7th INFORM EU plenary meeting (Sevilla, Spain)
20-22 November 2024 – Communication and AI
The venue
The 7th INFORM EU Plenary Meeting will be held in Sevilla from Wednesday 20 to Friday 22 November 2024.
The opening Ceremony, on Wednesday 20 November, as well as the closing Ceremony on Friday 22 November, will take place at the
Casino de la Exposiciòn, one of the main cultural centres of reference of the city, built to house the Seville Pavilion which was part of the
Ibero-American Expo of 1929. It is located a few meters from the Plaza de España and the University of Seville, in the most monumental and touristic area of the city.
Address
Gta. San Diego, S/N, Casco Antiguo,
41013 Sevilla, Spain
Following the opening ceremony in the morning, the event will continue at the Hotel Giralda Center starting from lunch, where the entire second day, Thursday 21 November, will also be held.
The Hotel Giralda Center is well within walking distance from the Casino de la Exposición (15 minutes).
Address
C. Juan de Mata Carriazo, 7,
41018 Sevilla Spain
About Seville
Seville, the capital of the Andalusian region in southern Spain, is a city rich in history, culture, and vibrant traditions. Please find below an overview of what makes Seville a captivating place:
1. Historical Significance:
Seville boasts a long and diverse history, dating back to Roman times when it was known as Hispalis. It later became a major center under the Moors and reached its golden age after the discovery of the Americas in the 16th century. As Spain’s main port for trade with the New World, Seville grew into one of Europe’s wealthiest cities.
2. Landmarks:
- La Giralda and Seville Cathedral: One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its bell tower, La Giralda, originally a minaret of a mosque during the Moorish period.
- Alcázar of Seville: A stunning royal palace, this architectural marvel is a mix of Moorish, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The gardens and interiors are often compared to the Alhambra in Granada. It was also used as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
- Plaza de España: An expansive semicircular plaza built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. The plaza is surrounded by a grand Renaissance-style building and features a central canal crossed by bridges, with azulejos (ceramic tiles) representing each Spanish province.
- Torre del Oro: A military watchtower from the 13th century, located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, which once served as a defensive structure and as a place to store treasures from the Americas.
- Archivo de Indias: It is a significant historical archive located in Seville. It houses a vast collection of documents related to the Spanish Empire's colonial activities in the Americas and Asia, particularly from the period of the 16th to the 18th centuries
- María Luisa Park: It is the largest and one of the most famous parks in Seville
- Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla
- Barrio de Santa Cruz
- Pasear por la calle Sierpes, Tetuán y Cuna: La calle de Sierpes often referred to simply as Calle Sierpes, is one of the most iconic and well-known streets in Seville. This narrow, charming street, which stretches through the heart of the city, offers a mix of historical charm and vibrant modern shopping.
3. Cultural Heritage:
- Flamenco: Seville is the heart of flamenco, a traditional Andalusian art form that combines music, song, and dance. The city has numerous flamenco shows and is home to some of the best performers in the world.
- Holy Week (Semana Santa): One of Seville’s most important events, Semana Santa features elaborate religious processions through the streets, with floats carrying statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The atmosphere is deeply emotional and filled with centuries-old traditions.
- Feria de Abril (April Fair): A week-long festival where locals dress in traditional Andalusian attire, dance sevillanas (a local folk dance), and gather in casetas (tents) to celebrate with music, food, and drink.
4. Architecture:
Seville’s architecture reflects its multicultural past, blending Moorish, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and modern styles. Notable examples include:
- Mudéjar Architecture: This style, a blend of Christian and Moorish influences, can be seen in buildings like the Alcázar and Casa de Pilatos.
- Metropol Parasol: Also known as “Las Setas” (The Mushrooms), this modern wooden structure in the heart of Seville is one of the largest timber constructions in the world. It provides panoramic views of the city.
5. Guadalquivir River:
The Guadalquivir River runs through the city and has played an essential role in Seville’s history, serving as a navigable waterway that connected the city to the Atlantic Ocean and enabled its prominence during the Age of Discovery. Today, the riverfront offers scenic walks and boat tours.
