Wednesday 6 June

A UNIQUE INVITATION – As a unique feature of EFC Conference Belfast 2012, the thematic evenings on offer from 19:00 - 21:30 will provide you with an opportunity to meet social activists from Northern Ireland to exchange experiences; enjoy some food, drink and music; and be introduced to the theme of your choice from the five provided.  You will also be meeting in a range of exciting venues - some old, some new, and some just different.  The thematic evenings will locate you not only in Belfast, but in a city that has weathered over 40 years of turmoil and is emerging with lessons learned and experiences to share.

Reserve your place early when you register online to avoid disappointment!

Diversity in a contested society: Meeting established and new communities

Venue: MAC Arts Centre, St. Anne’s Square, Central Belfast Departure by bus: Europa Hotel at 18:45 Return by bus: Europa Hotel at 21:30

Diversity is not a feature that people associated with Belfast in the past, yet the past two decades have seen an increase in the range of ethnic groups and new communities that have made the city their home. This has resulted in both exciting opportunities but also tensions. With Monica Wilson, CEO of Disability Action, as your host you will meet representatives of ethnic communities, but also people involved in Aging, Disability, Women’s and Rights issues. The gathering will reflect the title of the thematic evening, and you will have time to talk and exchange ideas. As with all the thematic evenings there will be food, drink, music and an introductory DVD to add to the attraction of the evening.

The contribution of community arts and culture:  An opportunity for self-expression

Venue: The Crescent Arts Centre, University Road, South Belfast Departure by bus: Europa Hotel at 18:45 Return by bus: Europa Hotel at 21:30

One of the first victims of violent conflict is the ability to express doubt or to take a different position. Our experience is that community arts and culture has a rich background in enabling people to look at things in different ways and to talk out even about the most sensitive and potentially divisive issues. With Conor Shields, CEO of New Belfast Community Arts as your host, you will be meeting in the Crescent Arts Centre which was a hub of self-expression and artistic endeavour throughout the years of the conflict. The invited guests will include representatives of community based drama and arts initiatives, as well as Belfast Circus; Arts and Disability Forum; Belfast Exposed and champions of many other arts forms. Expect to enjoy yourself and be stimulated by the swirl of ideas and experiences. Community arts and culture as applied in a contested society offer the potential for adaptability and applicability in many other societies and situations. Be part of the discussion.

Working with children and young people: Sharing the stories

Venue: MAC Arts Centre, St. Anne’s Square, Central Belfast Departure by bus: Europa Hotel at 18:45 Return by bus: Europa Hotel at 21:30

This thematic evening is located in the exciting new MAC Arts Centre which is the newest addition to the cultural scene in Belfast. Your host is Vivian McConvey, CEO of VOYPIC (Voice of Young People in Care), who will introduce you to a range of community-based and voluntary initiatives working with children and young people. It was young people who suffered the highest level of deaths and injuries during the conflict in Northern Ireland and you will be given the opportunity to speak to a number of projects which were developed to address the issues resulting from this situation. Early Years, for example, have developed a peacebuilding approach to work with young children that has been adopted as a model of good practice globally. You will also meet with projects working with children and young people experiencing deprivation, the danger of social exclusion and where young people are considered to be at risk. Your gathering in the MAC will also highlight the contribution of arts and culture in Belfast.

Meeting the community on social enterprise and community engagement - FULL

Venue: Ballybeen Social Enterprise Centre, Dundonald, East Belfast Departure by bus: Europa Hotel at 18:45 Return by bus: Europa Hotel at 21:30

In communities that have been devastated by a combination of high rates of unemployment and the legacy of the Troubles the ability to generate a sense of community engagement and participation has been very important. In addition to this, community based enterprise and social investment has provided a sense of resilience and community confidence as evidenced by the new community venue which is your meeting place. This thematic evening will offer you the opportunity to meet a range of people who have been involved in community organising as well as to learn about how the spirit of self-help and partnership working has been fostered to improve local conditions. Your host is Maurice Kinkead of the East Belfast Partnership who is also the serial innovator behind Landmark East - an ethical property company within the East Belfast community.

Peacebuilding and conflict transformation: Change is possible - FULL

Venue: Culturlann Irish Cultural Centre, Falls Road, West Belfast Departure by bus: Europa Hotel at 18:45 Return by bus: Europa Hotel at 21:30

After 30 years of violent conflict and another 20 years of peacebuilding negotiations and initiatives there are many lessons that Northern Ireland can share with others. Meet representatives of groups that have been at the heart of conflict transformation - political ex-prisoners; victims of the conflict; initiatives involved in minimising intra and inter communal violence: they all have important stories to share and they are keen to learn from initiatives taking place in other societies. You will have a shared hosting for the evening. Jackie Repath, long term community activist working with the Greater Shankill Partnership Board in the loyalist heartland that lies literally a stone’s throw from republican West Belfast, will join with Geraldine McAteer of the West Belfast Partnership Board, to offer you insights on the challenges of conflict transformation, as well as introducing you to their local guests. The venue is the signature Cultúrlann Centre, developed by the Irish language speaking community in West Belfast, but just for you they will relax the requirement to speak Gaelic for the evening.

Want more networking? Join us in the Penthouse Suite at the Europa hotel from 22:15 - 23:30 for the Tommy Sands experience.

Tommy Sands, County Down's singer, songwriter and social activist, has achieved something akin to legendary status in his own lifetime. From the pioneering tours with the highly influential Sands Family, playing Carnegie Hall to Moscow's Olympic Stadium, he has become one of Ireland's most powerful songwriters and enchanting performers. He enjoys celebrity status in many parts of the world, tempered by artistic integrity and the sorrow of personal tragedy in his war torn homeland. Walking the road between two cultures, he dreams of an Ireland without conflict. Indeed, his songs speak to all that Ireland is, from its troubled past to its indomitable spirit and a vision of "a land of dreaming". And his work around the globe speaks to our common heritage, using music to bridge cultural differences. In this way he shares a vision with songwriters instigating social change such as Phil Ochs, Joan Baez, and close friend Pete Seeger.

Thursday 7 June

 Gala dinner at the Titanic Centre

Venue: Queen's Road, Queen's Island, Belfast Departure by bus: Europa Hotel at 18:15 (the first four buses will include a tour of the centre prior to dinner) Return by bus: Europa Hotel at 23:00

Titanic Belfast, opened in April 2012, will be a 'must see' visit in any tour of Belfast and Northern Ireland. Housed in an iconic, 6-floor building, it is located in the heart of Belfast, right beside the historic site of this world-famous ship’s construction. It is a dramatic, innovative and exciting presentation of the real story of the Titanic. Guests will be introduced to the building’s giant atrium surrounded by the four ‘ships’, hull shaped wings which house the beginning of the Titanic experience. Participants arriving early will have the opportunity to explore the nine galleries of this state-of-the-art visitor experience telling the story of the Titanic, from its conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through its construction and launch, to its famous maiden voyage and tragic end. Following a brief tour of Titanic Belfast, you will be treated to a sumptuous dining experience, with entertainment showcasing the best of Northern Ireland musical heritage. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to relax in the piano bar at the Europa Hotel; or why not enjoy a pint of Guinness in Belfast’s most famous bar and one of the finest examples of a high Victorian public house in existence - the Crown Liquor Saloon. Alternatively, take time to experience Belfast’s nightlife by exploring the city’s Cathedral Quarter.

Come along to the Lobby Bar in the Europa Hotel, after the Gala Dinner, for some traditional Irish folk music from local Northern Ireland performers.