Why does an association choose Bruges? Our UNESCO World Heritage City is one of the must-see cities. In the heart of Europe lies a charming, compact city with a small-town feel and yet it conceals so much grandeur. Heritage and innovation embrace each other here. Flanders Heritage Venues, state-of-the art conference centres, internationally renowned knowledge institutions and expertise in mechatronics, ICT, healthcare, the port, and tourism & culture offer countless opportunities for collaboration. And everything is within walking distance.

The Visit Bruges Convention Bureau team will gladly assist you in your search for suitable venues and hotels, the right partners, preparation of a bid book, and a personalised site visit.

Why did EACD2024 choose Bruges?

How to create an impactful conference

What is a conference with impact? As an association, you would like to establish a milestone within your field of knowledge, for example, by presenting a breakthrough in research. But a conference with impact means so much more. It creates a positive impact for society in the short and long term: for the entrepreneurs, researchers, residents and policy-makers in the city where the conference is taking place. What positive impact can your conference generate?

How did EACD2024 handle it?

Prof. Elegast Monbaliu is a professor at KU Leuven Campus Bruges (rehabilitation sciences and physical therapy) and co-organiser. EACD2024 was the largest European conference in the sector and Prof. Monbaliu wanted to go beyond the exchange of scientific insights. His aim was to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities dating back to childhood. The conference was to be a lever for greater inclusivity and accessibility of sports, culture and technology applications for the target group. The organisers did this on the one hand by closely involving the target group in the organising of the conference and on the other hand by organising several activities – under the EACD+ umbrella: the Opening Concert in Concertgebouw Brugge, an Experience Room in BMCC and a Sports Festival.

Register for the Impact Day!

VISITFLANDERS Convention Bureau developed a new methodology that allows conference organizers to identify and maximize their impact, making their conference a milestone for the sector and society.

The Impact Day takes place on October 14 in the St Magdalene's Church in Bruges.

Register here.

Conference in the spotlight

Our conference agenda for the autumn season is full once again.

EFFoST2024

From 12 to 14 November, BMCC will host the 38th EFFoST (European Federation of Food Science and Technology) International Conference. The Conference Dinner will take place in the beautifully renovated Provincial Palace. The central goal of all involved in the conference is to provide sufficient, safe, nutritious, delicious and sustainable food for the entire population. The conference will pay special attention to the World Health Organization's (WHO) ‘One Health’ concept, an interdisciplinary collaboration to improve human, animal and environmental health.

How does Bruges contribute to sustainable food management? Our caterers adopt a short-chain approach and work with local, seasonal produce. Waste management is often employed and a solution is being sought for food surpluses.

ICCA, the Future of Healthcare Meetings

Our Sales Manager Kathy attended the ICCA Future of Healthcare Meetings in Zurich in early September, where she presented Bruges as a top destination for healthcare conferences. Did you know that Bruges has a long tradition of healthcare dating back to the Middle Ages? The hospitals AZ Sint-Jan Bruges-Ostend and AZ Sint-Lucas have an international reputation in terms of knowledge and expertise.

Interested in holding your medical conference in Bruges? Contact our team to discuss the options.

Find us at IBTM World - booth G40

Our Sales Manager Kathy Van Wambeke and our partners BMCC, Concertgebouw Brugge (Concert Hall), Provincial Palace, Crowne Plaza Brugge, Bruges Beer Experience, Historium, Radisson Blu Brugge and Event Mosaic look forward to welcoming you to the Visit Bruges stand G40 from 19 to 21 November.

Book your appointment with Kathy now.

In the spotlight

St Magdalene's Church awarded Flanders Heritage Venue label

"Madeleine in Brugge" comprises a spacious 800 m2 church and a stately pastor's house with private garden. Both buildings overlook a small square. This eco-church is technologically well-equipped with a projector, screen, LED lighting, infrared heating, and various sound systems. The church has a capacity of 200 comfortable seats, but the capacity increases to 450 depending on the seating arrangement. A heavenly venue for a corporate dinner or event!

Contact our team for a tailored quote.

New campus A of Howest Bruges Station

Howest Campus Bruges Station has opened a brand-new building. Campus A is within walking distance of the Bruges railway station. With a multi-purpose hall, spacious classrooms and six auditoria, this venue offers numerous options for your conference or reception. It also offers parking for around 100 cars.

Take a look here.

Novotel Brugge has had a facelift

The Novotel hotel in the heart of Bruges city center has been completely renovated. Easily accessible by train and all conference locations are just a stone's throw away. The 95 renovated modern and spacious rooms invite you to a good night's sleep after a busy conference day. The NovoMe restaurant serves local dishes.

Discover more images here.