Transforming social services: Where Care Meets Tech

A European Social Services Conference

These days, it’s almost self-evident that social care solutions must combine compassionate, hands-on support with technological innovation. That’s precisely the focus of The European Social Services Conference (ESSC), coming to Aarhus 23–25 June 2025 under the theme Where Care Meets Tech.

The conference is organized in collaboration with the European Social Network, the Danish Ministry of Social Affairs, Housing and Seniors, Central Denmark Region and the City of Aarhus.

At HIA, we’re thrilled that Aarhus will be the gathering point for more than 700 decision-makers, professionals, and innovators from across Europe. Aarhus has a strong track record in public-private collaboration and investment in new technologies, making it the perfect host city for a conference shaping the standards of tomorrow’s social welfare.

Is this event for you?

Over three days, the conference will feature talks, workshops, and networking sessions, bringing together public and private stakeholders, researchers, user organizations, and tech providers from all over Europe to share best practices and pave the way for future solutions.

These are the main themes for the conference days:

Relational welfare approaches – How empathy, supportive relationships, and collaboration build trust and empower citizens.

Welfare technology – How digital and technological innovations can free up resources and deliver more flexible, personalized services.

“Here in Aarhus, we specialize in welfare technologies that benefit our citizens. Our progress reflects both our strong collaboration among the municipality, region, and a wide range of private and public actors, and our willingness to invest in research and development. I’m proud that in 2025 we can share our expertise—and also learn from everyone visiting our city.” – Christian Budde, Alderman for Health and Senior Care, City of Aarhus

"New welfare technology solutions put citizens first. They free up time and resources so that our staff can devote more attention to each individual. Through digital innovations, we’re creating the necessary conditions to meet each person’s needs and ensure a high standard of care.” – Else Søjmark, Chair of the Psychiatry and Social Affairs Committee, Central Denmark Region

“To tackle tomorrow’s challenges in the social sector, we can’t do things the way we did yesterday. Welfare technology is naturally part of the solution, always with the citizen at the center. Aarhus hosting this conference is international recognition that we have something unique to offer.” – Anders Winnerskjold, Mayor, City of Aarhus

“I’m incredibly pleased that, as part of Denmark’s EU Presidency, we’ve secured ESSC 2025 for Aarhus next year. Welfare technology is developing rapidly. In our new senior reform, we’ve proposed making much greater use of existing welfare technologies. Conferences like this are crucial for professionals in elderly care to meet, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.” – Mette Kierkgaard, Minister for Elderly Affairs

Good to know:

When and where: 23–25 June 2025 in Aarhus
Organizers: The European Social Network, the Danish Ministry of Social Affairs, Housing and Seniors, Central Denmark Region’s Social Services, and the City of Aarhus
EU Presidency: The conference is part of Denmark’s EU Presidency in the second half of 2025
Objective: Bringing together policymakers, professionals, and tech providers to exchange knowledge and inspire new approaches in social and healthcare
Participants: Over 700 representatives from across Europe

Register here