When it comes to organising a successful event, one thing stands out: connections. It’s about connecting with the right suppliers, sponsors, and speakers. It’s about tapping into a network of experts who understand your field. And perhaps most importantly, it’s about connecting with a city that offers unparalleled advantages. That city is Brussels – the vibrant capital of Europe, where every connection counts.
Why Brussels?
Brussels isn’t just any convention destination – it’s the number one association city in the world. Boasting 2,250 headquarters, Brussels serves as the natural home for international associations. Its highly skilled multilingual workforce and extensive support services make it an ideal location for building memberships and engaging with European decision-makers. Moreover, Brussels is a specialist in life sciences. Surprisingly, Belgium hosts the world’s highest concentration of life science professionals and ranks as the second-largest pharmaceutical exporter globally. With renowned university hospitals and a thriving ecosystem of hi-tech and healthcare companies, Brussels stands as a pivotal center for life sciences. In addition to life sciences, Brussels boasts a dynamic ICT sector. Through collaboration between academia, research, and businesses, supported by regional authorities, the city’s ICT sector is rapidly growing. Brussels is gaining worldwide recognition for its innovation capacity, making it an attractive destination for tech-focused events.
Parc du Cinquantenaire – Jubelpark © visit.brussels – Jean-Paul Remy – 2017
Positive Impact Support: Boosting International Events in Brussels
As a hub for international conferences, congresses, and fairs, Brussels has long been recognised for its strategic location and dynamic environment. To further enhance its reputation and support events that contribute positively to the region, visit.brussels introduced the Positive Impact Support Programme. The Positive Impact Support Programme is an initiative extended by visit.brussels to aid international professional event organisers planning to host events in Brussels. This support is targeted towards sectors that not only elevate the image of the region but also align with its key centres of excellence. These sectors include Healthcare, Sustainable Economy, Digital Economy, Biosciences, and Finance & Trade. With a rich tapestry of world-class universities, a concentration of international companies, research and development institutions, and proactive support networks, Brussels offers an ideal backdrop for events seeking to make a significant impact. The core mission of the Positive Impact Support Programme is to provide dedicated services and concrete actions aimed at promoting events both internationally and locally. The programme strives to increase event attendance, forge partnerships, and enhance the overall experience for attendees before and during the event. Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the Positive Impact Support Programme, event organisers must meet certain criteria:
- The event must be an international conference, congress, or fair.
- It must take place between March 4, 2024, and December 31, 2024.
- The event must be hosted within the Brussels-Capital Region.
- It must cater to a minimum of 300 participants, with at least 30% of attendees residing outside of Belgium.
- Bonus assets that strengthen the bid include aligning with the key sectors of excellence, having a local ambassador from an international association present the bid, and demonstrating concrete actions towards sustainability.
The evaluation and selection process for the Positive Impact Support Programme is conducted by a selection committee comprising representatives from the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. The Positive Impact Support Programme by visit.brussels serves as a catalyst for international events seeking to leave a lasting impression in Brussels.
Embracing Sustainability, Creativity and Culture
visit.brussels is committed to making events greener. Brussels has made significant strides towards sustainability and was recently named the number one sustainable city in Europe for environmental policy. Events like the Annual Carbon Capture & Storage Summit and Sustainable Energy Week, chose Brussels as the host city for their clean-tech gathering. Beyond business, Brussels is a city of creativity and culture. From its iconic Art Nouveau architecture to its burgeoning fashion and textile design scene, Brussels is an inspiring hub for creativity. With a thriving film industry, bustling art galleries, and a plethora of cultural events, delegates will find plenty to explore and enjoy outside of conference hours. 
Proximity to Power
In Brussels, you’re at the heart of European policymaking. Hosting all major EU institutions, the city is home to a vast diplomatic corps, journalists, and lobby groups. But Brussels isn’t just about politics – it’s also a thriving business hub. With 1,700 international corporations operating across Europe from Brussels, the city offers a diverse range of business services. Brussels is a melting pot of cultures, with 183 nationalities calling it home. As a cosmopolitan city, it attracts economic migrants and offers a professional environment supported by translators and interpreters in all 24 official EU languages. Business event visitors to Brussels appreciate its exceptional culinary scene. With over 2,500 restaurants offering top-notch catering, delegates are in for a treat. Additionally, the city’s preservation of local culture ensures a vibrant atmosphere filled with street life, traditional markets, and folklore.
Mont des Arts
Kunstberg
Square Brussels Meeting Centre
Strategic Accessibility
Brussels is not only easy to reach but also easy to navigate. With its compact size, many attractions are within walking distance, while efficient tram, bus, and metro systems connect the city. Whether exploring historical landmarks or attending events, getting around Brussels is seamless.
Brussels in Numbers
- 3 main universities, 7 university hospitals, and 24 healthcare centers
- Ranked number one in Europe for clinical trials per capita and second worldwide
- Recognised as the 10th city globally for innovation capacity
- Named the number one sustainable city in Europe for environmental policy
- Home to the most international association headquarters
- Hosts approximately 600 congresses and meetings annually, ranking second globally
- Offers over 210 event venues accommodating 10 to 15,000 people, with 1,237,400 m² of convention centre space
- Boasts 200 hotels providing 20,000 bedrooms
- Represents 478 media outlets, including television stations and newspapers
- Hosts 18,000 cultural events each year
