To promote Flanders (the Northern part of Belgium) as a leading congress destination, the VISITFLANDERS Convention Bureau became an Association Relations Partner (ARP) of ICCA. Mrs. Evelyne Bardyn,  director of the Convention Bureau, and the ICCA Interim CEO Mr. Dennis Speet signed the two-year agreement on Wednesday, 14 November during the ICCA Congress in Dubai.

Mrs Bardyn stated: ''This is an important step for Flanders’ visibility and it will strengthen our relationship with both ICCA and international associations. I believe that it will have a positive impact on Flanders’ position as an international congress destination.''

Brussels and beyond
The VISITFLANDERS Convention Bureau has launched a brand new strategy two years ago with the aim to focus on attracting international congresses to the region which match with the strong local economic clusters, research centres and the academic world.

Large investments have been done to improve and develop new MICE infrastructure across the Flanders region. One of Flanders most important strengths is the location of its conference centres, right in the middle of the historic city centres. It’s precisely this cultural heritage that creates Flanders’ appeal as a meeting and conference destination. Association delegates experience unforgettable congresses and create the heritage of tomorrow in unique Flanders Heritage Venues

The distances and travel times between each of the main Belgian cities are very short and dedicated local and city CVB’s can assist you from A to Z.

Flanders by Numbers:

  1. Six art cities which welcome the delegates in congress venues based in uniquely renovated heritage sites. Experience your meeting and networking in extraordinary locations and will get inspired and triggered to discover and share more with the delegates.
     
  2. Flanders is situated in the heart of Europe and is easy accessible via the large airhub which offers many flights from Europe and outside. A great network of fast train connects you to many European countries.
     
  3. Belgium is ranked third in the top 15 of International Conference Countries. Flanders offers you State of the Art facilities, venues, hotels, social programmes, transport and top hospitality on site and above all you will have an experience to remember. Your congress can be linked for instance to the special created programme about the Flemish Masters (2018 to 2020) during which 1 famous Flemish Master is put in the spotlight per year. In 2019 it will be Bruegel and in 2020 it will be Jan van Eyck.

To discover your local partner we invite you to participate at our tailor made Inspirational Visits in 2019. Participate and learn at a high end event in your sector or industry, meet with your peers and discover Flanders for your next congress.

Find out more about VISITFLANDERS Convention Bureau at www.meetinflanders.com  or contact Evelyne Bardyn at Evelyne.bardyn@visitflanders.com.