In March 2024, Villa Fabris opened its doors, transforming into a vibrant hub of training, innovation, and collaboration. Located in the heart of Thiene (Vicenza), this historic residence has become the symbol of an ambitious project: Villa Fabris, a Shared Asset. Thanks to the collaboration with Engim Veneto, lead partner of the initiative, and Samarcanda Cooperativa Sociale Onlus, we launched a revitalisation journey inspired by the values of beauty, equity, participation, and care.
But Villa Fabris is more than just an event venue — it’s also our operational home. ALDA has an on-site office where we work year-round to bring new projects to life, welcome partners, and engage with the local community. Anyone who wishes to visit us is most welcome!
In this first year, Villa Fabris has hosted events, meetings, and moments of collective growth that have created an extraordinary experience. Let’s take a look back at some of the most meaningful milestones from this first year of activity!
ALDA International School 2024
Among the most significant initiatives, the first edition of the ALDA International School, held from 28 to 30 August 2024, represented a unique opportunity for learning and exchange. The event brought together 30 participants from 12 European countries, creating a dynamic space for sharing ideas and skills.
Over the three days of training, we had the honour of hosting distinguished speakers, including Patrick Molinoz, Chair of the CIVEX Commission of the European Committee of the Regions, Gianantonio Michelusi, Mayor of Thiene, and Helfried Carl, founder of the European Capital of Democracy initiative, along with many other experts and institutional representatives.
One of the most meaningful moments was the focus on the situation in Ukraine, highlighting the concrete actions being carried out by ALDA’s members and Local Democracy Agencies to support local communities.
And the good news doesn’t stop there: the next edition of the ALDA International School will take place from 3 to 5 September 2025, with registrations opening in April. Don’t miss the chance to be part of it!
ALDA Staff Meeting 2025
Another key event was the 2025 ALDA Staff Meeting, which brought together over 70 colleagues from across Europe and countries such as Senegal, Georgia, Moldova, Turkey, and beyond.
This annual gathering served as a vital opportunity to strengthen the association’s strategy and plan future steps. But that’s not all — the Staff Meeting also hosted the Project Management and Project Design Retreat, two intensive workshops aimed at optimising workflows and enhancing the skills of the project implementation and development teams.
ALDA Coordination Board
Villa Fabris also served as the setting for the Coordination Board, a key moment of exchange between ALDA’s department heads, regional units, and the Secretary General. The goal? To assess the Association’s progress and define strategies to strengthen its mission and amplify its impact.
The Mayor of Thiene, Gianantonio Michelusi, took part in the meeting, offering his institutional support and highlighting the importance of ALDA’s role in the local community.
A Future of Training and Growth at Villa Fabris
2025 will be a year full of activities at Villa Fabris, with new initiatives that will continue to make this space a true hub for training and project innovation.
Among the confirmed events, project-based training courses will be held, led by ALDA+, aimed at providing participants with an in-depth understanding of Project Cycle Management.
The journey will begin with project ideation, exploring how to search for calls and build strategic partnerships. It will then move into the implementation phase, focusing on operational management and monitoring. Finally, the course will conclude with a focus on communication and reporting, two essential pillars to ensure transparency and sustainability.
But training courses won’t be the only activity on the agenda: Villa Fabris will also host workshops, thematic meetings, and networking moments between experts and professionals. The goal is to continue nurturing an engaged and active community, where ideas turn into concrete opportunities.
And this is just the beginning! ✨