ICOMOS Emerging Professionals Working Group (Europe) - Meeting and symposium
Emerging Professionals
ICOMOS Netherlands will host the first meeting and symposium of the ICOMOS Emerging Professionals Working Group (Europe), to be held in person in the Waalse Kerk of Maastricht.
We would like to warmly invite you to participate in the EPWG Europe in-person meeting, which will take place in the Waalse Kerk of Maastricht on 21–22 March 2026. This event is open to all Emerging Professionals, and we strongly encourage you to share this call with EP colleagues and friends who may be interested.
The event aims to strengthen connections within the European EP network and to establish strong collaboration across the countries involved. As one of the first in-person meetings of the European EPs group, the programme will mainly focus on networking and collective reflection. The first day will include participant introductions and an interactive workshop session addressing the transformation of the EPWG and the future of ICOMOS in Europe for emerging professionals working in the heritage sector. The second day will be dedicated to informal networking and a study visit in Maastricht, followed by participants’ departure. The outcomes of the workshops will be synthesised into a short report.
Program
Saturday
09:00–09:30 Coffee, tea and vlaai 09:30–11:30 Session: Emerging Professionals presentations 11:30–13:00 Lunch at Café Forum (included) 13:00–14:00 Presentation of the renovation of the Waalse Kerk and tour of the building by Laura Piovan and Klaas Koelewijn 14:00-15:00 Session: EPWG identity 15:00–15:30 Tea and coffee break 15:30–16:30 Session: Risk preparedness with a key-note lecture by Aparna Tandon (ICOMOS India) 16:30–18:00 Visit of Maastricht 18:00 Dutch "borrel" followed by dinner
Sunday
11:00 Complimentary visit to Maastricht Museum 12:30 Joint lunch (at your own expense) 13:30 Complimentary visit to Bonnefanten Museum
Please note We recommend arriving in Maastricht on Friday evening (20 March), as the programme will begin on Saturday morning, and departing on Sunday afternoon or evening, after the Sunday session.
List of EP presentations
Stephannie Veit - ICOMOS International Charter for Cultural Heritage Tourism (2022) -
Emile Castelain - Efteling: Preserving & Empowering Theme Park Culture As Policy Officer Heritage Development
Aurore Burette - When a Heritage Construction Site Becomes a Space for Transmission
Shuyun ZI and Danna M. - Personalised Self-Guided Interactive Tours for Youth by Podego
Lydia Konstantinidou - Emerging Professionals Beyond Borders: Knowledge Transfer Across Heritage Contexts
Practical information
Funding
Please note that participation is self-funded with regard to travel and accommodation. Part of the meals during the event will be covered; however, not all meals are included. The available funding is primarily allocated to renting the venue, and we are seeking additional resources to support meals and the study visit.
We also encourage EPs to reach out to their national committees to explore possibilities for funding or covering travel expenses.
Location
De Waalse Kerk Sint Pieterstraat 6, 6211 JN Maastricht (The Netherlands)
