Growth or Sustainability?
Defining, Measuring and Achieving Prosperity

The prevailing economic model for human society is based on the expectation of growth. The media headlines show success measured by indicators such as the expansion in market share, in profits or in Gross Domestic Production.

At the same time the indicators of the ill-health of our planet have for decades signalled the existence of physical limits to how many resources we can extract and how much pollution we can release. The headlines of how we threaten the sustainability of our own civilisation increasingly stare us in the face.

In the argument between growth on the one hand and sustainability-oriented development models on the other, the nature of the human soul and its search for prosperity beyond material luxury consumption is easily lost. At this conference we will strive to put that soul at the heart of the discussion of how we define, measure and achieve true prosperity.

Come and join us for an exciting journey of learning from each other: CEOs, entrepreneurs, environmentalists, scientists and citizens who, together with keynoters and panellists, will provide food for thought and, ultimately, offer a new way forward towards the broader vision of "enhancing the well-being and prosperity of humankind".

To introduce this new prosperity concept, EBBF offers a program with world level speakers, people who will share their own active role in bringing about new sustainable solutions challenging the current status.

The keynotes will be balanced with consultation and workshops dedicated to addressing your own issues, questions and ideas: we aim to bridge the gap between world views and what happens around you on Monday morning at work.

The images taken at past EBBF events shown in these pages offer an idea of how all of the above takes place in the unique EBBF atmosphere described by one participant as "informal, relaxed, almost like a family, at the same time surrounded by some great thought leaders and visionaries with whom you can interact. Everything happens in a very casual and comfortable way because of the environment that envelopes you."

You will be immersed in the quite beautiful nature that surrounds the Depoort Conference Centre creates a unique atmosphere that has ensured that the event has sold out year on year - all registrations will be accepted strictly in order of arrival.

(*) All images shown in these pages were taken during the last two EBBF Annual Conferences 2007 and 2006.