Dear reader,
As autumn settles in on the Northern Hemisphere, my thoughts turn to Barcelona. From 3 to 5 November, OASC will be at Smart City Expo World Congress in Spain. Alongside our Annual Conference, this is one of the most important occasions for our network to meet in person.
For me, the value of these days lies in the conversations. They give us time to exchange experiences, strengthen existing relationships and make new connections. A question over coffee can reveal a shared challenge. A conversation between cities can become the starting point for a new project.
This year, I am particularly proud that OASC is one of the main partners of the European Twinning & Citiverse Plaza. This large new pavilion brings cities, companies, networks and public authorities together in one shared space. It is a place to see ideas in action, ask questions and explore what we can achieve together.
Cities and communities know the problems they need to solve. Companies can offer new tools and approaches. Networks like OASC can bring people together and public authorities can help create the conditions for these to work. Bringing these perspectives together helps us focus on what matters: better services and better everyday lives for everyone.
Our OASC programme in Barcelona reflects that focus. Companies taking part in our ACCEND programme will present practical ideas for cities and explore opportunities to work together. Other sessions will explore how to share data more easily, improve access to parking and learn from projects across Europe. You can find more information about some highlights of our programme in our newsletter.
There will also be time to catch up over drinks and tapas on 4 November. These informal moments matter: trust grows when we get to know the people behind the work.
If you are coming to Barcelona, visit us in Hall 3, Stand D71. Bring your questions, your experience and your ideas. I look forward to hearing what you are working on, what you need and where our network can help.
Check out our OASC programme here and the European Twinning and Citiverse Plaza pavilion programme here.
See you soon!
Warm regards,
Karl-Filip Coenegrachts
OASC Chair of the Governing Body
Executive Director