6. Modern Seville:
While deeply rooted in tradition, Seville is a modern, bustling city. It is a hub for commerce, education, and the arts. The city is also home to the University of Seville and several important cultural institutions, museums, and theaters.
Seville’s unique blend of historical richness, cultural vibrancy, and welcoming atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Spain.
For more information, you can also visit the following websites:
Travel and accommodation
Please note that each participant will be responsible for arranging and covering the costs of their own travel and accommodation during the event.
Please find below a list of hotels located near both the Casino de la Exposición and
Hotel Giralda Center in Seville:
Hotels Near Casino de la Exposición:
- Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel
- One of Seville's most iconic hotels, just a short walk from the Casino de la Exposición.
- Address: Calle San Fernando, 2
- Distance: 5 minutes' walk.
- Hotel Inglaterra
- A historic 4-star hotel located in Plaza Nueva, a 20-minute walk from the Casino de la Exposición.
- Address: Plaza Nueva, 7
- Distance: 20 minutes' walk.
Hotels Near Hotel Giralda Center:
- Hotel Hesperia Sevilla
- A modern hotel offering comfort and good amenities, located near the Hotel Giralda Center.
- Address: Av. Eduardo Dato, 49
- Distance: 15 minutes' walk.
- Hotel Novotel Sevilla
- A contemporary hotel conveniently located close to the Hotel Giralda Center and the Nervión shopping area.
- Address: Av. Eduardo Dato, 71
- Distance: 20 minutes' walk.
- AC Hotel Sevilla Forum
- Located a bit further out but accessible, offering modern business-class accommodation.
- Address: Luis Fuentes Bejarano, 45
- Distance: 15 minutes' drive.
Hotels Located Between Both Venues:
- Hotel Fernando III
- Situated in the historic district, this hotel is halfway between both venues.
- Address: San José, 21
- Distance: 17 minutes' walk to the Casino, 12 minutes to the Hotel Giralda Center.
- Hotel Rey Alfonso X
- Located in Seville’s old town, this hotel offers easy access to both venues.
- Address: Ximénez de Enciso, 35
- Distance: 15 minutes' walk to the Casino de la Exposición, 12 minutes to the Hotel Giralda Center.
- Hotel Pasarela
- A convenient, comfortable hotel located near Parque de María Luisa and the Casino.
- Address: Av. de la Borbolla, 11
- Distance: 10 minutes' walk.
- Hotel Meliá Sevilla
- A modern hotel located near Plaza de España, close to both the Casino de la Exposición and city landmarks.
- Address: Dr. Pedro de Castro, 1
- Distance: 10 minutes' walk.
Marketplace of communication ideas
Wednesday, 20 November
(14:00-15:15 & 15:45-17:00)
Number
Topic
Speaker(s)
1
Usage of AI in project communication
EU-funded projects often have limited resources for communication. You need to prepare communication strategies, write press releases, make trainings and public events, do graphic design, master the social media marketing and storytelling on top of everything. What if you could use a set of powerful AI tools to improve your project communication on all levels? This session is dedicated to the most practical AI applications that you can use for developing and deploying sophisticated and professional-looking communication outputs. Join us and find out how. The session is divided in three parts: practical demonstration, overview of the best tools and how to apply them, and Q&A.
Moderators: Nebojsa NIKOLIC and Arkam OGRAK, communication experts in Interact
Venue: Hotel Giralda Center, Salón Híspalis 1 (rounds 1 & 2)
2
Exchange of best practices: Showcasing and Targeting
While it is nice to have different EU funded programmes in the same network, it can be challenging to identify common communication ground, joint target groups, and activities which could engage and spark interest in the audience. Join this session to hear about national campaigns which focused on good projects from different funds, such as the Polish one, and regional campaigns which targeted specific groups.
