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For Immediate Release:

Cara Clinton
(+1) 212-297-2109
cclinton@kellencompany.com

Alfons Westgeest, Brussels
(+32) 2 774 9610
awestgeest@kelleneurope.com

Kellen Company Forms Strategic Alliance with China-based Horizon Research Consultancy Group
Alliance represents Kellen’s ongoing global expansion

Atlanta, GA/Brussels, Belgium (August 18, 2006) — Kellen Company, a premier global professional services firm, and one of the world’s largest association management companies (AMCs), has forged a strategic alliance with Beijing, China-based Horizon Research Consultancy Group, a leading management and market research consulting company. The partnership gives Kellen a significant presence in Asia, with access to advanced resources and market intelligence that will benefit its international clients.

With offices in five cities in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Wuhan) Horizon has become a renowned professional research and consultancy firm, serving both local and global enterprises during China’s transition from a planned economy to a market economy.

Horizon’s research projects, networks and expertise span a range of industries, including real estate, food & beverage, entertainment, tourism and telecommunications. These resources are now available to Kellen’s client associations wanting to enhance their understanding of Chinese markets and professional services or establish representation in China.

“Kellen continues to expand its capabilities to provide our clients with the resources they need and want,” said Peter Rush, CEO of Kellen Company. “Horizon is an excellent partner which can cater to the growing demand for market intelligence in China.”

The partnership has already proven successful for current Kellen clients with projects in China.

“Horizon aims to be a leading China-based research and consulting brand with a global reach,” said Victor Yuan, chairman of the Horizon Group. “It provides clients with data-based research, enabling them to exceed customer expectations, offer China-fit solutions, and deliver value-added results. Horizon grows together with its clients. By 2010, Horizon aspires to have a professional team of multi-national, cultural, and educational experts to service our clients with a new global image and capabilities.”

Kellen’s global services component was accelerated by the acquisition of Ernst & Young Association Management in Brussels in 2004 and the formation of Kellen Europe. Alfons Westgeest, managing partner of Kellen Europe, and group vice president of Kellen Company, is leading Kellen's global expansion efforts.

About Kellen Company
Founded in 1964, Kellen Company provides association management, government affairs, public relations, meetings management, creative communications, Web site development and other professional services to associations, as well as individual companies and other organizations.  Kellen serves more than 10,000 companies and 100,000 professionals worldwide, either through its more than 100 client associations or directly, from offices in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., New York City, Tucson and Brussels.  For more information, visit www.kellencompany.com, www.kelleneurope.com

About Horizon Research Consultancy Group
Founded in 1992, Horizon is a leading firm in professional research and management consulting in China. Horizon Research Consultancy Group is composed of four branches: Horizon Research for market research, Progress Strategy for strategic management consulting, Horizonkey.com for shared online sources for studies of mass consumption culture, and Vision Investment for projects-selection and management consulting for investment.  Horizon offers professional consulting services for those native or/and multinational corporations in greater China by employing advanced data-based research methodologies, policy analysis, and management diagnosis.

Well recognized for its brand in professional services with its global vision and China experience, Horizon has invested heavily in R&D, cooperation with international service institutions, and efficient integration of human resources.

For Immediate Release:

Cara Clinton
Kellen Communications
212-297-2109
cclinton@kellencompany.com

ALFONS WESTGEEST NAMED TO ASAE 2006 CLASS OF FELLOWS

Alfons Photo
Alfons Westgeest

New York (June 13, 2006) — Alfons Westgeest, Managing Partner of Kellen Europe, has earned the distinct honor of being named to the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and The Center for Association Leadership 2006 class of Fellows.  Westgeest was among only six applicants to be awarded this prestigious title.

Westgeest was selected based on his 25-year career in association management, during which he has served associations in the transport, energy, construction, consumer products, information technology and engineering sectors. Currently, he is managing partner of Kellen Europe, a division of one of the world’s largest association management companies, Kellen Company. From Kellen’s office in Brussels, Belgium, Westgeest oversees a team of 25 professionals providing professional services such as association management, government affairs, public relations, strategic advice, creative communications and web-site development to associations and individual companies.

“We are extremely proud that Alfons has been recognized by ASAE as a leader in forming and shaping European and US-based, as well as global associations,” said Peter Rush, president and CEO of Kellen Company. “Kellen Europe has grown and flourished under Alfons’ management.”

ASAE comprises almost 22,000 association executives and industry partners representing nearly 11,000 organizations.  The Center for Association Leadership is the leading provider of learning, future focused and strategic research and knowledge resources and community that challenge association professionals.

