At last – an international relocation conference in Muscat – with me, Jo Parfitt

It’s been brewing for a while, but at last I can share the good news. Actually, it’s not good news, it’s brilliant news! Along with some of my favourite people, people who are experts in the expat world, I have been invited to my favourite place in the world to be part of the first ever international mobility conference in Oman. Brainchild of TCK Omani Sharifa Albarami of Al Jazeera Global, education specialist, Rebecca Grappo and old friend, counsellor and all round good egg, Jane Jaffer, the International Mobility and Relocation Conference will take place on 19 and 20th April 2009 at the newly refurbished Al Bustan Palace Hotel.

It’s a terrific program, with Robin Pascoe and Ann Houston Kelley and myself all presenting at least twice. And the setting! Did I ever tell you that the Al Bustan is my favourite hotel in the world? Or that Muscat is my favourite place? Or that the Omanis are my favourite people?

Until January, the only similar conference is Families in Global Transition, which I have attended and presented at five times – but it’s in Houston, Texas. So, thank you Muscat for filling the gap. I hope to see you all there.

EARLY BIRD RATE BY DEC 21ST Save 15% on the OMR fee if you book by Dec 21st!

Jo

Robin Pascoe’s Family Matters! Survey is up at last

My great mate Robin Pascoe (The Expat Expert) conducted a large international relocation survey earlier this year, sponsored by Canadian movers AMJ Campbell International, entitled “Family Matters!”

Thanks to those of you who read my blog and newsletter and who responded to the terrific attempts at publicity by countless others who, like Robin, know how much family matters, she received a massive 655 workable responses from expats and their family members (14 years of age and above). In addition to 30% of the respondents being male, one of the other notable aspects of the survey was its array of open-ended questions – which in turn resulted in a wealth of very open, honest, heartwarming and heartbreaking responses.

To be one of the first to see the results (as Robin has literally only put it up an hour ago), just click here.

If you are in HR – read it and take note

if you are part of an expat family – read it and take heart

Well done, Robin, a tough job that many will appreciate – including me.