Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Organizing Committee and EurOMA, I would like to extend a warm welcome and invite you to join us in Porto, Portugal, for the 17th International Annual EurOMA Conference, 6-9 June 2010. The conference will be preceded by the 9th EurOMA Doctoral Seminar on June 4-5 and the 2nd Young Scholars Workshop on June 6.

We offer an attractive scientific program around the theme "Managing Operations in Service Economies”. This is in recognition of the growing weight of service activities in today’s economies and the challenges created by this change. The theme is relevant both to service and manufacturing operations, as manufacturers increasingly offer products with a high service component and the frontier between products and services is increasingly blurred. Papers on other areas of Operations Management are of course also welcome.

The conference will be hosted by the School of Economics and Management of the Catholic University of Portugal in Porto. Facing the big lodges of Port wine across the river Douro, Porto is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Classified in 1996 a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, Porto has long been known for its famous wines, its traditions and culture and the kindness of its people. A special blend of hospitality, the peaceful and safe character of the country, the wonderful climate and a range of social programs await you, for a memorable stay.

EurOMA conferences have a long standing tradition of critical discussion and drive for quality research in an open and friendly atmosphere. The social events are planned to allow the blending of networking among participants and the exploration of the beautiful city of Porto.

We look forward to welcoming you in Porto!

Rui Sousa
Conference Chair