Flanders strengthens its position in the international conference landscape

The latest ICCA rankings confirm it: Flanders is steadily climbing the global conference ladder. Belgium rises two spots to 13th place in the worldwide country ranking — and the Flemish Region plays a decisive role in that success.

The number of international conferences in Flanders has not only surpassed 2023 figures but is also nearing pre-pandemic levels. In fact, over the past decade, the region has increased its share of Belgium’s total conferences from 34% to 52%. A testament to Flanders’ growing relevance on the international stage. Our message of "create impact with your conference in Flanders" is clearly taking root.

City by city, the dynamics are revealing. Brussels — still the nation’s anchor — climbs five places to 14th worldwide. Ghent rebounds strongly, gaining 11 places. Bruges makes a spectacular leap, jumping 61 spots to rank 135. Hasselt, too, delivered a strong performance.

Not every city saw growth this year. Antwerp and Leuven hosted fewer conferences. Yet both have shown long-term upward trends since 2014 and remain key destinations in the Flemish conference ecosystem.

Fluctuations aside, the trajectory is clear: the Flemish Region is regaining momentum, supported by a consistent average growth of 7% over the last 10 years.

From numbers to impact: what really matters

Flanders’ steady progress in the ICCA rankings reflects more than just numbers. With its rich heritage, historical venues, and a strong network of association professionals, Flanders offers fertile ground for international conferences. Just as important is the region’s focus on long-term impact. This ensures that the benefits of your conference extend well beyond the closing session. In Flanders, your closing session is just the beginning.