Moderator: Maria GALEWSKA, European Commission
Venue: Hotel Giralda Center, Salón Híspalis 2 (round 1)
3
Usage of AI for persuasion: improved messaging with ChatGPT
In this session you will hear about practical ways of using AI to upgrade your communication strategies, how to anticipate objections, personalize messages for specific audiences, and use persuasion frameworks to craft compelling narratives. We’ll cover practical techniques for improving message impact using ChatGPT, drawing from proven communication theories and AI-driven insights for EU affairs and policy communicators. This session will give you the tools to level up your messaging, adapt to diverse European audiences, and achieve greater impact in your outreach.
Moderators: Andras BANETH, strategic communications and public affairs expert
Venue: Hotel Giralda Center, Salón Híspalis 3 (round 1) & Salón Híspalis 5/6 (round 2)
4
Making EU funds more visible in the media: the best approaches?
In this session you will hear about practical ways of using AI to upgrade your communication strategies, how to anticipate objections, personalize messages for specific audiences, and use persuasion frameworks to craft compelling narratives. We’ll cover practical techniques for improving message impact using ChatGPT, drawing from proven communication theories and AI-driven insights for EU affairs and policy communicators. This session will give you the tools to level up your messaging, adapt to diverse European audiences, and achieve greater impact in your outreach.
Moderators: Matteo SALVAI and Florin RUGINA, European Commission
Venue: Hotel Giralda Center, Salón Híspalis 5/6 (round 1) & Salón Híspalis 3 (round 2)
5
Exchange of best practices: Engaging and Involving
Do you feel that no matter what you do, there are some have target groups which are hard to engage and involve? Have you changed the way of reaching out to them which has proved successful? We would like to hear how you tackled this and the impact it has had. There will be short presentations to kick off the discussion and inspire you. One of these will be from Denmark who is trying out a completely new approach in Aarhus as an experiment and we will hear their conclusions. The beauty of our national communication networks is that we can both learn from our peers and help them too. The reality of getting the policy message spread further to our target groups is a challenge. Let’s see how to find solutions.
Moderator: Joanne KNIGHT, European Commission
Venue: Hotel Giralda Center, Salón Híspalis 4 (round 1)
6
Exchange of best practices: Unleashing the Power of Operations of Strategic Importance
Ready to take your OSI to the next level? The legislation binds the beneficiaries of the operations of strategic importance and Managing Authorities to ensure appropriate visibility. But what does “appropriate” mean? How are the beneficiaries organising effective communication events and what support can or should the Managing Authorities offer? Join us for a session dedicated to best practices in communicating operations of strategic importance where we will dive into real examples.
Moderator: Beatriz ALLUEVA Y ALAVA, European Commission
Venue: Hotel Giralda Center, Salón Híspalis 4 (round 2)
Parallel lectures: AI – what are we talking about?
Thursday, 21 November
(14:00-14:45)
Parallel lecture
Topic
Speaker(s)
Lecture 1
AI impact on society: Innovative public services
Artificial intelligence is set to drive innovation in the public sector, creating new ways to enhance services for all citizens. In this talk, we will explore how AI is being used today in public services, focusing on the transformative potential it holds. The public sector must lead by example, ensuring that AI is used inclusively, and that no citizen is left behind in this technological shift.
Moderator: Isabelle HUPONT TORRES
Scientific officer at Joint Research Centre (Digital economy Unit T1)
Venue: Hotel Giralda Center, Salón Híspalis 1
Lecture 2
Are all safeguards in place? How AI ethics are implemented in PR agencies
Do you work with an external public relations agency? It is highly probable that they are using some AI features for the products they deliver to you. This lecture will delve into the management of AI ethics within the PR consulting profession and present results from an empirical study which examines how PR consultancy executives uphold ethical standards while harnessing AI's advantages in a competitive landscape. It will specifically explore the tension between the demands for competitiveness and the application of AI ethics.
