EVBB Annual Conference: The EU VET Strategy

The EVBB Annual Conference is the flagship gathering for European VET leaders, funded project practitioners, policymakers, and institutional partners who want to engage directly with the EU policy agenda shaping the sector's next chapter.

This year's edition arrives at a defining moment. The EU VET Strategy is set to be published by the Commission at the end of September 2026, and the EVBB Annual Conference in November is positioned as the first major sector event after its release. Being a unique opportunity to move from the policy text to concrete implementation. EVBB has been part of this process from the start, contributing to the Commission's consultative work, and the conference now offers a rare platform to unpack what the strategy means in practice, for institutions, for national systems, and for the funding that will bring it to life.

Whether you're looking to understand what the new Strategy actually says, see how EU Member States are translating it into national policy, or learn how to access EU funding to bring it to life in your own organisation, the EVBB Annual Conference 2026 is the place to be.

Over three days, participants will take part in a full conference day, visit two VET campus sites in the Paris region, connect with peers at a networking gala. We invite you to join EVBB's General Assembly with an optional cultural activity to close out the week.

Participation fee*:

Early Bird **(Until 15th of September)**- € 245,00

Standard - € 290,00

*Participants are encouraged to use Erasmus+ mobility funds to support travel costs.

Register now to secure your spot and join us in Paris this November!

Key Topics addressed:

• Understanding the Strategy: What the EU VET Strategy says, how it was designed, and what it means for the sector, with input from the Commission, the Advisory Board, and national delegations.

• National Responses & Implementation: How EU Member States are turning the Strategy into practice, with a panel of national representatives, MEPs, and AFPA.

• Financing the Strategy: How to access and make the most of EU funding to implement the Strategy, covering Erasmus+, the Competitiveness Fund, and national budgets.

Format: One full conference day, plus governance meetings, a networking gala, and study visits to VET campuses in the Paris region

Languages: English, with simultaneous interpretation. 

More details — including the final venue, full speaker line-up, and cultural programme — will be announced soon. See you at the EVBB Annual Conference 2026 in Paris!

What you will take away

• A clear view of the new EU VET Strategy and what it asks of you

• Concrete national examples you can learn from

• Practical routes to funding and partnership

• New contacts across 84 countries and four continents

Who you will meet

VET institutions and networks, policymakers, European institutions and agencies, national ministries, social partners, practitioners, and the wider EVBB community.

After completing your registration through the B2Match platform, participants will receive a link with further details regarding ticket issuance and payment instructions. Please note that your registration is only considered complete once your EVBB membership status has been confirmed and payment has been processed.

Some participants may be eligible to use Erasmus+ mobility funds to cover travel and participation costs. This depends on the internal rules of your organisation and approval from your Erasmus+ coordinator.

If you intend to use Erasmus+ funding, you are encouraged to inform the organisers in advance so that the necessary supporting documents can be provided.

The participation fee includes access to all sessions, networking opportunities and study visits across the full programme.

Participants will enjoy hosted catering moments throughout the event. The welcome cocktail with finger food and the gala reception are included in the programme, providing opportunities for networking and informal exchanges. Additionally, lunch on 19 November will be provided for participants.

Please note that the dinner on 19 November is not included and will be at participants’ own expense. For the study visits the transportation arrangements will be communicated as part of the detailed programme.

The event will take place in Paris, France. The exact venue will be confirmed soon and shared with participants once all arrangements have been finalized.

Yes, participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.

A list of recommended hotels across different price ranges is provided in the Info Pack for your convenience. Participants are advised to book early due to high demand.

Paris is served by two main international airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), located about 25 km northeast of the city centre, and Orly Airport (ORY), about 15 km to the south.

From the airports to the city centre you can travel:

• by RER train (RER B from CDG or the Orlyval and RER B combination from ORY, approximately 30 to 45 minutes, around €13–15),

• by taxi or ride-hailing app (approximately 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic, with fixed taxi fares to central Paris of about €45–65),

• or by car rental, available directly at both airports.

Within the city, the extensive Paris Métro, RER, and bus networks provide convenient access to most destinations. Central districts are highly walkable, particularly along the Seine and in historic neighbourhoods. The Île-de-France Mobilités app and Google Maps are reliable for local navigation.

• Be part of the first major sector event after Europe's new VET Strategy, and help turn it into action.

• Get a clear, practical read on what the strategy means for your institution.

• Meet the people who make VET work: European leaders, national systems, and the practitioners on the ground.

• Build the partnerships your next project needs, across one of the largest VET networks in the world.

• Follow every session in your own language, with simultaneous interpretation.

• Experience Paris, hosted with AFPA and the French Ministry of National Education.

As the event takes place in November, participants are advised to bring:

• Warm layers and a waterproof jacket or coat

• Comfortable, weather-resistant shoes for walking and site visits

• An umbrella and other rain protection, as showers are common

• Smart-casual attire for sessions and networking activities

• Personal documents and any required medication

Temperatures in Paris in November are typically cool, so dressing in layers is recommended for comfort throughout the day.