The selection process for the Fellows includes nomination by a peer, an in-depth application describing the individual’s innovation, leadership, and commitment to the association profession, a telephone interview with a member of the selection committee of their peers and selection from among a group of highly qualified individuals.

“The Fellows play an important role within ASAE and The Center and the larger association community, encouraging innovation and risk-taking in their own organizations and through the work that they do serving on ASAE & The Center’s committees, task forces, councils and boards, and allied organizations,” said Jeff Morgan, CAE, Executive Vice President, The Institute for Financial Markets and 2005-2006 Fellows Chair.  “These are truly the leaders, thinkers and doers of our global association community.”

Nearly 200 men and women have received the designation of ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership Fellow since the program’s inauguration in 1986.  All areas of the association community are incorporated in the selection process, including association executives, consultants, association management company executives, hospitality executives, as well as technology and business service providers.
 
“I believe in uniting the world through associations that transcend boundaries of residence, religion and wealth,” said Westgeest. “The ASAE and The Center provide an excellent body of knowledge and spirit, and I am honored to serve as a Fellow.”

Westgeest holds a degree in commercial and European law from Leyden University in The Netherlands.   He is a board member of the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE) and a 15-year member of ASAE.  He was Chairman of ASAE’s International Section and Committee  and served on the first ASAE Board residing outside of North America from 1999-2002.

The 2006 Fellows will be recognized during ASAE & The Center’s Annual Meeting & Exposition in Boston, August 19-22, 2006.

About Kellen Company: Founded in 1964, Kellen Company provides association management, government affairs, public relations, meetings management, creative communications, Web site development and other professional services to associations, as well as individual companies and other organizations.  Kellen serves more than 10,000 companies and 100,000 professionals worldwide, either through its more than 100 client associations or directly, from offices in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., New York City, Tucson and Brussels.  For more information, visit www.kellencompany.com

For Immediate Release:

Contacts: Stéphanie Heng
Phone: +32 2 774 9610

THE 6th EDITION OF THE EUROCONFERENCE TACKLES COMPETITIVENESS
AND COMMUNICATION AND THE KEY ROLE OF EU ASSOCIATIONS

BRUSSELS (May 11th, 2006) – The 6th edition of the EuroConference, organised on April 26th in Brussels by Kellen Europe together with Professor Justin Greenwood from the Aberdeen Business School and College of Europe attracted approximately 100 participants. The EuroConference 2006 is the culmination of a series of successful annual conferences since 1998 aimed at analysing the effectiveness of EU Business Associations, and confirms the increasing interest executives have in this conference formula that enables them to discuss with experts and colleagues issues of importance to both members and association leaders.

This year’s conference addressed the role of associations in the revised EU Lisbon Agenda for a competitive Europe by 2010 as well as new forms of communication used by EU institutions and their impact, especially on associations.
Speakers included Nicole Dewandre of the Research Directorate General of the European Commission, Chris de Koning, Former External Affairs & Communication Manager of Shell Hydrogen, Paloma Castro, Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs at McDonald's and AMCHAM EU representative, Bill Duncan, Director-General of Assurre, Ivan Hodac, Secretary General of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, as well as Graham Watson, Member of the European Parliament and Chairman of the ALDE.
"The EuroConference reveals the latest trends and delivers value to everybody who is active in the field of association management", explains Chris de Koning, Former External Affairs and  Communication Manager of Shell Hydrogen.

“Our goal is to provide a platform to stimulate exchange of best practices and discussions in a constructive way”, explains Alfons Westgeest, Managing Partner at Kellen Europe. “The EuroConference provided also the opportunity to present results of the European Federation Survey carried out by EurActiv.com in collaboration with Kellen Europe with some interesting trends in communication activities by associations”.
(EuroConference presentations, including the survey presentation, will soon be available at: www.kelleneurope.com/euroconference)

This event was sponsored by I.R.I.S. DocShare and media partners: EurActiv.com, European Voice, AmCham EU, Landmarks, Headquarters Magazine, International Association Executive, THEPLANNER.be, Europolitics, ESAE, ASAE Global Link, European Agenda, and the College of Europe Alumni Association.


