There are over 100 organisations working on the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) today. As we approach the end of phase II and move to the final EMODnet development phase III (2015-2020), it is now timely to take stock of the progress made to date, to learn from past achievements, to exchange best practices between the thematic and regional projects and to make plans for the future. During a three day event, partners from different thematic groups will meet each other, discover new insights and work together on common problems. The event will start with an EMODnet Open Conference 20/10/2015 providing an overview of the achievements and a forum to discuss the way ahead together with users and stakeholders from industry, policy and the scientific community.

The EMODnet Open Conference - Consolidating the Foundations, Building the Future - provides a unique forum for the marine observation and data community, policy makers/advisors and stakeholders from various sectors and societal domains to meet, discuss and respond to the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The Open Conference is free to attend but requires registration (closing date 1 July 2015) - http://www.emodnet.eu/registration

Draft Programme of the EMODnet Open Conference (20/19/2015, De Grote Post, Oostende)

Start 09:00 [Conference venue GROTE POST – http://www.degrotepost.be/zaal/1/grote-post]

Welcome Statements

• Welcome and opening statement (Bart Tommelein, State Secretary of the Sea, BE)
• EMODnet as central driver of Marine Knowledge (Lowri Evans, DG MARE - TBC)

Opening Session

• Overview of EMODnet portals and state of play (EMODnet Secretariat and thematic portal coordinators)
• EMODnet Sea-basin Checkpoints: assessing observation capacity and data adequacy for users at the regional sea-basin level: status and future prospects (EMODnet Checkpoint representative)

Session 2 - EMODnet showcases, user testimonies and stakeholder perspectives

• Perspectives from stakeholders on requirements for environmental monitoring and reporting, industrial applications, scientific research and civil society
• Testimonies from key user communities
• Interventions from the public & discussion

Lunch from 12:30 to 13:30

Session 3 - Guided discussions on future priorities and governance

Closing Session

• Panel discussion and conclusions from the Conference
• Closing statement from Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (TBC)

Reception & buffet dinner 18:00

More information can be found here http://www.emodnet.eu/openconference-info

Following the EMODnet Open Conference, partners will gather for a series of joint activities, workshop and thematic meetings on 21 and 22 October 2015. More information about these activitie can be found here: http://www.emodnet.eu/jamboree-info.