Programme details

Registration and coffee

Session 1: Business and society

Moderator: Mrs Maithreyi Seetharaman, CEO, Founder, Facultas Media Limited

Welcome by Mr Markus J. Beyrer, Director General of BusinessEurope

Introductory video

Opening address by Mrs Emma Marcegaglia, President of BusinessEurope

Keynote speech by Mr Donald Tusk, President of the European Council

Society needs and companies’ answers

What is the role of business and entrepreneurs in tackling various key challenges in society today? How does business contribute to society while ensuring their long-term success? What are the values of entrepreneurship and what is their place in our European values?

Panellists:

Dr Henryka Bochniarz, President of Polish Confederation Lewiatan
Mr Hans de Boer, President of the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers, VNO-NCW
Mr Pierre Gattaz, President of Mouvement des entreprises de France, MEDEF
Mr Jens Rohde, Member of the European Parliament
Mr Luca Visentini, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation, ETUC

Young, successful and European

Testimony of Mr Nicola Altobelli, Commercial Director of Eceplast and Vice President of Confindustria Young Entrepreneurs

Networking break

Session 2: Business in a rapidly changing world

Moderator: Mr Paul Adamson, founder and editor of E!Sharp

How European industry brings value to society in a globalised world

Testimony of Ms Saori Dubourg, Member of the Board of Executive Directors, BASF SE

Trade and changing production patterns

The global market is rapidly changing. Supply chains are integrating more and more. Markets are opening up. At the same time the topic of globalisation is contested by some and the debate has been intensifying over the past decade. How do we retain and re-balance the positive progress of a globalised world with delivering for people in their local communities? How can we make sure that trade policy delivers both economically and socially for companies and citizens?

Panellists:

Prof Ferdi de Ville, Ghent university
Mr Bernard Gilliot, President of Federation of Enterprises in Belgium, VBO-FEB
Mrs Carola Lemne, Director General of Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, SN
Mr Pat Ivory, Director of EU & International Affairs of the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation, Ibec

Keynote speech by Mr Jyrki Katainen, Vice President of the European Commission

Walking lunch

Session 3: Business as a key player in technological change

Moderator: Mr Sean Klein, Media Consultant, SeanKlein Media Ltd

Companies driving innovation

More than anything digitalisation and technological progress are shaping tomorrow's businesses and impacting society as a whole. At the same time innovation is taking place in processing and services. What does the world ahead us look like? Who are tomorrow's champions? And do we have the right policies in place to support these developments?

Panellists:

Mr Erich Clementi, Chairman IBM Europe and Senior Vice President Global Integrated Accounts
Mr Jo Deblaere, COO and CEO-Europe of Accenture
Mr Dieter Kempf, President of the Federation of German Industries e. V., BDI
Mrs Ann Mettler, Head of European Political Strategy Centre, European Commission

Session 4: One big question: Brexit

Moderator: Mr Sean Klein, Media Consultant, SeanKlein Media Ltd

Keynote speech by Mr Michel Barnier, Chief Negotiator - Task Force for the Preparation and Conduct of the Negotiations with the United Kingdom under Article 50 TEU

Business for Europe: wrap-up interview with Mrs Emma Marcegaglia, President of BusinessEurope

Networking drink