Moderator: Julia LEVASIER
Professor for Public Relations, International University, Munich
Venue: Hotel Giralda Center, Salón Híspalis 2/3
Lecture 3
Transparent algorithms, why should we care? Future challenges, practical applications and EU regulation
This lecture will focus on scientific challenges of the AI, future research and practical methods connected to commercial applications of the technology. It will also highlight the regulatory perspectives, as trustworthy AI is linked to current EU regulations, notably the AI Act and the Digital Services Act. You will get firsthand information on the work of the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency (ECAT), its platform investigations and how their activities are bridging the gap with the research community.
Moderator: Emilia GOMEZ GUTIERREZ
Project officer – Team Leader at Joint Research Centre (Algorithmic Transparency Unit T3)
Venue: Hotel Giralda Center, Salón Híspalis 4/5
Project visit descriptions
please note that ALL buses leave from Calle de la Rábida, near Casino de la Exposición, check specific project for exact departure times
CIU3A. University Innovation Centre of Andalusia, Alentejo and Algarve
Departure: 10:00
- Topic: Research and development (R&D)
- Fund: Interreg Spain-Portugal
- Localisation: Sevilla
Construction and start-up of the University Innovation Centre of Andalusia, Alentejo and Algarve (CIU3A), a joint innovation centre of the universities of Seville, Évora and Algarve specialising in Industry 4.0, Logistics, Materials and Sustainability.
Tokamak SMART (SMall Aspect Ratio Tokamak)
- Topic: Research and development (R&D)
- Fund: ERDF
- Localisation: Sevilla
Manufacturing and commissioning of a plasma particle fusion reactor to obtain large amounts of energy without the use of non-renewable fuels. This is a unique technological development that combines 3 disruptive technologies in the field of magnetic confinement fusion, with the aim of connecting a fusion reactor to the electricity grid within the next decade.
Meeting point: Calle de la Rábida
Arrival point: Giralda Center Hotel
Exploraterra
Departure: 8:30
- Topic: Cultural heritage
- Fund: Interreg Spain-Portugal
- Localisation: Sevilla
The Exploraterra Space in Seville is a cultural centre dedicated to the great maritime explorations and the First Round the World Voyage of Magellan and Elcano. It opened in March 2023 and is divided into three areas: the Nao Victoria Centre, a permanent exhibition focusing on the expedition that made the First Circumnavigation of the Earth; the Exploraterra Plaza, an artistic installation paying tribute to explorers throughout history; and the visit to the Nao Victoria 500, a replica of the ship located in the river.
Cartuja Qanat
- Topic: Research and development (R&D)
- Fund: ERDF-Urban Innovative Actions
- Localisation: Sevilla
Cartuja Qanat is an open-air urban space available to citizens. This is an innovative urban transformation project that improves environmental comfort, promotes social exchange and encourages the creation of sustainable models of urban growth. The initiative is part of Seville's strategy in the fight against climate change, with two main lines of action: developing strategies to adapt to climate change at the local level, and recognising the vital character of the artery of streets and neighbourhoods.
Enterprising Seville
- Topic: Competitiveness
- Fund: ERDF
- Localisation: Sevilla
Refurbishment of the former Renfe warehouses in San Jerónimo. Recovery of the space and installation of renewable energies to bring it into operation. The entrepreneurship and innovation centre that has been built inside the west warehouse has a surface area of 1,222.62 square metres. It houses the Seville Entrepreneurial City Council entity.
Meeting point: Calle de la Rábida
Arrival point: Giralda Center Hotel
Use of renewable energies for sustainable mobility in student halls of residence
Departure: 9:30
- Topic: Energy
- Fund: ERDF
- Localisation: Sevilla
This student residence in Seville has become the first building in Andalusia where electric vehicles recharge their batteries thanks to its photovoltaic ventilated facade and a solar installation on its roof. This allows it to supply the recharging infrastructures and also part of the building's electricity demand, reducing energy consumption by 40%.
