European Commission
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Conference: “IMI and the Services Directive – Releasing the full potential” (Brussels, 27 January 2011)
IMI and the Services Directive
When and where?

On Thursday, 27 January 2011, 10.00 to 17.00

In the Charlemagne building, 170 Rue de la Loi, BE-1049 Brussels
What is it about?

The Internal Market Information System (IMI) is an electronic tool that allows competent authorities all over Europe to quickly and reliably exchange information with each other. Since December 2009, IMI is used to exchange information on service providers and their activities under the so-called Services Directive (Directive 2006/123/EC). More than 5000 authorities from all EU countries are already registered in IMI for the area of services.

The conference will take stock of the results achieved so far and will explore ways to further strengthen cooperation. Most importantly, the Commission would like to hear from you - the participants - what your experiences have been so far. And we would like to give you the opportunity to get to know each other and together explore solutions to challenges that you are facing.

Agenda PDF
Who is invited?

The conference can cater for up to 400 participants. It is mainly targeted at users of the IMI module for the Services Directive, both from competent authorities and from coordinators, both experienced and new. We also encourage the participation of "multipliers" at regional, national or European level (for example IMI trainers, representatives of associations, journalists).
How do I register?

If you would like to attend the conference, please register via this link: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/fmi/scic/IMI2011/start.php

Deadline: 11 January 2011

Online registrations are now closed. If you have not registered yet, you can do so on the day of the conference at the entrance to the conference venue (desk "on-site").

Every participant will be able to take part in two out of four different workshops. You will be asked to indicate which ones interest you most:

A. New to IMI? Learn how to use IMI for the Services Directive (presentation, questions and answers) An introductory session for all newcomers to IMI, with practical guidance about the provisions on administrative cooperation in the Services Directive and a live demonstration of how the IMI module for services works. There will also be time for your questions and feedback.
B. Learning from each other: IMI users present their experiences and discuss solutions to common challenges (expert panel, questions and answers) A panel of expert IMI users report how IMI was set up in their countries and how it has worked so far in the area of services. They discuss amongst themselves and with you the benefits of cooperation and the challenges they are facing.
C. Getting to know each other: Meet your IMI counterparts from other countries and exchange ideas on improving cooperation (discussion in small groups) An entirely interactive session for IMI users in which you will meet colleagues from other countries and discuss with them in small groups. The groups will be facilitated by experienced members of the IMI network, but the most important element will be your contributions.
D. Managing and promoting IMI: Explore ways of spreading the news and of monitoring activity in IMI (presentation and discussion for IMI coordinators and multipliers) Also entirely interactive, this workshop is targeted at IMI coordinators and multipliers. You will be able to learn from each other's experiences in promoting IMI in your region or area of activity and you will explore ways of making the most of the resources at your disposal.

Please note that your choice of workshop is indicative only.

You will receive a computer-generated acknowledgement immediately after on-line registration and, at a later date, you will receive a confirmation of your participation by email.

Please note that the online registration does not yet mean that you can definitely participate, as each registration will have to be confirmed by the Commission, subject to availability of places. We will assess registrations trying to achieve a good geographical balance as well as a balance between the types of authorities and service sectors represented.
What are the practical arrangements?

Languages:
For the plenary sessions as well as for workshops A and B, simultaneous interpretation will be provided from and into English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Polish. For the interactive workshops C and D, you will be asked to indicate which of the languages English, French and German you speak.

Costs:
Participation in the conference is free of charge. There will also be a free buffet lunch. However, the Commission will NOT be able to reimburse participants for their travel and accommodation expenses.

Overview of all practical information PDF.

If you have any questions about the conference, please contact the Commission's IMI team at MARKT-IMI@ec.europa.eu.

 

Last update: 24-Jan-2011