Brussels – a chance to impact policy

The Belgian capital is renowned across the world as the centre of European politics. There are over 2,250 international associations in Brussels – more than any city in the world. You also have 678 organisations linked to EU policymaking and the highest number of accredited journalists in the world. Beyond its political relevance, the city has possibly the most beautiful plaza in all of Europe.

Hosting events in Brussels enables contact with a host of important policymakers and institutions. With the right contacts, a conference in Brussels stands a chance of leaving a legacy that’s printed in legal code.

Brussels is also the second most cosmopolitan city in the world after Dubai, with over 180 nationalities. That makes it an easy place to host diverse, multilingual events, where attendees from different countries feel welcome.

Why host a conference in Brussels?

Policymaking hub: For conferences that involve government relations, Brussels offers access to EU regulators, trade bodies and industry leaders.

High-speed rail to four European capitals: London, Paris, Amsterdam and Cologne are all under two hours by train.

Brussels Airport: More direct flights than Heathrow, with connections to 200+ international cities.

Brussels key venues

Square Brussels Convention Centre

A modern conference space located in the heart of the city, Square Brussels is the go-to venue for association congresses, trade summits and EU-focused events.

BOZAR

The Centre for Fine Arts (BOZAR) blends cultural programming with high-level networking, offering a unique venue for corporate leadership and creative industry events.

KANAL-Centre Pompidou

Opening in 2026, this former Citroën factory will be transformed into a modern cultural and business hub, featuring event spaces designed for innovation-driven conferences.

Brussels invests in business events

Brussels actively supports international events by providing funding, incentives and practical assistance:

Brussels Welcome Support – Organisers can apply for up to €10,000 in in-kind services, covering venue costs, local promotion and delegate hospitality.

Brussels Business Events Ambassadors Programme – Recognises and supports local professionals who bring major international conferences to the city.

Conferences driving policy impact in Brussels

Here are three events that have influenced European political decision-making:

Brussels VIII Conference on Syria: Held in May 2024, this EU-led conference secured €7.5bn in pledges for humanitarian aid and regional stability. It played a key role in shaping EU foreign policy toward the Middle East by aligning international responses to the Syrian crisis.

Annual EU Budget Conference 2025: Scheduled for May 2025, this conference helps define how the EU allocates its multi-billion-euro budget. It influences decisions on economic growth, resilience funding and global strategy, ensuring financial priorities align with long-term Union goals.

European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) Policy Conference: The largest EU event on renewable energy, EUSEW convenes policymakers and industry leaders to drive clean energy initiatives. The 2025 edition (10-12 June) will influence the EU’s sustainable energy strategy and long-term climate goals.

Best for: policy, finance and international conferences.

Brussels is an ideal setting for an international conference that wants to leave a legacy behind it. If your event needs industry influence, policymaker access and international connectivity, Brussels should be on your list.

Bruges

The ‘Venice of the North’, Bruges is a medieval, UNESCO city that’s been partially converted into a conference centre. One of the main pulls of the city is that delegates will want to explore it.

With a network of medieval canals, cobblestone streets and old Gothic buildings, Bruges is one of the most picturesque towns in central Europe. Not to mention that fans of the movie will be able to say they’ve been “In Bruges”.

Hospitality-wise, the city is also a high performer – Bruges has more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than Paris.

Practically, what does Bruges offer to organisers?

Oud Sint-Jan

One of Europe’s oldest hospitals, the 12th century Oud Sint-Jan site has been converted into a conference venue. It has kept its medieval interiors, yet now offers modern facilities that host medical and scientific conferences.

Concertgebouw

Completed in 2002, the Concertgebouw Brugge is one of the city’s most contemporary structures. Located near the historic centre, the concert hall is built to host world-class performances, including conferences. Its state-of-the-art acoustics make it ideal for scientific congresses, panel discussions and multimedia presentations.

BMCC

The ‘hyper-modern’ label can also be attached to Bruges Meeting & Convention Centre (BMCC), the city’s main venue. It was built to an extremely high sustainability standard. BMCC has geothermal heating and cooling, solar energy, bio-insulated roofing and sustainable carpeting.

Walkable conference experience

Bruges’ greatest logistical advantage is that it’s entirely walkable. From the moment delegates arrive, everything is within reach:

No shuttle buses or taxis needed – venues, hotels and restaurants are within minutes on foot

More than 50 hotels within walking distance of conference venues

Sustainable by default – low emissions, minimal transport impact and reduced event footprints

A history of ‘legacy conferencing’

The impact of the EACD 2024 conference in Bruges, hosted by KU Leuven, went beyond the boardroom. The EACD+ programme partnered with local organisations and public sectors, which led to the establishment of a task force advocating across Europe. The conference was recognised by ICCA and BestCities with the 2024 Incredible Impacts Programme grant for this lasting effect.

Odd facts:

Bruges hosted the first European hydrogen-powered tour boat – In December 2023, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges introduced the Hydrotug 1, the world’s first hydrogen-powered tugboat. The Hydrotug 1 is part of the port’s initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

Bruges pioneered ‘silent nights’ for sustainable tourism – Since 2023, the city enforces noise-free evenings in certain areas, ensuring that events can host evening receptions without excessive urban noise.

Best for: high-impact, low-disruption conferences.

Bruges isn’t a city for large-scale trade expos or high-capacity arenas. But for knowledge-sharing events, the city’s UNESCO medieval beauty, sustainability and efficiency make it an impressive conference location.