FAQ
Why choose Antwerp as a conference destination?
Antwerp has all the right qualities for hosting international conferences, congresses, and meetings of all sizes. The city is an economic powerhouse, with a strong focus on innovation and expertise in key sectors.
The city’s unique heritage venues and rich cultural scene ensure that your event leaves a lasting impression.
On top of that, Antwerp is centrally located in Europe and easily accessible by plane, train, bus or car. And Antwerp’s city centre is intimate and all amenities are within walking distance.
What is the added value of the Antwerp Convention Bureau?
Antwerp Convention Bureau serves as a strategic bridge – connecting event organisers with local partners to make planning conferences, congresses, and events in Antwerp seamless.
The Antwerp Convention Bureau provides free, independent advice – from finding the right venues and hotels to coordinating with local service providers, including universities and economic hubs.
What can event organisers expect from the Antwerp Convention Bureau?
The Antwerp Convention Bureau (ACB) team works to know your business and your desires and ambitions for your event. The team collaborates closely with you to understand your unique needs in order to create compelling bid books, manage the bid process, and provide administrative assistance and communication and marketing support.
ACB’s organisational support includes site visits, venue selection, accommodation arrangements, and logistical guidance. Antwerp Convention Bureau makes sure that every practical detail aligns perfectly with your goals. In this process, ACB customises your experience to make Antwerp your ideal conference destination.
What makes Antwerp an ideal conference or event destination?
In Antwerp, you don’t just rent a venue or book a hotel … you embrace the entire city. In Antwerp, the city is your venue.
Antwerp is the perfect conference destination, because it is a pocket-sized metropolis with a welcoming attitude and a vibrant culture. It is an international economic engine with a drive for innovation.
Is Antwerp an accessible city?
Antwerp is easy to reach by plane, train, bus or car. The city’s intimate, human proportions mean that everything you desire is within walking distance, including unique cultural heritage sites in the historic centre.
Will Antwerp accommodate my event’s needs?
Antwerp has an open, flexible mindset. Whatever you wish, Antwerp Convention Bureau makes it happen. When you come here, we customise your stay to make sure the city feels like your personal venue. According to your needs, we select from Antwerp’s variety of assets to facilitate an unforgettable experience.
What about Antwerp’s history and heritage?
With its dazzling diamond industry and fine arts, and its blend of old and new architecture, Antwerp offers a sensory-rich experience. The city centre boasts multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites, where you can host events, conferences, and dinners. You can welcome your delegates to a building that has a unique story and offer them an unforgettable heritage experience that will be so special and meaningful that it will be valued for years to come.
Can I find the right partners easily in Antwerp?
Antwerp’s open welcoming attitude makes it easy to get in touch with people and to access an extensive network of local partners. We connect you to the right people, such as service providers, experts, stakeholders, future attendees, and local industry and government contacts. Antwerp empowers personal connections, so that your conference or event is a glowing success.
What is the price/quality ratio in Antwerp?
Antwerp has a very wide range of hotels, restaurants and venues – at a wide variety of prices, yet all offering the highest standards. Even in the heart of the city, eating, sleeping and exploring are budget-friendly, while still providing an excellent experience.
Is Antwerp a forward-looking city?
Antwerp is a leading innovation hub. The city hosts one of the world's major ports and the world’s second-largest chemical cluster. Bolstered by a network of hospitals and research institutions, innovation in healthcare flourishes here. The city is also the world’s diamond capital and enjoys a unique status in international fashion and retail. Antwerp’s development and sustainability efforts are enhanced by digital innovation and smart mobility initiatives.
What economic sectors is Antwerp strong in?
- A world-class port: Antwerp-Bruges
- Europe’s largest integrated and sustainable chemical cluster
- Health: a vital innovation cluster
- Digital innovation
- A world diamond capital
Is Antwerp a ‘smart city’?
Led by the ‘Smart Ways to Antwerp’ digital platform; smart mobility drives Antwerp's smart city agenda, streamlining travel options through data-driven solutions. Ambitious projects like ‘The Big Link’ further the city's commitment to smart infrastructure – the project aims to shift transportation modalities through extensive investments in roads, cycling paths, tram lines, and green spaces.
Antwerp's dedication to mobility innovation extends to urban health as well – initiatives like the master plan for the Scheldt Quays, which prioritises green spaces and ecological development, underscore the city's commitment to fostering a healthier environment for all of its residents and visitors.
In what ways does the Antwerp Convention Bureau support event organisers?
You can count on the Antwerp Convention Bureau to support you before, during – and even after – your event in the following ways:
- Bid coordination and support
- Communication and marketing assistance
- Organisational support
- Networking and connection opportunities
- Legal, financial and logistical guidance
- Personal customised approach
