The Dubrovnik Fair Working for Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe took place at the Radisson Blu Resort and Spa, Dubrovnik Sun Gardens, between Tuesday 9 and Friday 12 March 2010. The workshop was organised by the English Language Promotions Group (ELPG) which comprises the British Council, English UK, UK Trade & Investment and VisitBritain. The fair brought together 31 English UK member centres and 43 study abroad agents from Croatia, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Bulgaria, Hungary, Turkey, Ukraine, Latvia, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Albania, Romania and the Czech Republic. It was was the fifth workshop to be jointly organised by the ELPG.

The programme of social events, seminars, and one-to-one appointments in the beautiful coastal setting just outside Dubrovnik gave educators and agents the opportunity to really get to know each other and develop long-lasting productive partnerships.

David Blunt, HM Ambassador to Croatia, and Les Dangerfield, Director of the British Council in Croatia, both spoke before the farewell dinner, which was held in the impressive surroundings of the Rupe Museum, in the historic Old Town of Dubrovnik.

Educators praised the overall organisation and concept of the fair - 'very well organised as always and plenty of opportunities to make contact with agents and other education providers'. One delegate remarked, 'such fairs are an excellent opportunity to build quality business connections', and 'everything was … well-coordinated and very professional'.

Agents were also very positive about the Dubrovnik Fair - 'It was much smaller than other fairs I have attended, but the atmosphere was much friendlier. It had a 'personal touch' and provided excellent opportunities for a personal contact with the education providers…The extraordinary venue and location…added value to the event'.

Notes to editors

1. English UK is the world's leading language teaching association, with more than 400 accredited centres in membership. It covers university and further education college language departments, international study centres in independent schools, educational trusts and charities, and private sector colleges. English UK is a UK registered charity.
2. The English Language Promotions Group (ELPG) came into being in the summer of 2008. It was formerly known as the SPG (Strategic Promotions Group), which was set up in August 2005 to work towards a more co-ordinated approach to the promotion of the English language among the members of the group - the British Council, English UK, UK Trade & Investment and VisitBritain.
3. For more information, please contact Jodie Gray, International Marketing Manager, jodie@englishuk.com, 020 7608 7960.