and presentations that looked across the wide spectrum of current and future communications developments.  

The ECM also plays host to a celebration of communication excellence with the European Communication Awards. Congratulations go to: DSM as winner of the 2016 “Company” category European Communication Award, KROKODIL for taking out the 2016 “Association/NGO” category European Communication Award, and Jelena Vasilev of Erste Bank Serbia as 2016 Young Communicator of the Year.

This year’s focus on social acceptance generated plenty of discussion and exchange – further insights from this year’s ECM, including video interviews and in-depth articles will be appearing soon across Communication Director content channels.