Zagreb… my Zagreb…
Dear friends,
It is my pleasure to announce that the CEPIC Committee has voted unanimously to celebrate the 2016 CEPIC Congress on the last week of May in Zagreb, the beautiful capital of Croatia.
Another year is coming for all of us -the images industry- to get together and revisit the future for the visual content that we all license on behalf of thousands of authors. Our industry is learning that the business model that for many years has been monolithically standard is now being modified by a combination of digital technology, communication possibilities, new devices that makes taking and distributing images really easy for everyone, as well as different players who see what we do with a different approach. While our business model is changing, however, the distribution channel still remains the same. It is though, a distribution channel that needs urgent standardization and modernizing to continue being the ecosystem in which we all work and thrive and want to continue for years to come.
I´m sure you would be glad to know that Croatia is among the top tourist destinations in Europe – it’s a country rich in history, culture, and has some of the most beautiful islands in the world. Apart from over a thousand islands, inlets and isles on its Adriatic coastline, Croatia also boasts 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are not to be missed by our delegates. The Old City of Dubrovnik, the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Plitvicka, Jezera, the Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian, the Historical City of Trogir, the Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Poreč, the Hvar’s Stari Grad Plain and the Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik are places to be considered for visiting and relax after the intensive days of networking and seminars that the forthcoming 2016 Congress in Zagreb is going to bring us. May is the best time of the year to enjoy the Adriatic Coast, so don´t miss the opportunity. Moving our Congresses around the European capitals shows our delegates, affiliates and visitors the depth of the European history and culture and the diversity of the countries that form Europe, and at the same time also makes us proud to belong to an industry in development and change.
It is very clear by now that our industry has to adapt to a different model, but it is also good to see that the bold moves on lobbying that our organization has taken has made it possible for our voice to be heard by the European Commission. Our industry needs to become a strong force in the defense of copyright and a fair remuneration for our authors. Which better place than the forthcoming CEPIC Congress in Zagreb, the last week of May 2016, from the 25th to the 27th, for all of us to visit Croatia and address these issues?
The Congress in Zagreb, among other events, will unveil the winners of the 2nd Stock Photography Awards that I´m sure will soon become the best exhibition of Stock Photography, whether the best editorial, conceptual and historical, scientific or descriptive images. It will also prove that we don´t only aggregate and license images, but that we are emotionally involved with the best quality works our photographers can produce.
We need Congress participation. We are in a moment of our industry where the legislative changes that the European Union is developing can change our future, and we are also in the unique moment when we have an opportunity to influence this future. Please show your support and come to Zagreb… my Zagreb… your Zagreb….
Many thanks,
Alfonso Gutiérrez
CEPIC President
