Welcome Message

Dear Delegates

A warm welcome to our 49th annual EARCOS Leadership Conference and to Thailand, the Land of Smiles.

EARCOS stands with the people of Thailand in mourning the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the beloved King who led the Kingdom for seven decades.

His Majesty’s funeral will be held on 26th October, the first day of our conference. It is fitting that this year’s conference theme Leading and Learning: a Journey of Hope and Joy echoes two of the many attributes associated with the late King’s reign. Through his numerous charitable works, his drive, commitment and vision he brought hope and joy to many. We send our deepest condolences to the Thai people and join them in remembering His Majesty’s remarkable achievements and steadfast leadership.

A glance at the following pages will highlight the quality of the program that our hardworking EARCOS Office has provided for us. Our grateful thanks to you all. A special word of thanks goes to our Executive Director, Dick Krajczar. We appreciate the tenacity, creativity and energy that is needed to deliver quality, cost friendly conferences and maintain the unique family atmosphere that EARCOS is renowned for.

Once again, we are grateful to all of our delegates, presenters, exhibitors and sponsors for their support. Without you, EARCOS’ mission to advance professional growth, facilitate cooperative action, and promote intercultural understanding and international friendship would be incomplete.

Have a wonderful conference.

Margaret Alvarez President, EARCOS Board

Welcome Message from the EARCOS Executive Director

Dear Delegates,

Welcome to the 49th EARCOS Leadership Conference (ELC) 2017 and the Shangri-La in Bangkok, Thailand. Our theme, “Leading and Learning: A Journey of Hope and Joy” will be a major focal point for discussion in all of our EARCOS schools.

We join with the people of Thailand in mourning the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the beloved King who led the Kingdom with great success for seven decades. His Majesty’s cremation will be on the first day of our conference and we will be observant in mourning his loss while also celebrating his great leadership of the Thai people. At our welcome reception we will play some of His Majesty’s compositions and favorite songs as a tribute to his musical talent.

We have over 1200 registered delegates and look forward to an inspiring and instructive conference. The hotel staff is so welcoming and supportive and I know you will enjoy their outstanding service.

The ELC has two excellent keynote presenters, SIMON BREAKSPEAR and PETER DALGLISH. We have 16 preconference offerings and 142 workshop sessions, all geared to meet the needs of our schools and board leaders. EARCOS is fortunate to have so many of our own school leaders who have volunteered to present workshops. Their contributions help to make EARCOS the great organization that it is!

Thanks to Margaret Alvarez, our board president, and members of the EARCOS board for their leadership and vision. We welcomed Barry Sutherland to the board last October.

Finally, it is always my wish for our delegates to initiate and renew networking contacts, to be challenged by our presenters, to find new friends and strengthen already strong friendships, and to enjoy renowned EARCOS hospitality. Visit our exhibitors and let them know that you appreciate their sponsorship, which helps us provide the best conference possible. This year they will be located in the ballroom foyer, and one floor down on the ground level lobby. Coffee breaks will be at both locations. Please visit them and support their organizations.

Thanks to our staff of Bill Oldread, Dr. Joe Petrone, Edzel, Elaine, Robert, Ver and MS.VITZ (who will be retiring at the end of December). Her years of service and commitment to EARCOS are commendable and so appreciated. We wish her well. She will always be part of the EARCOS family.

I am proud and privileged to be the Director of this wonderful organization.

Dick Krajczar and the EARCOS Team