The European Association for People Management (EAPM) reflects on an energising and productive gathering in Athens. Warmly hosted by the Greek People Management Association (GPMA), the Delegates Assembly Annual Meeting (DAAM) brought our European HR community together to share experiences, strengthen relationships and help shape the future of the people profession.

For a network representing 35 countries, these opportunities to connect are invaluable. In a world of continuous change, Athens demonstrated how much we can learn from one another, and achieve together.

Governance and a New Chapter in Leadership

Following Wednesday’s EAPM Board meeting, Thursday morning’s DAAM formal session focused on the association’s governance, delivery and future direction. Delegates approved the financial accounts, the minutes of the previous DAAM and the auditor’s report, supporting EAPM’s continued transparency and accountability.

We also reviewed the work of our six active Working Groups: AI & New Technologies, Awards, EU, Events, International HR Day, and Surveys & Insights. Their contributions demonstrated the breadth of EAPM’s activity, from research and practical resources to awards endorsement, institutional relationships and opportunities for international learning.

A pivotal moment was the election of our incoming leadership, who will take office in January 2027:

We warmly congratulate them and look forward to their contributions.

As we prepare for this transition, we also extend our heartfelt thanks to our current President, Berna Öztınaz, and all those whose terms will conclude at the end of the year. Their dedication, vision and commitment have helped build a strong foundation for EAPM’s next chapter.

Shaping EAPM’s Future Together

Alongside the formal business, delegates explored how EAPM can create greater value for national associations and strengthen the profession across Europe.

In his session, ‘What we give, what we gain: membership in the EAPM’, President-elect David Ducheyne encouraged delegates to move from viewing membership as a menu of services towards recognising the opportunities we can develop together.

He explored three pillars of membership value:

  • Content: Enriching national associations’ offerings through shared European insights and resources.
  • Collaboration: Extending our reach through joint projects, research, endorsements and bilateral initiatives.
  • Connection: Learning from one another, comparing experiences and bringing national priorities into European and global conversations.

Berna Öztınaz then led a lively fishbowl discussion on the future of the HR profession. The open format invited delegates to contribute different national perspectives on what HR will need to lead over the next three to five years, and where the profession must strengthen its influence to support sustainable organisational success.

Together, these conversations offered an opportunity to reflect on our shared priorities and how EAPM can help turn them into meaningful action.

Peer Learning: Practical Ideas to Take Home

The peer learning sessions gave delegates space to discuss common challenges, exchange practical approaches and learn directly from fellow associations.

Small-group discussions covered eight topics:

  1. National conferences
  2. AI in your association
  3. Income generation and new initiatives
  4. Lobbying and institutional relations
  5. Webinar best practice
  6. Membership engagement, retention and networks
  7. Volunteer engagement
  8. Engaging leaders and line managers

In the volunteer engagement session, we explored a familiar challenge: how to help members become active contributors while keeping commitments manageable and avoiding burnout.

A three-tier approach provided a useful starting point, recognising different ways to participate: accessing content and taking small initial steps; contributing to specific activities; and taking ownership or leadership responsibility. Participants shared approaches that had worked, alongside honest reflections on practices they would change or leave behind.

The value of these exchanges lay in their openness. Delegates could compare experiences, ask questions and leave with ideas relevant to their own associations.

Pay Transparency: A Shared European Challenge

On Friday, delegates joined the wider HR community for GPMA’s conference, ‘Pay Transparency in Europe: The Greek Perspective’.

Pay transparency is an increasingly significant topic for the European people profession. As Berna Öztınaz highlighted in her opening remarks, a common European framework must be implemented within countries with different organisational cultures, established practices and challenges.

The participation of Niki Kerameus, Greece’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, underlined the importance of this discussion.

Building fairer and more equitable workplaces requires more than compliance alone. It also calls for cultural change, constructive dialogue and a willingness to learn from one another. Greece’s experience offers insights for other countries, just as lessons from elsewhere can support the Greek implementation journey.

Content, Collaboration and Connection in Action

Friday’s conference illustrated the value of European collaboration. That value continues when delegates take the ideas and insights back to their own countries, share them with colleagues and apply them within their associations.

From exchanging approaches to events and sponsorship to exploring shared policy challenges, Athens showed how connecting people and knowledge can strengthen our work across Europe.

Thank you to GPMA for its generous hospitality, and to everyone who contributed their time, experience and ideas. Your investment in this community is what makes EAPM possible – and what will help us continue to grow together.

Maria Obiols Ferré
EAPM Board Member and Communications Team Sponsor