The engineering-consulting industry had always and must continue having a decisive contribution to the development of our country, since it constitutes the first pillar for the implementation of technical and development projects and programmes of the public and private sectors. 

Additionally, the potential contribution of the consulting industry to the extrovert growth of our economy is equally important, as the engineering-consulting companies may act as a precursor to penetrate emerging markets. 

Globally, the engineering-consulting industry is recognized and approached as a very important branch of the economy due to its substantial and rewarding added value. 

Taking into consideration that the multiannual recession of the industry, the reduction of the public investment programme and the low rate of attracting and implementing private investments, the emergence of new ways and opportunities for motivation, the promotion of measures and policies of healthy and extrovert growth and the adjustment to modern domestic and international requirements and developments are critical issues, both for the consulting firms and the government. 

With today’s reality in view, HELLASCO, the Hellenic Association of Consulting Firms, is organising the 2019 Conference “The Consulting Industry facing new markets, requirements and instruments”, which will take place at the Athens Hilton Hotel on September 26 and 27, 2019. 

The Conference will host distinguished lecturers and speakers from Greece and abroad, to discuss issues such as the capabilities of the national economy to attain infrastructure and development projects, new financing models, new fields of activity including adaptation to climate change, infrastructure maintenance, “smart cities” and “smart transport”, urban regeneration, green energy, water management, the UN objectives for sustainable development, the 4th industrial revolution and the new digital age, as well as challenges and opportunities for extrovert activity. 

Convinced that the Conference of HELLASCO 2019 will highlight the new requirements, challenges and markets, by contributing substantially to policy-making and strategic development planning for the companies, the professional bodies and the government, we are expecting you all in September in Athens.