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4 On behalf of the Icelandic Geotechnical Society we are pleased to confirm our bid to host the XVII European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering in Reykjavik, Iceland. Proposed date for the Con- ference is 8th - 13th of September 2019. We hope to have your support for our bid by cas ng the vote of your Na onal Society in our favour and we look forward to host this great event in Reykjavik 2019, if we get the opp- ortunity at the European Member Socie es mee ng in Edinburgh, Thursday 15th of September 2015. Our proposal of theme for the Conference is: "Geotechnical Engineering, founda on of the future" The theme of the conference embraces all aspects of geotechnical engineering. Geotechnical engineering is the founda on of current as well as future socie es, which both rely on complex civil engineering infrastructures, and call for mi ga on of poten al geodangers posing threat to these. Geotechnical means and solu ons are required to ensure infrastructure safety and sustainable development. Those means are rooted in past experi- ences enhanced by research and technology of today. At great events such as the European Geotechnical Conference we should: Spread our knowledge and experi- ence to our colleagues; Introduce innova ons, research and development of techniques and equipment; Report on successful geotechnical construc ons and applica on of geotechnical design methods, as well as, on mi ga on and assessment of geohazards and more. Such events also provide an opportunity to draw the a en on of others outside the field of geotechnical engineering to the importance of what we are doing, par cularly to those who, directly or indirectly, rely on our services, knowledge and experience. Investment in quality geotechnical work is required for successful and safe design, construc on and opera on of any infrastructure. Geotechnical engineering is the key to a safe and sustainable infrastructure and of importance for the society, economy and the environment. This must be emp- hasized and reported upon. The Icelandic Geotechnical Society, IGS, is enthusias c about organizing this great event. IGS has hosted the Nordic Geotechnical Conference and will be the host for the next, NGM-2016 in Reykjavik. However, Iceland has never hosted the European Geotechnical Conference and it is with great pleasure that we welcome you in 2019. Yours sincerely, HARALDUR SIGURSTEINSSON Chairman of IGS haraldur.sigursteinsson@vegagerdin.is The Icelandic Geotechnical Society 4 ISSMGE - Europe c/o Professor Antonio Gens Vice President for Europe