Bridging Boundaries
International Perspectives on Social Services 

The 34th ESSC is inviting contributions for presentations which examine how Europe and other parts of the world design, finance, and deliver systems of public social services that contribute to the resilience of our societies in a time of constant crises. 

Under the theme Bridging Boundaries, this year’s conference seeks to explore and compare how key social services, such as child protection and family support, long-term care for people with disabilities and older adults, and social inclusion programmes, are designed, financed, and delivered across Europe.

With a strong focus on policy and operational practice, the event offers a unique opportunity to:

• Gain strategic insights into the organisation and delivery of social services in the host and other European countries;
• Benchmark national systems and international approaches against each other;
• Engage in dialogue that supports the development and alignment of effective, sustainable social services across Europe;
• Contribute to evidence-informed policy processes at both national and international levels.

Designed for decision-makers shaping the future of social services, this conference is a forum for critical reflection, peer exchange, and advancing practice and policy coherence across borders.

ESSC 2026 – Delegate Registration Now Open

Delegate registration is now open for the 2026 European Social Services Conference, will bring together leaders in social services from across the world to exchange and reflect on advancing policy coherence and learning across borders.

Engage in inspiring keynotes, interactive sessions, and discussions on how Europe and other parts of the world design, finance, and deliver systems of public social services that contribute to the resilience of our societies in a time of constant crises.

HOW TO REGISTER

Registration to attend the 2026 ESSC is now open. Please follow these steps to register for the event:

• Sign in or create an account.
• Once signed in, visit the ESSC 2026 Home Page. You can click directly on the text to find this page, or click on Events on the ribbon at the top of this page. From here, you will be able to click on the relevant event that you want to register to (in this case the European Social Services Conference 2026). 
• You will find the price associated with your registration at the top of the page, which you can click on to register.
• Your fee is based on your country level and organisation type. If you work for a member of ESN but this is not reflected in the price, please contact us at membership@esn-eu.org before initiating the registration and we will unlock the correct rate as soon as possible.
• Follow the instructions to complete your registration. 
• Once you have registered, download the Contribution Request & follow the instructions to complete payment via bank transfer.

Participation fees are as follows:

ESN Members 

• Standard members €675 
• Members from EU-14/neighbouring countries €575
• Members from Malta €610

Non-ESN Members 

• Public organisations €790
• NGOs/voluntary sector €650
• Public and Third Sector Organisations from Malta €650
• Organisations from EU-14/neighbouring countries €610
• Private companies €1,150

EU-14: Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Kosovo, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

EU neighbouring countries: Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Palestine, Serbia, Syria, Tunisia, Türkiye and Ukraine.

Discounted fees

• If your organisation registers more than three delegates, your delegation will be entitled to an additional delegate at a discounted rate of 40% over the original fee. 
• If your organisation registers 7 or more, you will be entitled to an additional delegate for free.
• Private companies can become official conference partners to ensure their visibility, be an exhibitor or be part of the programme and secure a number of delegates. Find out about partnership opportunities here. 

Networking Dinner Fee: €43*

Pre-conference Leadership Event Fee: €80

Social Companion Fee: €140**

Fee covers: 
All plenary and parallel sessions 
Lunch on day 1 and on day 2 
All coffee breaks 
Networking Dinner*
Institutional reception
 
Not included: 
Hotel accommodation 
Travel to venue 

*A nominal fee is charged for attendance at this social event

**A Social Companion may attend the Opening Reception and Networking Dinner only. 

Please ensure the availability of funds from your organisation for delegate fees, travel, and hotel. 

Adding paid items after registration

Please note that you cannot add extra paid items through the online registration system once your registration is complete. If you have already completed your conference registration and would like to add additional paid items, this can still be arranged.

To add a Social Companion, the Pre-Conference Event, or the Networking Dinner after your registration, please contact conference@esn-eu.org. The conference team will assist you with registration and payment.