This is the place to be to hear more about the 2 Seas Programme, to share your project ideas and to find suitable cooperation partners!
At the start of a new programming period, when expectations have changed, some of you may be wondering what your chances of success in the 2 Seas Programme might be. You no doubt want to understand what exactly the new Programme wants to deliver and the results it wants to achieve working with you.
Two years into the Programme, we remain dedicated to supporting 2 Seas partnership building in every way we can. Whilst some organisations are looking for relevant partners to share and further develop their ideas with, others are still exploring the possibilities available through the 2 Seas Programme. This event is specifically targeted at helping different stakeholders located across the 2 Seas Programme area to develop their projects in line with the Programme strategy. By working together, we expect to receive many successful submissions in one of the following 2 Seas Calls for Proposals!
Why should you attend?
2 Seas Cooperation Fairs have always been instrumental in gathering hundreds of interested organisations from all over the Programme area, enthusiastic to learn more about the Programme aims and to explore possibilities for cooperation. This cross-border event will allow you to fast-track the development of your project by:
- meeting a range of potential project partners from Belgium-Flanders, England, France and The Netherlands;
- understanding the fit and necessary connection between your project idea and the Programme’s objectives;
- learning all you need to know about how to develop your project and how to apply for funding;
- accessing support from the 2 Seas Programme Team.
What will be available on site?
> In the cooperation fair space:
A project ideas exhibition will showcase all the project ideas submitted to the online Cooperation Corner on stands themed by the Specific Objectives they belong to. One-to-one appointments with other interested participants will be facilitated.
This exhibition will be supported by a territorial exhibition hosted by local representatives with displays highlighting a range of organisations and project ideas from different places in the Programme area.
In thematic corners, project idea pitches and working groups will be organised, offering the perfect opportunity for networking and meetings with other like-minded participants.
> In dedicated meeting rooms:
Three different workshops will be organised at different times over the course of both days to provide direction and understanding of the 2 Seas application process. The workshops are aimed at different levels of experience. However, taken together, they will allow participants to get a complete overview of 2 Seas project development.
The first will be a “Beginners” workshop, this is aimed in particular at participants that are new to the 2 Seas Programme or new to Interreg in general. The focus of this session will be providing a short overview of the Programme, followed by a more detailed look at the different stages of project development.
A second “Advanced” workshop targets more experienced participants and will cover the intervention logic as well as more specific guidance on how to complete the Concept Note and Application Form. This workshop will also provide applicants with some tips to improve the quality of their proposal.
A third workshop will be delivered for participants looking for more information on private sector involvement in the 2 Seas Programme. This session will explore the different ways of involving private sector organisations in a project while also complying with State aid rules.
> And the networking dinner ...
Get to know your partners, enjoy the 2 Seas Programme!
How should you prepare for the cooperation fair?
The success of this event is highly dependent on your active participation, both in the lead up to and during the event. The more you prepare yourself, the more you will get out of the event. We therefore suggest the following next steps:
- Check out the Cooperation Programme or at least the Key info to see if there is a thematic fit between your topic of interest and the 2 Seas Specific Objectives.
- Browse through the new online Cooperation Corner and submit an Interested Organisation and/or a Project Idea form.
- Register for the event and clearly indicate your ’status’. As soon as you are registered you will be able to make appointments with registered participants you want to meet through your online dashboard.
- The 2 Seas Team comprising the Territorial Facilitators and the Joint Secretariat will assist you before, during and after the event to:
- understand the themes and types of actions that can be supported,
- find project partners interested in your idea,
- guide you through the project development process and the development of your project intervention logic,
- assist you with any questions about the electronic submission process.
To note:
- This event will be held in English only. The 2 Seas Team (JS and territorial facilitators) will be available if you need help with translation.
- Please note that while we are pleased to offer a networking dinner on the first day, unfortunately here will be no lunch available to participants on site on either day. Participants are advised to make their own lunch arrangements.
- Over both days, coffee, tea, water and pastries will be available for participants to enjoy in the cooperation space.