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For Immediate Release:

Contacts: Stéphanie Heng
Phone: +32 2 774 9610

 

6TH EDITION OF THE EUROCONFERENCE
"COMPETITIVENESS AND COMMUNICATION - THE ROLE OF EU ASSOCIATIONS"

BRUSSELS (April 12th, 2006) – The 6th edition of the EuroConference, organised by Kellen Europe together with Professor Justin Greenwood from the Aberdeen Business School and College of Europe, will take place on April 26th in Brussels.

This year’s EuroConference will focus on "competitiveness and communication" with a strong list of speakers including industry leaders and EU institution officials as well as association managers and advisors. These topics proposed are of increasing importance to both members and association leaders. 

The first session will address the role of associations in the revised EU Lisbon Agenda for a competitive Europe by 2010. Associations are an important player to support the new impetus that the EU is looking for, especially by guiding a coordinated approach for innovation, technology platforms and project groups that were formed in the past year. With the adoption of the 2007-2013 budget the EU underlined the need to increase funding of research in Europe.

In the afternoon participants at the EuroConference will discuss the new forms of communication used by the EU and their impact, especially on associations.

“The EuroConference 2006 is the culmination of a series of successful annual conferences since 1998 aimed at analysing the effectiveness of EU Business Associations. Our goal is to stimulate exchange and learning among professionals”, explains Alfons Westgeest, Managing Partner, Kellen Europe.
Some of the confirmed speakers include: Nicole Dewandre - of the Research Directorate General of the European Commission, Chris de Koning – Former External Affairs & Communication Manager, Shell Hydrogen, Paloma Castro - Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs, McDonald's and Amcham EU representative Bill Duncan - Director-General, Assurre, Ivan Hodac - Secretary General, European Automobile Manufacturers Association, Roger Liddle - Member of EU Trade Commissioner Mandelson’s Cabinet, Graham Watson, Member of the European Parliament, chairman of the ALDE.
The full programme is available at: www.kelleneurope.com/euroconference

About Kellen Europe
Over the last 15 years, Kellen Europe has gathered considerable expertise that enables the company to rapidly anticipate the needs of emerging or existing associations and to provide tailored organizational solutions.

Kellen Europe is part of the Kellen Company, founded in 1964, and provides association management, government affairs, public relations, meetings management, creative communications, website development and other professional services.

The Kellen Company serves more than 10,000 companies worldwide, either through its
75 client associations or directly, from offices in Atlanta, Washington D.C., New York City, Tucson and Brussels.

For more information, visit www.kelleneurope.com/ www.kellencompany.com

 

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For Immediate Release:

Contacts: Stéphanie Heng
Phone: +32 2 774 9610

 

EXPANDING FROM MICROTECHNOLOGY TO RENEWABLE ENERGIES
NEW CLIENT WINS FOR KELLEN EUROPE

BRUSSELS (February 23rd, 2006) – The Association Management Company Kellen Europe wins 2 new clients. Kellen Europe manages the Brussels office of IVAM, an international association of companies and institutes in the field of microtechnology, and will provide strategic advice within the European Commission project HyLights.

IVAM is an international association of companies and institutes in the field of microtechnology (www.ivam.de). IVAM aims to help start ups and small and medium sized enterprises to grow and develop new business relations by facilitating their participation to major trade fairs across the world, providing strategic advice, training and information on funding opportunities and tax incentives available in the European Union and its Member States. Kellen Europe activities will focus on its European membership drive, promotion of events and will provide members with added value content in areas of expertise such as EU affairs.

HyLights is a multi-annual project initiated by the European Commission (www.hylights.org). The main goal is to collect and assess data from past and ongoing European as well as international hydrogen demonstration projects specifically in the field of transport.
Kellen Europe will provide strategic advice to other project partners and the European Commission further to the analysis of the different project structures and funding schemes used in these projects, the ultimate goal being to develop best practices for the future.

“In the hydrogen field, Kellen Europe manages amongst others the European Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Technology Platform (HFP). HyLights is an exciting addition for our growing expertise in the field“, explains Alfons Westgeest, Managing Partner - Kellen Europe. 

About Kellen Europe
 Kellen Europe provides association management, strategic advice, communications, government affairs, benchmarking studies, internet services and other professional advice to associations and corporations worldwide.

Over the last 15 years, Kellen Europe has gathered considerable expertise that enables the company to rapidly anticipate the needs of emerging or existing associations and to provide tailored organizational solutions.

The Kellen Company serves more than 10,000 companies worldwide, either through its
70 client associations or directly, from offices in Atlanta, Washington D.C., New York City, Tucson and Brussels.

For more information, visit www.kelleneurope.com and/or www.kellencompany.com.

 

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