On Friday, April 25th, dozens of volunteers gathered at the ICC in Ghent for the official kick-off of the EAMHID congress. The atmosphere was immediately lively with enthusiastic encounters, a lot of curiosity and the first group photos.
Upon arrival, all participants received a recognizable red T-shirt - the symbol of their commitment during the congress from September 18th to 20th, and a shared item to express collaboration.
After the welcome, the volunteers were officially greeted by congress president Filip Morisse and co-president Glorian Verneert. Their warm words highlighted the vital role volunteers will play in the success of the EAMHID congress 2025. Following them were short, inspiring speeches from EAMHID president Ken Courtenay and international members such as Roger Banks, Raymond Cecotto and Federico Camporesi. Each of them emphasized the importance of teamwork and enthusiasm to create a memorable and inclusive congress. The photos below capture the warm atmosphere.
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Afterwards, volunteers split into smaller groups to explore their specific roles. In hands-on workshops, editors, hosts, reception staff and jury members learned skills and practiced real-life scenarios. This not only boosted their confidence but also strengthened the team spirit.
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The kick-off ended on a festive note with a lively reception. Over drinks and snacks, connections were made and exciting plans were formed for the congress in September. The photos from this closing moment say it all: a motivated, cheerful group of volunteers ready to help make EAMHID 2025 an unforgettable event!
