The European Centre Managers’ Conference (CMC) is gathering again, two years after our meeting in Salzburg. For the first time ever, this biennial conference will be held in Italy, in the beautiful city of Verona. This biennial conference provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen and develop cooperation among European Guide and Scout Centres, building strong working relationships between their staff.
We encourage the active participation of all attendees, believing that sharing experiences and learning from each other are essential for our shared progress. Moreover, we aim to create and support a network of interest groups, offering a platform for continuous dialogue even after the CMC concludes. The event will occur in Verona, Italy, from 16 to 19 October 2025, including the Goose Network Meeting, Wednesday, 15 October 2025.
Date and Venue
The seminar will take place from 4:00 PM on Thursday, October 16th (please ensure arrival in Verona by this time) to Sunday, October 19th, 2025 (departure by 11:00 AM). Closer to the event, participants will be asked to provide their specific arrival and departure times. We will be providing transfers from Verona Villafranca Airport and Verona Porta Nuova main train station. Verona train station offers easy access and connections to Bergamo/Milan and Venice airports.
Participants also attending the Goose Centres Meeting should arrive by 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 15th.
The Conference will be hosted at the Mario Mazza Scout Centre, nestled within the grounds of Villa Buri in Verona. This historic site holds significant importance as the place where Italian Scouting experienced a vibrant revitalisation following World War II. For many years, Villa Buri has served as a dynamic hub, fostering collaboration and growth for numerous associations and groups, including Scouts, who have shared its spaces, ideas, and opportunities for connection.
Situated just a few kilometres from this inspiring location lies the captivating city centre of Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its strategic position as a historical crossroads of Europe, bridging north and south, east and west. As Italy's fifth most-visited city, Verona boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture, most notably its magnificent Roman amphitheatre, the Arena. This iconic landmark annually hosts one of the world's most prestigious opera festivals, providing an extraordinary backdrop for exploration and enjoyment during the Conference. Discover more about the Mario Mazza Scout Centre here.
Accommodation options include a few reserved private rooms available with single, double, or triple occupancy, each featuring en-suite bathroom facilities. Alternatively, participants can opt for larger shared rooms, which offer access to communal toilet facilities located on the same floor. Attendees are expected to bring their own sleeping bag, mattress topper, and towel.
For those seeking a more immersive outdoor experience, the expansive parkland surrounding the centre offers the possibility of overnight stays in personal tents or camper vans.
Participants’ Profile
- Key Representatives from Guide / Scout Centres in Europe, and specially invited Centres outside Europe, with a strong relationship to their National Scout Association or Member Organisation and a desire to promote the international dimension.
- Representatives with a significant role in management of the Centre and involved in the policy making process.
- Representatives prepared to make an active contribution.
Language
The working language is English to facilitate all participant exchanges. Being able to communicate in that language is essential to participate.
Participation Fee
The Conference participation fee is €370.00 per person, and accommodation costs are additional. The following accommodation options are available (to be selected during registration):
- Shared rooms with bathroom on the floor (separate for men and women): €30.00 (total cost: €400.00)
- Rooms with 1, 2, or 3 beds and private bathroom: €100.00 (total cost: €470.00) - subject to availability
- Own tent or camper van: €10.00 (total cost: €380.00)
Please note that fees include full board, starting from dinner on Thursday, October 16th, until breakfast on Sunday, October 19th. Participants attending the Goose Network meeting or arriving on Wednesday will incur an additional fee of €30.00.
Registration
To register, please fill out the form available at the link below. The deadline for registering for this Conference is 20 August 2025. https://form.jotform.com/251111764449052
Insurance
Please note that the seminar fee does not include insurance coverage for participants during the event or for travel. It is the individual responsibility of each attendee to arrange adequate insurance (covering illness, accident, repatriation, etc.) and to bear any associated costs.
Programme
The Conference programme will feature plenary sessions, thematic workshops, and dedicated moments for sharing best practices. These workshops will offer participants a valuable opportunity to explore various aspects of managing a Scout or Guide Centre. A significant portion of the Conference will be dedicated to these interactive sessions, conducted in small groups to encourage direct exchange and peer-to-peer learning. Furthermore, our Italian hosts have thoughtfully planned opportunities to experience firsthand the spirit of Italian Scout and Guide fellowship.
Attendees will enjoy moments of togetherness, learning to make traditional homemade pasta and typical Italian desserts. There will also be opportunities to taste a selection of exquisite wines from Verona and other regions. In addition to these enriching cultural experiences, the programme includes a half-day dedicated to discovering the charming historic centre and rich cultural heritage of Verona, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the Italian lifestyle and traditions.
Methods
The Conference will offer a dynamic learning experience grounded in Guiding and Scouting principles. Through "learning by doing," teamwork, engaging exercises, open discussions, and convivial moments, participants will be actively involved and able to share their valuable experiences.
We hope your Centre will join this great event, and we look forward to sharing, connecting and developing together. Should you have questions or require general additional information, please get in touch with us via [email protected] (Pani), [email protected] (Elisa), [email protected] (Geremy).