Research to produce fuels from CO2 from biomass oxy-combustion and green H2
- Topic: Energy / Research and development (R&D)
- Fund: ERDF
- Localisation: Sevilla
This research has made it possible to produce fuels with characteristics equivalent to those of fossil fuels from renewable sources (biofuels and E-fuels, as well as hydrogen), which will result in a net balance of zero (or even negative) CO2 emissions into the atmosphere (green fuel). A solution for decarbonisation in industrial processes that require intensive or relevant thermal energy inputs.
Meeting point: Calle de la Rábida
Arrival point: Giralda Center Hotel
Adaptation of the Andalusian Cultural Heritage Logistics Centre
Departure: 9:00
- Topic: Cultural heritage
- Fund: ERDF
- Localisation: San José de la Rinconada (Sevilla) – 30 minutes
Adaptation of a former tobacco drying shed (industrial heritage) to enable a 4,368 square metre scientific and highly technical warehouse for the purpose of conserving, researching and disseminating the province's historical and cultural assets. In the first phase of the project, the evacuation and conservation of the archaeological collection has been achieved with maximum guarantees until the works on the Seville Archaeological Museum are completed.
Intervention works in the Roman amphitheatre of Italica; western sector and the area around the Libitinaria Gate
- Topic: Cultural heritage
- Fund: ERDF
- Localisation: Santiponce (Sevilla) – 15 minutes
This action has two objectives: first, to solve the hydraulic and sediment contribution problem, and second, to consolidate the structures and fillings that were precariously stable and prevented public traffic.
Meeting point: Calle de la Rábida
Arrival point: Giralda Center Hotel
International Protection reception system
Departure: 9:30
- Topic: Asylum
- Fund: AMIF
- Localisation: Sevilla
It is one of the largest and most widely used facilities within the International protection reception system, operational all year round.
LIQUID BIOPSY
- Topic: Healthcare
- Fund: ERDF
- Localisation: Sevilla
Liquid Biopsy is a project to develop a prototype for the identification and characterisation of biomarkers in blood. This will allow the personalisation and monitoring of patient treatment, as well as the creation of a comprehensive clinical protocol for the determination of blood biomarkers.
Meeting point: Calle de la Rábida
Arrival point: Giralda Center Hotel
Air Traffic Control Center of Seville
Departure: 9:00
- Topic: Research and development and Innovation (R&D)
- Fund: RRF
- Localisation: Sevilla – 30 minutes
The Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) Aerospace has already mobilized €2.8 billion (30% funded by RRF). The Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities will present the scope and progress of the PERTE Aerospace at the Air Traffic Control Center in Seville, operated by ENAIRE. Before visiting the center, this public company, under the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, will introduce the PERTE Aerospace initiative ACT04, “Facilitating measures for the development of the Single European Sky.” This initiative, with an initial budget of €107 million, has made significant advancements in improving communication systems between pilots and air traffic controllers and developing new data exploitation platforms to support digital transformation.
Centre for Technology-Based Vocational Training (CIFP) of Aerospace reference
- Topic: Educational
- Fund: ERDF
- Localisation: La Rinconada (Sevilla) – 30 minutes
The integrated centre has a classroom of more than 3,400 square metres and four warehouses, one of them designed as a hangar. It also has 15 multi-purpose classrooms and 27 workshop classrooms and can accommodate up to 900 students. The Integrated Vocational Training Centre will teach intermediate and higher level courses related to the aeronautical sector and the professional family of Vehicle Transport and Maintenance.
Meeting point: Calle de la Rábida
Arrival point: Giralda Center Hotel
New SAE Integrated Management Model
Departure: 9:00
- Topic: Employment
- Fund: ESF+ 2021-2027
- Localisation: Los Palacios (Sevilla) – 30 minutes
Integrated management model that the Andalusian Regional Government has implemented in its Andalusian Employment Service (SAE) offices in the region. It incorporates new telematic services and improved statistical profiling and attention to companies. These support, organisational, methodological and technological tools offer comprehensive and more personalised attention for more accurate profiles of each job seeker.
ACTIVATING EMPLOYABILITY
- Topic: Employment
- Fund: ESF+
- Localisation: Sevilla
Job search workshops, company sessions with participants explaining job offers, training in the preparation of CVs with offers on demand, digital skills workshops, etc. For people who are far removed from the labour market.
