Past Editions

European Social Services Conference 2025

Aarhus, Denmark

At the 33rd edition of the European Social Services Conference, hosted in Aarhus, Denmark, we learned how relational welfare approaches, on the one hand, and welfare technology on the other, are major drivers of the social services transformation. The Conference provided the platform to address how the combination of relational approaches and technology in social services creates a powerful synergy that enhances efficiency, accessibility, customisation, trust, and empathy.

European Social Services Conference 2024

Antwerp, Belgium

At the 32nd European Social Services Conference (ESSC 2024) we discussed how we can co-create community-based social services, with a specific focus on three thematic strands: Co-Creating Cities Social Inclusion, Co-Creating Responses to Manage the Future Workforce, and Co-Creating Digital Solutions for Social Inclusion. The conference highlighted the various aspects related to social inclusion planning and its impact on vulnerable populations, different planning and management strategies, integrated service delivery, co-production between professionals, service users, and their families, as well as the importance of digital social inclusion in technological advancements within social services.

 European Social Services Conference 2023

Malmö, Sweden

At the 31st European Social Services Conference, we explored how technology and digitalisation are reshaping the future of social services. Under the theme “Advancing Social Services: The Role of Technology in Promoting Autonomy and Inclusion,” delegates discussed how digital innovation supports decision-making, drives system transformation, and helps public authorities respond to rising social demands. By showcasing practical tools and large-scale transformation programmes, the Conference highlighted how technology can empower professionals, modernise administrations, and strengthen autonomy and inclusion for people using social services.

European Social Services Conference 2022

Hamburg, Germany

The 30th edition marked the first in-person gathering since 2019, bringing together leaders and practitioners to reflect on how COVID-19 transformed the way we deliver social services. Under the theme “Rethinking Recovery: Reshaping Social Services with New Tools,” delegates explored how new digital, agile, and remote ways of working adopted during the pandemic can be scaled to improve services for vulnerable children and families, people with disabilities, the homeless, and older people.