Our Conferences & Events
Human interaction with our network is one of our basic principles. The East meets West Conferences are the annual meetings of the East meets West network and interested outsiders, to discuss LGBTIQ topics, present ideas, realisations, future plans and to create an environment for efficient networking. Our conferences offers a rich and dynamic program and networking opportunities with people from European countries and overseas delegations. The programs feature indisputable LGBTIQ people, who have taken their rightful place in the mainstream society and this way have become iconic representatives of the new phase of social diversity. We are continuously increasing the focus on LGBTIQ Businesses and their proud owners.
Throughout the year, we also run number of focused events - being it corporate round-tables, educational sessions, special field live events or LGBTIQ trade missions.
PAVING A NEW WAY (2023)
June 16th, 2023
Vienna, Austria (in-person & ONLINE)
In the 10 years of our existence, East meets West witnessed a lot of gradual changes in the European LGBTIQ environment, especially in the CEE region, our focus sphere. Was there in the beginning a strong political influence of the ‘EU Way of life’, put down in anti-discrimination legislation that insured a safe living environment for minorities such as the LGBTIQ community, this came to a halt. Incompetence and especially foolhardiness poisoned this positive evolution. It slowed down the started innovations such as the marriage for all. But what saddened us most is that initially nameless groups of homophobic bigots became louder and more aggressive, supported by opportunistic politicians and extremist religious groups. How do we react to such negative evolution? The strategies we follow will have less or even no impact anymore when confronted with ruffians who use physical force to shut us up.
East meets West wants in the 10th year of existence tackle in its International Conference, together with its wide community of partners, the challenging question of what is the best way to go forward with our LGBTIQ community.
Canada's 1st LGBTQ+ Trade Mission to Vienna
March 20th, 2023
Vienna Business Agency, Schmerlingplatz 3, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Join on March 20th the Canadian LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) on a historic Trade Mission to Vienna. This mission represents a unique opportunity for you to learn about supplier inclusion & diversity, about how to build an LGBTIQ-inclusive business environment and access a network of certified Canadian LGBTQ+ businesses that are eager to connect and do business.
This Trade Mission is open to corporations, international businesses as well as any businesses who are looking to grow their network, explore new business opportunities, and support supplier diversity. You will have the opportunity to meet and engage with Canadian suppliers, attend business-to-business matchmaking sessions, and network with other top industry professionals. This is a historic moment for Canada and we are proud that East meets West was selected as hosting partner for their mission to Vienna, Austria, and with this we lead the way in promoting and supporting the growth of LGBTQ+ businesses. There are only two stops of this Trade Mission - the United Kingdom (London) and within the European Union Austria (Vienna).
Your EuroPride Power Session on Workplace Inclusion and LGBTIQ Business!
16th September 2022, Livestream from BELGRADE (Serbia)
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, guests the 2022 EuroPride and will be the place to be for everybody who is engaged in the progress of the European LGBTIQ communities. East meets West is quite happy to support this international event by bringing the needed special attention to LGBTIQ Diversity & Inclusion in a Business Environment. In an afternoon session, we will discuss 2 main topics: Workplace Inclusion and LGBTIQ entrepreneurship.
East meets West will do, what they are good at: bringing together in panel talks a variety of specialists on the 2 subjects and offer this way a true picture of Workplace Inclusion and LGBTIQ Business maturity in Serbia and the rest of the CEE countries. But at the same time, we will inform, inspire and activate you with best practice examples, authentic testimonials and know how which has remained ‘hidden’ for many of you. After this afternoon session, you will be motivated to proceed to the next step and boost your successes! Local East meets West Session also boost networking opportunities and allow to make valuable contacts.
PICKING UP THE THREAD (2022)
22nd July 2022, BRATISLAVA (Slovakia) and ONLINE
When planning the 2022 East meets West Conference, we were happy to leave, after 2 difficult years, the COVID pandemic behind us. We all needed to come back to our pre-COVID LGBTIQ activities. But then an even bigger disaster hit us, the military invasion of Ukraine by Russia. East meets West (EmW) has been partnering with all CEE countries, independent of the political system that the country had as EmW focuses on all LGBTIQ communities.
