ELFAC CONVENTION FOR FAMILY-FRIENDLY COMPANIES in PIACENZA (Italy)

The decline in birth rates and an aging population are beginning to impact local territories and businesses, which are finding it increasingly difficult to attract and retain young talent. However, there is a solution within reach: making the workplace and the region more attractive through work life balance, gender equality, and inclusion policies. These measures contribute to improving quality of life and supporting the life goals of young people and families—while simultaneously increasing productivity and revenue.

These topics will be discussed on January 30th starting at 3:00 PM in Piacenza, at the G. Piana Congress Hall of the Università Cattolica, during the convention titled: “NETWORKING COMPANIES. MORE FAMILY, MORE FUTURE: Good Corporate Welfare Practices in Times of Demographic Crisis.”

The event is organized by ANFN (National Association of Large Families) and ELFAC (European Large Families Confederation), the Forum of Family Associations, Confindustria and CNA Piacenza, and the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore of Piacenza.

“ANFN is at the forefront of driving a ‘family-friendly’ shift within the territory and the workplace, allowing young people and families to have and raise the children they desire with peace of mind,” says Mario Scuderi, ANFN coordinator for Emilia Romagna. “The region feels a strong need to take action to stem the brain drain, depopulation, and the crisis caused by the demographic decline. We are proposing our solution: a European network of companies that place family well-being at the center. It is good for employees, but it is also good for businesses, which see an increase in production and earnings.”

Silvia Cipelli, ANFN Piacenza coordinator, emphasizes that in Piacenza, ANFN has successfully involved public administration, civil society, the economic sector, and the University in the discussion: “A great opportunity to practically address the theme of family policies and the future of the territory.”

Regina Maroncelli, Elfac Vice President, underlines:“Large families associations can drive the change in Europe, in municipalities and companies where the urgency to build a better future is the greatest. Elfac is there, at their side.”

The convention, organized ahead of the launch of the European Network of Family-Friendly Companies on February 11, 2026, in Brussels, aims to present practical examples of corporate welfare. These practices improve employees’ quality of life and contribute to the growth of social capital both locally and within the company, following the spirit of an international network capable of generating innovation, development, and new opportunities.

Participation is free and open to all, particularly to companies, public administrators, and families. Registration via Eventbrite is recommended  https://www.eventbrite.com/organizations/events

PROGRAM

14:30 – WELCOME AND REGISTRATION

15:00 – INSTITUTIONAL GREETINGS / OPENING REMARKS

• Marco Allena, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Law, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Piacenza Campus)
• Nicoletta Corvi, Councilor for Welfare and Family Policies, Municipality of Piacenza
• Alfredo Caltabiano, President, National Association of Large Families (Associazione Nazionale Famiglie Numerose)
• Antonio Schillani, President, Forum of Family Associations of Piacenza

15:30 – “NETWORKED COMPANIES” PROJECT (PROGETTO AZIENDE IN RETE)

• Francesco Timpano Full Professor, Università Cattolica of Piacenza “The role of corporate welfare in companies’ social reporting”
• Gabriele Zelioli Labour Consultant “What a company can do for its employees”
• Regina Maroncelli Vice President, European Large Families Confederation “European Network of Family-Friendly Companies: Why family welfare pays off for businesses”

16:15 – BEST PRACTICES: STORIES OF COMPANIES INVESTING IN EMPLOYEE’S WELL-BEING

• Paola Bardasi, General Director, AUSL Piacenza (Local Health Authority)
• Anna Cattaneo and Alessia Pezzotta, Sustainability Manager and HR Specialist, Plastik SPA
• Mario Spezia, President, Con.Coop.ar and Coop. San Martino (Workers’ Cooperative of Piacenza)
• Filippo Gasparini, President, Agripiacenza Latte Consortium

17:00 – ROUND TABLE: THE DEMOGRAPHIC CHALLENGE AND THE LOCAL TERRITORY

• Nicoletta Corvi, Councilor for Welfare and Family Policies, Municipality of Piacenza
• Cristina Crenna, President, CNA Piacenza (National Confederation of Crafts and Small and Medium Enterprises)
• Maria Angela Spezia, Vice President, Confindustria Piacenza
• Mario Lucenti, Director, Compagnia delle Opere Emilia
• Guido Picozzi, Executive Director, BNI Piacenza
• Francesco Bighi, Trade Union Representative, UIL Piacenza
• Michele Vaghini, Trade Union Representative, CISL Piacenza
• Ivo Bussacchini, Trade Union Representative, CGIL Piacenza

18:15 – CLOSING REMARKS

• Regina Maroncelli

18:30 – APERITIF