Choosing a location is hard work

How Flanders makes that hard work enjoyable

Finding a location for your next conference is no walk in the park. It's an important decision that involves making many choices. Because we in Flanders like to combine business with pleasure, we make that decision-making process as pleasant as possible. What happens when you contact Flanders Convention Bureau with the question “can we talk?” This article gives you a brief overview of the most important steps. You'll immediately notice that there are more boring jobs in the world.

Step 1. Your first contact will be with someone who speaks your language

Either literally the same language, or figuratively: because our expert is at home in your field.

Are you based in Germany? Then Alexandra will be happy to help you. Her friends call her “the social hub,” which says a lot about her social skills and empathy.

Are you based in the UK? Paul is at your service. Did you know that Paul is in the Guinness Book of Records with no fewer than two world records? He will be happy to tell you what and how.

Are you based in the USA? Then Brecht is your man. In his spare time, he volunteers for animal rescue organizations in New York. In short, a man with his heart in the right place.

Is your association based in Belgium or a country other than those mentioned above? Then an expert in your field will take the lead.

Tuya is completely at home in the fields of Innovative Economy, Climate & Environment, and Entertainment & Digital Technology.

Milo is the perfect expert for the fields of Care & Health, Smart Mobility, and Housing & Living Environment.

Dominique and Nele are happy to help you with your conference in the fields of Culture & Heritage, Gastronomy & Nutrition, and Cycling & Sports.

Step 2. Our expert will ask you about your requirements

In Flanders, we are happy to organize a conference that is perfectly tailored to your needs. That is why we ask you in advance about exactly what you need. Based on your answers, we carefully select the Flemish cities that suit you and your field.

We then consult this select group of cities to find venues suitable for the number of delegates you have in mind. The first quotes will also come in immediately. Would you like to outsource as much of the work as possible when organizing your conference? Then we will also contact a PCO: a Professional Conference Organizer, who will take the practical work off your hands.

Do you want your conference to create an impact?

Gone are the days when the success of a conference was measured in terms of the number of participants or scientific breakthroughs. Today, the social impact you create is more important: are people in society reaping the benefits of your conference? That is why Flanders Convention Bureau is happy to offer you comprehensive “Impact Track” guidance, in which we define and develop the impact of your conference step by step.

Step 3. We put you in touch with the experts at the city convention bureaus

Found your preferred city or cities? Then we will work with their experts to find partners to support your conference. Which scientists, research institutions, companies, policymakers, and public organizations are active in your field? Which of them want to help you make an impact? This allows us to create a strong support base of “Legacy Makers” who will support your conference as much as possible. You will immediately feel that your conference is truly welcome in Flanders.

Sustainability is the common thread

Whichever city and venue you choose, the ecological footprint of your conference will always be as small as possible. All cities in Flanders are easily accessible by public transport, both from the national airport and from Amsterdam, London, Paris, Berlin, and Frankfurt. The venues - many of which have a sustainability label - are within walking distance of hotels and attractions. In short, your conference in Flanders is also a hit in terms of sustainability.

Would you like to go one step further? Then Flanders offers you the Impact Support Package. This provides you with support in making your conference more sustainable. Think of initiatives that reduce your ecological footprint or create a social impact for your destination.

Step 4. Be amazed during your inspirational visit

Flanders warmly welcomes you for an inspirational visit to the city or cities on your wish list. You will get a taste of all our recommendations in advance: you will stay in the hotels we suggest, eat in delicious restaurants, and visit the proposed venues. You may even get a preview of the social program we are rolling out for your delegates.

Of course, we tailor the social program entirely to your field. For example, delegates at an art conference will love visiting the house where Rubens lived and worked. And every conference on nature books a bike tour through the trees and water, which TIME Magazine calls “one of the 100 greatest places on earth.”

Luc Hilderson

The very first step: contact us today!

Choosing a location for your conference is hard work. But as you can see, at Flanders Convention Bureau we make that hard work as enjoyable as possible. Our service is truly comprehensive, and completely free of charge.

So take the very first step in this whole process and contact us. We will help you with a smile from ear to ear, as you can see in the photo below. Because we think it's great that you have chosen our region for your next conference. On behalf of 6 million Flemish people, we warmly welcome you, your conference, and your delegates.

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A successful conference is one that inspires. That’s why we offer you here tons of inspiration. For a conference in your domain, for your conference in Flanders.