Grusswort
Annual meetings of the EAA have become an essential part of the agenda for Archaeologists working inEuropeand beyond. They have grown up to be one of Europe’s most important meetings for all those who are dedicated to the archaeological heritage ofEurope. EAA annual meetings are a platform for the exchange and transfer of knowledge and they act as a fair for news, personal contacts and as a market place of ideas for ongoing or planned research or management projects – simply the place for meeting colleagues from all over Europe.
The 16th Annual meeting is hosted by our Dutch colleagues. Not surprisingly the organisation of this important event is most perfect – a new strategy was developed under the leadership of former EAA president Willem Willems with an organising committee constituted by our Dutch colleagues prof. Jos Bazelmans and mrs. drs. Corien Bakker, with support from mrs. Jaqui Bolt MA (Hazenberg Archeologie) and Manon Verrijth (Congrex BV).
In order to facilitate the preparation of the scientifc programme the time schedule was changed towards an earlier structure. Fears about too early approaches proved to be unnecessary by the overwhelming interest that the EAA membership developed in applying for sessions, round tables and other actions. The event will take place in a city with truly European format; it is hosted by the University ofLeiden, the Cultural Heritage Agency (formerly the ROB) and the Archaeology Service of the city ofDen Haag. Dutch archaeology is highly developed, has a very long tradition both in scientifc and management approaches. No wonder, that the place is well known and the expectations are high. Scientifc and management approaches “made in theNetherlands” bridge the gap that has been existing between Anglo-Saxon and continental traditions. It therefore seems a very good place to meet and we are facing a heartily welcome even before we get to the location.
The programme, lectures, presentations, posters and any other activity including Europe’s frst Archaeo-Rock event within the frame of an EAA annual meeting are exiting and promising and will mark another milestone in the history of our association – we wish all participants a fruitful and successful conference combined with thanks for two years of hard preparatory work by all the organisers.