Antwerp reveals new branding with strong message that ‘the city is your venue’

Antwerp Convention Bureau revealed its proactive international offering and a refreshed brand at IBTM World last week in Barcelona. Following an in-depth review and collaborative work with buyers, industry specialists, destination experts and marketers, Antwerp Convention Bureau decided to renew its focus on the proactive development of international inbound conferences for the destination. “When you come to Antwerp, the city is your venue. In Antwerp, you don’t just rent a venue or book a hotel, you embrace an entire city. Every street, park and restaurant becomes part of it. Thanks to the city’s intimate size, but also thanks to our welcoming and flexible mindset, congresses can resonate beyond the conference room,” Tadeja Pivc Coudyser, CEO of Antwerp Convention Bureau told assembled media at the recent trade show in Barcelona. The CVB is promoting the city’s ability to combine modern infrastructure, a compact and accessible offering and a rich history at the centre of world trade. The CVB is also promising renewed support for association and corporate organisers throughout the lifecycle of any event they bring to the Belgian city. Pivc Coudyser added: “Antwerp is a city that opens up easily for organisers and their delegates. It is versatile and adjustable, making sure visitors get to experience it in a way that is custom fitted to their needs. Congresses, which are often meticulously prepared for years, matter more in Antwerp, because in Antwerp, they are not just another congress, they get to be the main event.” Antwerp’s vice-mayor, Koen Kennis also commented: “This is an exciting time for our city, and it is great to see Antwerp Convention Bureau stepping forward and pushing our incredible destination so hard to the international business events sector. The concept that The City Is Your Venue perfectly suits our accessible, approachable and personal city and I look forward to working with the convention bureau team as they win more business for Antwerp over the months and years ahead.” Association leaders also attended the briefing at IBTM, including Gerard Lebeda, secretary/treasurer to the Board of Directors, International Society for Urban Health, who added: “Antwerp is a destination I have visited many times and I look forward to returning in the near future. It is a vibrant city with a great offering for the association and wider event markets. Antwerp’s plans to improve the city’s offering and its focus on providing a bespoke and personalised service will really help it stand out in a crowded market and I am sure their ongoing activity will reap considerable rewards.” In the last year, the CVB helped the city generate significant new conference and event business, including more than 20 large events (500 persons+) over the next three years, these will see more than 21,000 people visit the city.