We kept the original theme of the Conference as we cannot ignore the many changes that took place in the past 2 years, adding the new challenges caused by the military conflict of which the total impact cannot yet be measured. We will talk about the possibly changed role of the business world who entered actively the arena of Diversity & Inclusion. EmW still considers them crucial partners for strengthening the LGBTIQ communities. But we will also give ample space and a voice to the situation of the many LGBTIQ groups that were forced to leave their country and are building a new network, still supporting the LGBTIQ community in their home regions.
RIDING THE WAVES OF CHANGE (2021)
17th June 2021, ONLINE
We used to live in a world that was perhaps not always peace full but it was never in complete turmoil. But this has changed and our LGBTIQ community as active player in society cannot ignore this reality.
People have accepted new ways of communication so if we want to reach them, we need to speak a different language. We read about the 'New Normal’ but without knowing what it will mean for all of us. East meets West wants in the 2021 Conference tackle this very challenging topic and ask the question how to 'ride these waves of change' and create new opportunities.
CONNECTING THE DOTS (2020)
12th June 2020, Vienna, Austria
The world around us is constantly changing and asking from all of us flexibility in thinking and finding new ways to progress the LGBTI community. From governments and officials we see the support towards the work of the many NGO’s gradually decreasing. On the other hand, we have become aware of the potential of the changed perception of the Corporate Social Responsibility. This truly has a positive impact on the LGBTI community, including LGBTI businesses. Does it mean we have to change sides, abandon the social action and turn fully towards business? Not at all! East meets West believes that connecting the 2 dots, social action and a business focus, will boost our efforts in such a way that 1 + 1 = 3! In our Conference we showed how to connect the dots and boost the results of your efforts.
BREAKING THROUGH THE GLASS CEILING (2019)
14th June 2019, Vienna, Austria
The Business world remains the ultimate glass ceiling the LGBTIQ community needs to break through. Despite business being the biggest influencer of social change, by now we all only scratched the surface of its potential. The Conference told how to break through this final barrier, this ultimate glass ceiling.
The agenda was filled with a variety of topics, treated by international speakers who will not only cover specific subjects, but gradually they will lead you to a better understanding of the Conference’s theme. When you read more about the 2019 event, it will become clear how also you can contribute in giving the LGBTIQ business community the necessary push to get their rightful place in the business community.
FACES OF MODERN DIVERSITY (2018)
15th June 2018, Vienna, Austria
Hosted by Erste Group, the Conference offers a rich and dynamic full-day program and networking opportunities with people from over 20 European countries and overseas delegations. The program features indisputable LGBTIQ people, who have taken their rightful place in the mainstream society and this way have become iconic representatives of the new phase of social diversity. There is an increasing focus on LGBTIQ Businesses and their proud owners and inspiring personalities, witnessing and demonstrating the Faces of Modern Diversity.
2017
June 2017, Vienna, Austria
Although we took a break from conferencing, we were active and drove establishing the Pride Business corner at the Vienna Pride Village.
3rd International Forum (2016)
17th June 2016, Vienna, Austria
The 2016 Agenda of the Forum was composed of 3 main sections - EMW Social, EMW Business and EMW Future – it reflects the divers set-up of East meets West as association. In addition, we also presented ‘EMW Culture’, a program designed to offer the early arrivals to the Forum, the chance to get to know Vienna better, enjoy a film and meet other participants.
2nd International Forum (2015)
14th August 2015, Prague, Czech Republic
Back in 2015, our East meets West events did not have a theme. We wanted to bring together people, give them the needed space to interact, to network and to inspire each other.
1st International Forum (2014)
14th August 2014, Prague, Czech Republic
Back in 2015, our East meets West events did not have a theme. We wanted to bring together people, give them the needed space to interact, to network and to inspire each other.