EOOS is a community-driven framework jointly driven by EuroGOOS and the European Marine Board (EMB), in collaboration with experts and advisers from many regional, national and pan-European organizations across the ocean observing value chain. The EMB (as co-Chairs of the EOOS Steering Group) were involved in the organization and running of the event. EMB Executive Director Sheila Heymans stated in her closing remarks that “2018 is a crucial year for EOOS and it’s great to see the wider community engaging and shaping the future planning.” A draft Strategy and Implementation Plan 2018-2022 is in preparation by the EOOS Steering Group. The recent Forum was an important step to move this forward. An open stakeholder consultation will follow in Spring 2018. Following community feedback, the Strategy and Implementation Plan will be launched at the EOOS Conference on 21-23 November 2018 in Brussels. Conference registration is open and is free at no charge.