The Challenges of International Assignments for the ‘Dual Career Couple’

You are invited to the February 2011 education program of the Houston International HR Roundtable:

The Challenges of International Assignments for the "Dual Career Couple"

Research has shown that over 30% of international assignments fail because of dual-career issues. Organizations are also failing to attract the best talent for overseas postings since up to 50% of employees are just not willing to consider relocation because of the potential loss of income of their partner.   Due to the high cost of international assignments,  it is key to minimize the risk of assignment failure.

Our Panel will present issues, challenges, resources and solutions for the ‘dual career’ couple from different perspectives including international HR, "trailing" spouses, and relocation experts. Topics will include:

- Industry ‘best practices’ for expatriate support including those provided by Outpost, the highly professional global information and support network for Shell employees and their families.  The Shell / Outpost partnership continues to be viewed globally as the best example of expatriate support within a large company.  Career and personal development support for the accompanying spouse / partner is one of the key services offered in many Outpost locations, including the Houston office.

- The unique challenges faced by accompanying spouses/partners who want to continue their career in the new location and the personal and career development strategies they must learn to be successful.  Insights into both the emotional and practical issues faced by the ‘dual career’ couple and ideas on how to overcome the obstacles to a fulfilling overseas experience for both parties.

- Information and resources available to HR professionals managing global mobility and to ‘dual career’ couples who are considering or who have accepted an overseas assignment [online resources, books, associations and conferences].

This program has been submitted to HR Certification Institute for review.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Membership information for 2011 is available here. 
  
• Please join us on Facebook and Twitter
• March 2 -3, 2011 - NFTC Annual International Human Resources Management Forum
• March 23 - Sheena Goes to Shanghai - featuring international lawyer, Jordan Cowman! China’s rapidly changing legal and regulatory environment presents a daunting array of issues.  Even for the most sophisticated, experienced and knowledgeable HR professional, doing business in China, together with internal and external compliance challenges, can be supremely confusing.
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Directions and Parking Information: Heritage Plaza is across from the downtown Doubletree Hotel.  Parking is available at the Doubletree hotel or  Heritage Clay Street Parking Garage,  200 Clay, Houston 77002.You can park at the Doubletree hotel and walk across the street to the building – proceed to the 45th floor.  Alternatively, park in the Heritage Clay Street Parking Garage – address of the garage is 200 Clay Street, Houston, TX 77002.  If you park in the Clay Street Garage, park in any space that is not marked "Reserved."  Take the elevator in the Clay Street Garage  to the Basement (‘B’).  Upon reaching Basement level, turn left and follow the hallway until you reach the wall with the large ‘H’ on it.  Turn left and immediately on the right you will see two elevators.  Take the elevator to the Sky Lobby (‘SL’).  Once you reach the Sky Lobby, turn right and proceed to the middle bank of elevators.  Proceed to the 45th floor to the Deloitte reception area – this is the floor where the meeting will take place.

2011 Host Sponsor - Deloitte Tax LLP

Please contact us regarding other sponsorship opportunities.