Brussels has recovered quite well in visitor terms. We have almost reached our 2019 level in overnight stays. When it comes to conferences, we have seen a gradual return, and 2023 is proving to be a very satisfactory year and 2024, with the Belgian presidency of the European Union, is a very promising one.
The European Parliament is located on the site of the former brewery Leopold. Therefore, never hesitate to insist on having a beer in the building, if you are organizing an event there.
If you have a cause that may be important for the general public, the Manneken Pis may also be dressed accordingly to deliver your association’s message.
Together with Dubai, Singapore and Washington DC, Brussels is one of the founding members of the Global Association Hubs Partnership – which groups together the world’s leading cities for international associations – and Brussels is a leader for association meetings in Europe.
The main convention center is the SQUARE Convention Centre. Located just opposite the Central Station, next to the Old Town, it can host conferences for all audiences. From cinema awards and medical conferences to international summits, the venue has welcomed a very diverse audience.
For conferences we have venues spread all around the city, with large halls in the south like The Egg or in the north with Docks Dome. Other venues with modular spaces are located also in the city center, like Sparks, or in the business area of Louise, with Comet Meetings. In that area is also located the Centre for International Associations, as well as various service providers for international associations (law, human resources, association management, travel agencies).
Trade shows take place at Brussels Expo and at Tour & Taxis. Both sites offer a diversified experience thanks to large exhibition halls, a conference center and a concert hall at Brussels Expo grounds available for business and open gatherings, whereas the whole area of Tour & Taxis with the Gare Maritime, Maison de la Poste conference center and the Sheds can deliver a space fit for purpose to the general or professional public.
The visit.brussels Convention and Association Bureau welcomes and assists other event organizers and releases its annual
Let’s Meet guide to highlight all the possibilities for meetings.
Brussels boasts a large selection of hotels and accommodation of all categories and kinds. In the city center, European Quarter or Louise area, or close to the airport or train stations, you will find the accommodation you need.
If you are an association professional staying for longer periods, use the offer provided by aparthotels, short term rentals or co-living spaces available in Brussels.
Easy to reach by all means of transport – plane, rail, road, bicycle – Brussels provides opportunities to come from all over the world. With flight connections with Asia, Africa, North America and across Europe, plus trains and buses, all travelers can get to the city in a short time frame.
The Convention & Association Bureau is your single point of contact, providing you with free first-hand information about available services and stakeholders in Brussels.
At visit.brussels we want to make it easy for you to establish your association in Brussels by providing some key information with our guides available online, and we can also match your requests with the appropriate service providers.
We hold four seasonal events each year for associations and meeting planners, showing different venues and city districts to help you discover all the novelties.
In November 2023 we are inaugurating The Association Place in the European Quarter – our new premises for delivering information and holding small meetings for associations.
In Brussels, for food and drink, there is something for everyone! If you are looking for variety under one roof, check out the food courts at Gare Maritime, at The Mix or at The Wolf. Our restaurant finder may also help you in finding the right place for your lunch or dinner. Let us also guide you through the selection of wine bars, as well as discovery of the rich beer perspective of Brussels.
Whenever you come to Brussels take a look at all the cultural events on agenda.brussels to find an exhibition, cinema festival or music concert that will be of interest to you. And take the opportunity of last minute tickets, if you are looking for something on the day itself.
For more information, contact the visit.brussels – Convention & Association bureau at:
Issue #6 – November 2023