Leading Educational Institutions in times of turbulence and complexity. Implications for new professionalism will be the central theme of this Enirdelm conference in Antwerp. Under this heading topics as school culture, professionalism, new public management, evidence based school development , networking in changing contexts, can be discussed.

The general theme will continue the interesting ideas and processes of former conferences (Glamorgan 2006: “Leading a learning organization”; Uppsala 2007: “Education with a moral Purpose”; Bergen 2008: “Leading to learn together and learning to lead together”).

This year the conference will focus on the new opportunities and threats that school management and leadership are facing as a result of changes in society.  Antwerp can be seen as an “experimental garden” (the metaphor comes from the Flemish Minister of Education) on how schools confront these changes. With 162 registered nationalities (in primary schools one third of the pupils doesn’t speak Dutch at home) schools have to experiment with new target groups, educational methods and human resources management. The city has also invests a lot in data management in order to keep track of these changes.

Enirdelm is a unique network of researchers, trainers, policy makers and school leaders, who try to “bridge” theory and practice. In the September conference this tradition will be stimulated by linking key note speeches, paper sessions, practical workshops and field visits.

But Antwerp is more than an educational center. It also has a lot of touristic qualities. Lonely Planet, one of worlds biggest publisher of travel guides in the world, has put Antwerp in the top of world cities to visit (‘Best Travel 2009’).  Antwerp completes the top 10 list next to Beirut , Chicago , Lisbon , Mexico city, Sao Paulo , Shangai, Warzaw and Zürich. Even more, Lonely Planet describes a visit to Antwerp as life changing.
Even the New York Times agrees – Antwerp (Antwerpen in Flemish, Anvers in French) is Europe ’s place to be. Appreciated by mode moguls, club queens, art lovers and diamond dealers. Belgium is named the 'capital of cool' and the country’s second-biggest city once again revels in fame and fortune.

Antwerp has a lot going for it. To start, it has a manageable size and timeless quality. The old city centre, built around the country’s most impressive cathedral, is as beautiful and intimate as it was centuries ago. Tucked away in cobbled lanes and backstreets, there are hundreds of restaurants and bars, antique shops, art galleries, exclusive chocolate out­lets, designer boutiques and diamond shops. The IBIS-hotel and the University area situated at walking distance from the cathedral, central station and  the main shopping center. 

This environment will stimulate formal networking and facilitate the traditional informal culture of ENIRDELM.

You are very welcome in Antwerp,

Paul Mahieu