HRO World Europe Lauded as This Year's Premier Destination for Human Resource Outsourcing Professionals

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM--(Marketwire - October 7, 2008) - When asked to describe this year's HRO World Europe, Conference Co-Chair and Co-Chair of the HROA Europe Chapter, Guy-Joel de Lhoneux, vice president, Global HR Relationship, Unilever, commented, "We've created an agenda that offers something for everyone. Participants may attend sessions based on the stage of HRO they're involved in or interested in learning more about, such as planning and prospecting, transition and implementation, operations or renewal and renegotiation."

De Lhoneux's observations are being echoed by repeat attendees who are planning to attend the 2008 event. Now in its 5th year, HRO World Europe is the largest and most comprehensive HR transformation conference in Europe. It brings together more than 350 senior executives from more than 20 countries to exchange views and experiences on how to transform human resource activities within complex organizations through shared services and outsourcing. Designed for executives, including those in general management, HR, finance, procurement, IT and operations, and provides answers to the toughest questions on HR transformation.

Being held on November 18 - November 20, 2008 in Brussels, keynote speakers include Dr. Michael Moore, director of the Institute for International Economic Policy, Elliot School of International Affairs, The George Washington University, Dr. Simon Evenett, Swiss Institute for International Economics and Applied Economic Research, University of St. Gallen. Moore and Evenett will examine the prospects for free trade and labor markets in the face of upcoming elections and the collapse of the Doha Round, and the corresponding implications for world trade and multi-national corporations.

Additional keynote presenters include Dr. Anthony Hesketh, Deputy Director Centre for Performance-Led HR, School of Management, Lancaster University, who will draw on key themes from his research on the role of HR in driving corporate performance.

The Conference will also feature case study presentations by senior level executives who will share their "in-the-trenches" experiences. Attendees can expect to learn more about managing contractual relationships, measuring overall satisfaction, and identifying best practices.

As in recent years, HROA will honor Europe's best HRO engagements at the third annual HROA Europe awards. The conference will also feature an exclusive dinner at the Palais d'Egmont, which was constructed in the 16th century and renovated in the 18th century. Normally inaccessible to the public, HRO World Europe Delegates will have special access.

Lead sponsors of HRO World Europe include Accenture and SAP. Other sponsors include KellyHR First, Alexander Mann, SAP, Northgate Arinso, Kenexa, Mr. Ted, ACS, IBM, Ceridian, ExcellerateHRO, Eighty Twenty Insight, TPI, FutureStep, CaliberPoint and Alsbridge.

Richard Crespin, Co-Chair of HRO World Europe and Global Executive Director of the HROA, commented, "Year after year, attendees proactively contact us after this event to share what a positive experience it was for them. HRO World Europe is indisputably the premier HRO event for EMEA and we anticipate that this year's conference will add significant value as our attendees plan for a successful 2009."

More information about the annual HRO World Europe event, including hotel accommodations and registration details, can be accessed at www.hroworldeurope.com

About the HROA

The HROA is the definitive independent organization for all those who purchase, provide, or participate in HR transformation and outsourcing. The mission of the European Chapter is to educate, promote research, publish, recognize, and provide networking opportunities to foster professionalism in HR transformation and HR outsourcing across Europe. Its membership encompasses over 7,500 HR executives, including the largest 50 buyers, the top 30 providers, the leading sourcing advisors and attorneys, and the best thought leaders in HR Transformation. The HROA brings its diverse membership together to set standards and practices, provide peer networking, and maintain a robust curriculum. For information about the HROA, visit www.hroa.org.

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Contact Information: Media Contact: Jeanne Achille The Devon Group +44 (0)207.917.1832