Meeting point: Calle de la Rábida
Arrival point: Giralda Center Hotel
Age of Majority Programme - Labora Programme
Departure: 9:00
- Topic: Social inclusion
- Fund: ESF+ 2021-2027
- Localisation: Sevilla
This project offers a guidance, counselling and social and labour integration service for minors and young people within the Andalusian child protection system, in the Medium Intensity modality, and is part of the Programme for the Acquisition of Socio-Labour Skills in minors and young people coming from the Protection System. It is especially focused on enhancing the personal and social skills of the beneficiary group in order to improve their employability, develop pre-employment skills, improve the training and labour qualifications of the users, and achieve the active inclusion of the group of minors and young people in their social environment.
Youth Employment School
- Topic: Employment
- Fund: ESF+
- Localisation: La Rinconada
The Association Acción Contra el Hambre, together with La Rinconada Town Council, develops projects to improve employability from several angles: employment, entrepreneurship and professional qualification with employment schools. This global strategy creates important opportunities for collaboration with local public and private institutions and companies. In addition, the centre where these projects are located houses a municipal library whose book collection has received Next Generation support.
Meeting point: Calle de la Rábida
Arrival point: Giralda Center Hotel
Construction of IES Hienipa and educational programmes
Departure: 9:00
- Topic: Educational
- Fund: ERDF & ESF
- Localisation: Alcalá de Guadaira (Sevilla) – 40 minutes
Construction of a new educational centre with 600 places for ESO, 140 for Baccalaureate and 60 for training cycles, totalling 800 school places. In addition, the school has several educational programmes co-financed by the ESF, such as the summer reinforcement, the PROA (recently requested) and the COVID reinforcement.
La Mina underground mill
- Topic: Cultural heritage
- Fund: ERDF
- Localisation: Alcalá de Guadaira (Sevilla) – 40 minutes
The mill, which dates back to the 15th century, was left under the Gutiérrez de Alba theatre when it was built in the 1920s. Access was only possible through a small trapdoor in the floor and with the help of the fire brigade and a large ladder. The intervention carried out with European funds from the DUSI European development strategy has made it fully accessible and has created an access room that completes the visit with explanatory panels and audiovisual projections.
Meeting point: Calle de la Rábida
Arrival point: Giralda Center Hotel
Sea bass and sea bream centre (Cupibar)
Departure: 7:00
- Topic: Aquaculture
- Fund: EMFAF
- Localisation: Barbate (Cádiz) – 90 minutes
The company Cubibar (which markets through the company Lubimar) has received multiple grants from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to improve its facilities, acquire new machinery and improve productivity.
CEDEFO
- Topic: Environment
- Fund: Interreg Spain-Portugal
- Localisation: Barbate (Cádiz) – 90 minutes
The Forest Defence Centres (CEDEFOs), are distributed throughout the Andalusian forest territory, constituting real work centres for personnel involved in the prevention and fight against forest fires. As well as being essential facilities for fighting forest fires, the CEDEFOs can be considered as forestry extension centres that play an important role in the prevention of forest fires by raising awareness and training of the different social sectors linked to the natural environment, facilitating the implementation of multiple preventive activities. The CEDEFOs are located in areas of forest importance and close to communication routes.
Meeting point: Calle de la Rábida
Arrival point: Giralda Center Hotel
Departure: 9:00
- Topic: Research & Innovation
- Localisation: Sevilla
The JRC provides independent, evidence-based science and knowledge, supporting EU policies to positively impact society.
Meeting point: Calle de la Rábida
Arrival point: Giralda Center Hotel
Tour of Royal Alcázar
Please note that the meeting point for the Royal Alcázar tour is “Puerta Alcoba”, located on the west side of the fort, on the opposite end of the Lion’s Gate. This entrance is located at the corner of Avenue de Menendez Pelayo, a 10-minute walk from Hotel Giralda. More information
