ENFID Essen Conference 2017 Impression
by Tess Ramakers, ENFID Country Representative, The Netherlands
At first, I was adamant about not joining the ENFiD Essen General Assembly since I found it provocative and intricate for my capacity. But, Rohlee and Diana convinced me to be the Country Representative of The Netherlands because of my involvement in biogas digester, which was my thesis topic in College. I couldn’t say no anymore. Why not go and consider it an adventure, I thought….
The first day was the Closed-door Meeting of ENFID-EUROPE Board of Directors (BoD) and the Country Representatives. Since arriving at the venue in Essen I felt very welcome by everyone, the amiable and enthusiastic faces of the ENFiD members and officers are so comforting that by then I felt at home. The election of the new BOD was held and the Closed- door Meeting was successful.
The second day was very interesting and we were joined by four more delegates from the Netherlands, two of them members of the YENFID. Workshops from different forums where presented and discussed by different groups. There were presenters and speakers in different topics of which all were very interesting. One thing I would like to suggest to the speakers, especially addressing the GENERAL ASSEMBLY please refrain from using too intricate words because there are attendees who cannot follow or grasp the message you are trying to convey, not all of them are having the same intellect as you. The second day ended with a lively GALA, we enjoyed the food and the music.
On behalf of ENFID-The Netherlands delegates, I would like to compliment the host organization, ENFID Germany, for the wonderful arrangements for this conference and for the freedom of suggestions wherein everyone had been given the opportunity to participate and to convey his/her viewpoints. Indeed, this has been a great learning and knowledge sharing experience.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the ENFiD Europe Secretariat for inviting knowledgeable speakers and the very interesting and informative topics, especially for the neophytes. Although we had been there just for three days, I’m sure all of us will be carrying very happy memories of our visit to Essen Germany. Many of us might not have the opportunity to really see the place but this conference by itself made our visit memorable for always. I’m sure the recommendations from the different forums that we discussed which had been suggested by the delegates and the respective leaders are worthy subjects for follow up actions by the Board of Directors and the organization as a whole.
Finally, I must thank all of you once again. To those ladies and gentlemen who had worked behind the scene especially Rohlee de Guzman, our friend who has been helping in the presentations and Betsy von Atzigen, our tireless Chairperson, and all of the delegates from different countries who supported as well as the Country Representatives, our heartfelt gratitude and sincere thanks.
We are looking forward to our next General Assembly in Paris next year!