Austria official, Christine Marek to open Work Experience Travel Market and IAPA Annual Conference

March 23, 2009 - PRLog -- Vienna, Austria – Ms. Christine Marek, the Austria State Secretary will open the event at the InterContinental Hotel in Vienna, Wednesday, 25 March.

Recognising the role of international cultural and educational exchanges as a tool in preparing young people for the global workplace as well as the intrinsic benefit of au pairing in strengthening family values by creating expanded global families, Ms. Marek has graciously agreed to address the industry-only conference. Ms. Marek’s presence underscores the high priority given to youth activities by the country’s Ministry of Economy, Family and Youth.

"I'm honoured that this conference takes place in the wonderful city of Vienna in Austria and I welcome this international exchange of ideas focussing on exchange programmes.",  says Ms. Marek.  "Part of it is the possibility to participate as an Au Pair all over the world. It may be a challenge, but on the other hand also one of the most wonderful opportunities to experience other countries and cultures. I would like to encourage young people to take this chance," says the Austria State Secretary.

Now in its sixth year, the Work Experience Travel Market and International Au Pair Association Annual Conference is devoted exclusively to organisations that provide cultural exchange and work & study programs such as Au Pair placements, internships, gap year and volunteer programmes. The b2b event brings together some 200 organisations from 40 plus countries around the world for three days of trade, networking and a sector-only focused seminar programme.

An integral part of the conference is its providing a forum for the betterment of the cultural exchange community.  During the event, its organisers: the WYSE Work Abroad Association and International Au Pair Association facilitate discussions on developing best practices and the setting of standards and guidelines for their respective sectors. Bringing the industry’s key stakeholders together under one roof, to improve and grow the industry.    

Elizabeth O’Neill, Chairman of the WYSE Work Abroad Association – the event’s co-organiser, says, “Cross-cultural traineeships, internships, volunteering or being an au pair can play an important role in preparing a young person for the global job market, as international experience becomes an increasingly key skill to possess in today’s workforce. The organisations that attend our event provide these placements and create these opportunities for young people. Facilitating discussions that help these companies and the industry improve its product, as well as providing a forum for the development of their programmes and business is an important part of why we meet each year.”

Jack Hompes, Chairman of the International Au Pair Association, (IAPA) - co-organiser of the event continues, “The industry is the focus at our event. We look to provide attendees with not only the tools to better their own business but importantly, to encourage discussions and forums for bettering the cultural exchange community as a whole. We appreciate very much Ms Marek and her country’s support for the conference and their recognition of the incredible value of cultural exchange.”

The Work Experience Travel Market and International Au Pair Association Annual Conference take place at the InterContinental Hotel in Vienna, Austria 25-27 March 2009.
Conference organisers IAPA and WYSE Work Abroad Association both operate under the umbrella of the WYSE Travel Confederation, a 550 plus member organisation that is the global voice of the youth, student and educational travel community.

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About the WYSE Travel Confederation

WYSE Travel Confederation’s 550+ members work through specialist sector associations to provide a range of valuable services and products for young travellers around the globe including Student Identity Cards, Language Travel Experiences, Work Exchange and Au Pair Experiences, Student Flights, Youth Accommodation and Travel Insurance.

In addition to assisting with the provision of these services and products, the Confederation is committed to understanding the ever changing characteristics, motivations, and needs of young travellers. The Confederation gathers, analyses and shares important research data and market intelligence with its members, academics, corporate and government decision-makers, and the general travelling public.