International Lions Youth Exchange
YEC
Meeting of international youth exchange coordinators, Europa Forum 2026 in Karlsruhe
The Youth Exchange Chairpersons Meeting (YEC Meeting) takes place as part of every European Forum – the most important annual meeting of volunteer and professional Lions Youth Exchange chairpersons from all participating countries in Europe. This special event is a highlight of the forum and brings together European chairpersons as well as international guests and experts from Lions youth work.
The YEC Meeting offers participants the opportunity to exchange ideas on all strategic, fundamental, and operational issues relating to the international program in intensive working groups. The representatives do everything in their power to continuously improve the exchange and shape the future of the program in a sustainable manner. The focus is on challenging topics, where solutions are developed together to maximize the visibility and reach of Lions Youth Exchange in an international context.
Lions International Youth Exchange is a structured program consisting of international youth camps and family stays for young people aged 15 to 21. In Germany, the international Lions Youth Forum is also offered for young adults between the ages of 18 and 25. The program offers participants the opportunity to experience new cultures, develop intercultural skills, and form long-lasting international friendships.
The thematic focus of the 2026 Europe Forum is: “Water = Life”.
This central theme will also be addressed at the 2026 YEC meeting with special activities and inspiration for the international participants of the YEC meeting.
Information about the meeting
Date: October 21 to 24, 2026
Venue: Most of the events of the international youth exchange will take place in the Karlsruhe City Hall.
Conditions of participation: All participants in the YEC meeting must register for the Europa Forum 2026. Early registration is recommended.
Venue & accommodation: Most of the youth exchange program will take place in the centrally located Karlsruhe City Hall. The venue is wheelchair accessible and in close proximity to hotels and the main train station.
Get-together: The venue for the YEC participants’ get-together will be announced at a later date.
Recommended accommodation: We recommend booking a hotel near the main train station or in the immediate vicinity of the Karlsruhe City Hall to ensure short distances.
Program highlights
Workshops and group work
> Digitization of exchange processes
> Improvement of international structures and offerings with a view to greater professionalism and efficiency
> Strengthening cooperation between countries and the European Youth Exchange Board and Lions Clubs International
Bazaar (international quota exchange)
A traditional highlight of every YEC meeting is the bazaar. In an open round of negotiations, the annual exchange quotas (for youth camps, family stays, and youth forums) are agreed upon and set between the participating countries. Based on these quotas, concrete exchange plans are made for the following year.
Networking & Social Encounters
In addition to the official program, the YEC meeting offers a wide range of opportunities for networking, maintaining contacts, and building international friendships, especially at the traditional “Get-Together of Youth Exchange Chairpersons,” which also marks the start of the Europe Forum for YEC participants.
Organisation & Contact
Chairperson responsible for the YEC Meeting 2026:
Lion Torsten Schneider, MD 111 Germany
Contact persons:
MD YEC
Lion Torsten Schneider: butschneider@aol.com
Lions Foundation Germany
Lion Rita Bella Ada: r.bellaada@lions.de, +49-61199154-91
