FOCUS 2011 Set to Take Place in Paris

Building on the impressive accomplishments of its premier event 10 years ago, AGBU FOCUS, a biennial affair uniting young Armenians from around the globe, is reaching new heights as it crosses the Atlantic to Paris, France. Plans and preparations are currently underway for this year's highly anticipated four-day event, scheduled for August 4–7, 2011.

A Weekend in Paris

This year AGBU FOCUS will give participants an opportunity to explore the cosmopolitan city of Paris while they meet like-minded professionals from around the world. Through uniquely tailored networking, cultural and social events, FOCUS aims to facilitate dialogue among young Armenians in the diaspora by building professional and personal connections on an international level. In addition, FOCUS provides an occasion to pay tribute to the AGBU programs that have positively impacted generations of young Armenians.

The AGBU FOCUS Organizing Committee has been working diligently to provide an array of well-rounded activities that showcase Paris in a unique way for local and out-of-town guests and encourage participants to socialize with their peers.

The FOCUS 2011 weekend will begin with the Thursday-night networking event known as Perspectives. Traditionally, guests take this opportunity to express their views and partake in meaningful discussions on various topics. As a result, conversations that start on the first night lead to engaging discussions throughout the weekend.

On Friday, guests will continue to explore Paris, partaking in smaller group activities and excursions designed to give FOCUS participants a look at the hidden treasures and off-the-beaten-path locales of the City of Light. Later that evening, guests will be invited to the highly popular Club Night at a hot venue in the heart of Paris.

Saturday will be filled with culture and ceremony, starting with the FOCUS on Art event that will take advantage of unparalleled access to one of the world's most artistic cities. The formal Gala celebration honoring this year's beneficiary remains the highlight of the weekend and will take place at an elegant and exclusive Parisian venue. As always, FOCUS will conclude on Sunday with a special brunch, allowing guests to complete their weekend tour.

Throughout the world, people are already gearing up and making plans to visit the French capital. "We are very excited to host FOCUS in Paris this year, bringing the enthusiasm of past FOCUS guests to Europe and expanding the dynamic dialogue which has been established over the years," said Aurélie Deyirmendjian, the chair of the FOCUS 2011 Committee. "It's going to be a spectacular weekend, culturally and socially enriching, rewarding and inspiring as so many young Armenians come together to build bridges for the future. The FOCUS team is thrilled to secure beautiful and unique venues for the events so that this year's participants can discover some of the magic and mystery of Paris."

Celebrating Online Learning

In addition to affording this unique forum for young professionals, AGBU FOCUS is a venue for Armenians to discover the far-reaching efforts of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, specifically highlighting youth programs which have shaped generations. "It is our pleasure to dedicate FOCUS 2011 to support the operations of the Armenian Virtual College, an innovative program that aims to spread Armenian history, culture and language," says Deyirmendjian.

The Armenian Virtual College (AVC) is AGBU's newest learning institute and the world's first online Armenian school. AVC ensures that students everywhere have access to formal online studies in Armenian history, language and literature. Courses are provided in six languages, creating a unique virtual learning community that allows students from different countries and backgrounds to take advantage of the curriculum. AGBU FOCUS is proud to promote the expansion of this unique educational initiative and to provide scholarships to students who would not otherwise be able to benefit from the courses offered by the virtual institute. Having recently launched a worldwide fundraising effort, FOCUS hopes to establish a scholarship endowment fund, furthering AGBU's lifelong dedication to promoting education in the globally dispersed Armenian communities and beyond.

AGBU FOCUS has certainly grown since its inception in 2001. What began as a simple weekend of 350 guests has now visited Chicago, New York, Montreal, and Miami, and united close to 2,000 young Armenians. Efforts throughout the years have raised over $150,000 for various AGBU youth programs, including AGBU's Scholarship Program, the Hye Geen Pregnant Women's Centers, and the New York Summer Internship Program.

Accommodations for FOCUS 2011 have been arranged at the historic Hôtel Lutetia in the heart of one of Paris' most fashionable districts, Saint-Germain-des-Prés. To take advantage of the special AGBU FOCUS rate, reservations must be made online at www.agbufocus.org. Guests will be able to purchase tickets to FOCUS events online and will have the opportunity to connect with other attendees in the months leading up to FOCUS, allowing for interactive exchange prior to the weekend.

For further information, please visit www.agbufocus.org or contact the AGBU FOCUS Coordinator in New York, Lusiné Kerobyan at focus@agbu.org.