Thursday 11 – Friday 12 December 2025
Optional Welcome Dinner 10 Dec and site visits to other cities in Flanders for early arrivals

Register your interest in joining a select group of international association conference professionals on a
journey to experience Flanders as a conference destination:​

  • Connect with 600 years of knowledge and innovation in Leuven and how this can be harnessed for your
    future conferences​
  • Experience the unique venues that can deliver inspiration and purpose to your delegates​
  • Access local experts and Legacy Makers in Leuven and Flanders that can strengthen and amplify your
    conferences​
  • Expand your network of international peers and partners​
  • Flexible to tailor programme for you with early arrivals, specific venues or adding pre-visits to other
    Flanders' cities
Circular KU Leuven logo with stylized '600' and text: knowledge knows no end

Create Tomorrow's Heritage

Take a fresh look at what the Flanders region of Belgium can offer you and your delegates. Join us in Leuven – a city where heritage meets innovation, and where world-leading knowledge, hospitality, and sustainability combine to deliver truly meaningful events.

Just 15 minutes from Brussels Airport, Leuven is a compact, walkable, and vibrant university city that’s fast becoming one of Europe’s most forward-thinking destinations for international association conferences.

Historic city square with ornate Gothic buildings and a large church; cyclists and pedestrians in the foreground.

A Cradle of Knowledge

Founded in 1425, KU Leuven is one of the world’s oldest and most respected universities. Now celebrating its 600th anniversary, it remains a centre of excellence across fields such as health, science, engineering, high-tech, humanities, and social innovation.

As part of this visit, you’ll explore how associations can collaborate with KU Leuven and other knowledge hubs across the Flanders region to enhance the impact and legacy of their events.

Vintage photo of a medical lecture with students in tiered seats watching a surgical demonstration on a patient.

A Hub for Innovation and Start-Ups

Leuven is home to cutting-edge institutions and research-driven initiatives – from biotech spin-offs to digital health centres like IMEC. We’ll show you how these ecosystems can be integrated into your events through local partnerships, speakers, site visits, and shared purpose.

Three technicians in cleanroom suits examine a large suspended industrial machine in a sterile lab.

Culture, Charm & Cheers

Leuven offers a unique blend of rich heritage and contemporary energy. Its historic architecture and cobbled streets combine with charm and youthful charisma, creating an enchanting and vibrant setting – and one that is working hard on many initiatives to fulfil a vision towards a genuinely sustainable future.

And yes, Leuven is the City of Beer — the birthplace of Stella Artois and a thriving craft beer scene. We’ll be tapping into that, too!

People touring a brewery with large copper brewing kettles and tall columns under arched windows.

Meet the Legacy Makers

As part of your visit, you’ll be invited to our Flanders’ Legacy Makers event on Thursday evening – a thought-provoking gathering of the region’s network of experts, academics, innovators, and civic leaders. A keynote session will be followed by a networking reception, giving you the chance to connect with people committed to creating real-world impacts through conferences​.

Aerial view of a church complex beside frost-covered trees and a frozen lake under an overcast sky.

Smart, Sustainable & Seamless

Leuven is easily accessible via the growing network of international train connections as well as being just 15 mins from the global hub of Brussels Airport — offering maximum comfort and minimum carbon footprint. Once here, everything is within walking distance, ensuring smooth logistics and a relaxed experience.

Map of Belgium highlighting Brussels, Leuven and Charleroi, with nearby cities and bordering countries labeled.

Venues, Vibes & Vision

As well as weaving in the rich heritage of the university and dedicated exhibitions for the 600th anniversary of KU Leuven​, you’ll discover Leuven’s diverse options for hosting international association events - from heritage venues to modern convention spaces, including new and upcoming developments and openings. Plus, you'll be able to soak in the festive atmosphere of the city's famous Christmas Market, all while getting to know the people and places that can come together to host your future events.

Crowd at a Christmas market beside a large tree, with a historic building and tall tower in the background.

What’s Included

This site visit is fully hosted by Flanders Convention Bureau and Leuven Convention Bureau.  The trip includes:
  • Bespoke travel arrangements to and from Leuven.
     
  • Two nights of accommodation in Leuven (Wed 10th and Thurs 11th Dec)
    (Please note, for US and Canadian based guests, additional hosted overnights and programme can be arranged)
     
  • Meals from welcome dinner on Wed 10th to Lunch on Friday 12th Dec.
     
  • Full programme tour of venues and activities (further details to follow after your registration)
     
  • Accompanied by the team at Flanders Convention Bureau and Leuven Convention Bureau and our partners.
     
  • Flexibility to adapt the programme to accommodate any individual requests for specific venues or meeting contacts. We’re also flexible to include a pre-visit to other Flanders cities if relevant for you.

Register your interest now

Places are limited and for international association event planners and PCO’s. Please express your interest now by registering below:

Questions? Please contact Paul Swain or​ contact your local team member here.  
Please note: There are a limited number of places available on this trip, so registration doesn't automatically confirm your place. One of the team will be in touch with you after you have registered.  

By submitting this form, you are agreeing to VISITFLANDERS GDPR and privacy policy

Group of 12 adults posing on a grassy hill with trees and a wide rural valley landscape in the background.

Welcoming you to Leuven and Flanders…

We look forward to the chance of welcoming you to Leuven this December, and showcasing how the city and region can be a contender destination for your future events.

This visit is jointly hosted by Flanders Convention Bureauand  Leuven Convention Bureau

Got a question?

The international team of Flanders Convention Bureau are here to help you.  ​

Please contact paul.swain@visitflanders.com or one of the team for more details or any questions.​

Alternatively reach out to Karin and Priscilla from Leuven Convention Bureau: info@leuvenconventionbureau.be.

Two women standing by a railing outdoors, with a grassy field and trees in the background.