Case study – International events
An international conferencewith a difference
A carefully planned Barcelona conference that combined professional development with memorable experiences and stronger member connections.
The opportunity
Every association conference has an agenda. The most successful ones create something much more lasting.
The 61st EMWA Spring Conference in Barcelona gave members from across Europe the opportunity to learn from industry experts, exchange ideas, welcome new colleagues into the community and strengthen professional relationships that continue long after the closing session.
Hosted at the distinctive Barceló Sants Hotel with the iconic Montjuïc skyline providing the backdrop, the conference combined a vibrant and carefully curated programme of expert-led workshops, sponsored sessions and panel discussions with a thoughtfully designed social programme that encouraged delegates to experience both Barcelona and the EMWA community.
What we delivered
A joined-up programme shaped around the organisation, its members and the outcomes it needed.
Our approach
As EMWA's association management partner, CJAM was proud to organise and deliver the conference, ensuring every aspect of the delegate journey reflected the professionalism and high standards of the Association. From programme planning and speaker coordination through to delegate communications, logistics and on-site delivery, our team worked closely with EMWA to create a seamless experience from start to finish.
The success of the conference was reflected in the feedback received from EMWA President, Katrin Zaragoza Dörr, PhD, who recognised the collaborative effort behind the event:
"Our fantastic Conference Director, Jules Kovacevic, together with the incredible head office support from CJ Association Management (a special thank you to Fiona Barlow for your patience and support!), has worked so hard to deliver a vibrant programme. I could not be prouder."
The recognition highlights the extensive work that takes place behind the scenes to deliver an international event of this scale. From months of planning and coordination to supporting delegates, speakers and sponsors throughout the conference, every detail contributes to creating a successful experience for members.
While the conference programme provided valuable professional development, the delegate experience extended far beyond the meeting rooms. A guided tour of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter gave members the opportunity to discover one of Europe's most historic cities, before a private evening at Poble Espanyol offered the perfect setting to continue conversations over Spanish tapas in the unique surroundings of the monastery.
The result
These moments are often the ones delegates remember most. They create opportunities to build relationships, share experiences and strengthen the sense of belonging that sits at the heart of every successful membership organisation.
For CJAM, that's what association management is about. Not simply delivering an event, but creating an experience that reflects an organisation's values, strengthens member engagement and leaves delegates looking forward to the next opportunity to reconnect. Whether supporting large-scale international conferences or events across the UK, our focus is always the same: delivering exceptional experiences that allow our clients to concentrate on their members while we take care of everything behind the scenes.
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