It was recently announced that the EBM 2013 will be hosted by AEGEE-Valletta. An event that will bring approximately 300 participants from all over Europe to the sunny island of Malta in February next year.
The AEGEEan caught up with the president of AEGEE-Valletta Chris Frendo to congratulate him with the selection as host of EBM 2013 and to get the first taste of what the AEGEEans can expect from the event.
The AEGEEan: “When did you decide to apply for organising the EBM 2013?”
Chris Frendo: “The actual decision to submit an application to host one of the most important AEGEE events was taken during one of our board meetings in December. However, that decision was the result of the months of hard work which prepared and shaped our character in a way which made it possible for us to agree to go for the challenge of hosting an EBM. It was the culmination of a long process of team building sessions, training courses and other various events. In the past months the team at AEGEE-Valletta dedicated much of its time to gain the necessary skills, knowledge and experience needed to organise large scale events; hence we embarked on various projects, both locally and internationally. In a matter of months we organised a Summer Event, a Winter Event, and had the plans underway to organise a Carnival Event and a Traveling Summer University. The next inevitable outcome was to go to the next big thing, i.e the EBM. Certainly a much bigger challenge, but so is our enthusiasm and dedication to make this event memorable.”
The AEGEEan: “Why did you decide to apply for organising the EBM 2013?”
Chris Frendo: “We decided to apply mainly because we believe we could host successfully the event. Before we submitted the actual application, we undertook a feasibility study in which we discussed various logistical issues with our commercial partners, civil society partners, other NGOs and the relevant government departments. Another fundamental reason was that we believe that holding such an event in Valletta raises the profile of our antenna to a higher level. AEGEE-Valletta is a proud host of previous EBM and an Agora. However, some years have passed since the last major international event, thus the current board was resolved to steer the antenna back into the limelight. We believe that we have much to offer both in terms of experience and also in terms of the beauties of our island. Another reason was the fact that such an event provides our local members with an incredible opportunity to acquire new skills such as communication skills, management skills, project management, public relations and much more. The board has also ensured that all members who directly work in this project will be awarded a special certificate from the University of Malta. Although all of us are doing this because we enjoy doing it, yet it is also true that such experience will come useful in our future working life. For these reasons we decided to apply to host the EBM 2013.”
The AEGEEan: “What preparation have you made for the event so far?”
Chris Frendo: “The first and foremost thing which we had to make sure of that we had a team of dedicated people who were willing to work on this project, which of course requires a lot of hard work and commitment. Having ensured the necessary human resources it was very easy to set up a core team and assign more important tasks. The second equally important task was to prepare a provisional budget to ensure that we have the required financial means to host successfully the EBM and be up to the standards which AEGEE-Valletta is renowned for.
In terms of IT, at this stage we are working on a website which will be launched in the coming months and which will contain all the relevant information about the EBM 2013 and a possible post event in the Maltese Mediterranean Islands.
Moreover, we are preparing an application for EU funds, hoping that we will be granted some financial assistance. Obviously, an added financial grant would enable us to increase the level even more and make our product much more attractive.
Currently, we are holding talks some high profile people on the Island, with the hope of having the event hosted under the auspices of their distinguished office. More information will be available as soon as it is appropriate so we’ll keep you curious at the moment,” the president says with a smile.
The AEGEEan: “What will await the participants in Valletta?”
Chris Frendo: “Malta is a very small island and one of the great advantages for a visitor is that everything is so close. Hence, it would be possible for us to organise a very interesting evening social programme which would include historical sights, museums, city tours and of course wild parties! Since the distances between the venues are relatively short we are able to cram much more into the day programme than our counterparts abroad are able to. This will surely be appreciated at night because we can stay partying for longer!
Malta has a rich history, going back to prehistoric times. Over the course of the centuries Malta had various rulers: Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Spaniards, French and British. These rulers influenced the artistic heritage, culture and the general development of our tiny nation state. Our guests will have ample opportunity to see the result of this amazing legacy. It should be noted that Valletta, the capital, a jewel in its own right, is currently bidding to be the European Capital City of Culture in 2018.
Malta boast of many sandy beaches, although March is usually off season for the locals we are sure that whether permitting many of our guests will not hesitate to take their first plunge in one of our many crystal clear beaches.”
Written by Patricia Anthony, AEGEE-København