Event Confederation

08/10/2026

📢 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀.

Managing a flexible crew is essential for events, but do you know where independent contracting ends and official employment begins? With authorities cracking down on false self-employment, reclassification risks and financial sanctions are at an all-time high.

In our upcoming info session, our legal partner Crowell & Moring Brussels will explain how the complex legislation applies in practice on the event floor.

📍 Crowell & Moring | Joseph Stevensstraat 7 | 1000 Brussels
🗓️ Monday, 26 October 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱?
✅ Freelancers who want to protect their legal status
✅ Event professionals considering making the leap to freelancing
✅ Event companies collaborating with, or planning to hire freelancers

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲:
🔗 Free for our members: https://event-confederation.be/course/werken-met-freelancers/
🔗 Non-members can register via our webshop: https://event-confederation.be/shop/

05/10/2026

A 100% 𝘇𝗲𝗿𝗼-𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 might still sound like a pipe dream, but 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 is closing the gap fast.

From energy-efficient light and sound systems to smart mobility and real-time visitor tracking, technology is transforming how we reduce our environmental and human footprint.

The Belgian event sector is already stepping up, showcasing inspiring and real-world examples of sustainable tech in action:

✅ From diesel generators to smart energy
✅ Tackling single-use consumption
✅ AV as a catalyst for sustainable innovation
✅ The visitor as part of the solution
✅ Data analysis as a driver of sustainability
✅ A technological and human challenge

𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲?

Read the 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 on the news page of our website:
▪️ in Dutch: https://event-confederation.be/nieuws/duurzame-technologie-maakt-de-eventsector-klaar-voor-de-toekomst/
▪️ in French: https://event-confederation.be/fr/actualites/les-technologies-durables-preparent-le-secteur-de-levenementiel-a-lavenir/

Register for our congress for the Belgian event sector:

🔊 𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗢 𝟮𝟲 𝗫 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀
🗓️ Wednesday, 9 December 2026
📍 Corda Arena, Hasselt
🔗 www.echo26.be

04/10/2026

Want to learn more about the evolution and future of the Belgian event sector at VOKA Open Bedrijvendag?

At 15:00, Christine Merckx and Christophe Lenaerts will dive into shifiting visitor expections, innovation and technology, and the dynamic between live, digital, and hybrid formats.

You can join live at 2 Stream today, or follow the livestreaam via 👉 https://go.2stream.live/vokaopenbedrijvendag

01/10/2026

𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗢 𝟮𝟲!

📍 Corda Arena, Hasselt
🗓️ Wednesday, 9 December 2026

𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲. 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀
This 4th edition of our congress for the Belgian event sector will be twice as special. On the same day and the same stage, the second edition of the 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 congress will also take place.

The best thing? You don’t have to choose! Take a seat in the congress hall, put on your headphones and switch between sessions whenever you want.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲:
• Game-changing keynotes & interactive panels
• Real case studies & actionable insights
• A curated marketplace open all day
• Plenty of networking opportunities

Don’t miss this unique opportunity and buy your tickets now!
𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁. 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 👉 www.echo26.be

30/09/2026

🎉 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟭𝟬 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻!

Yesterday, during our Extraordinary General Meeting, our members officially approved the appointment of our new 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 for the next three years.

Starting this October, our confederation will be governed by five representatives from the clusters Organisers and five from the clusters Suppliers.

We are proud to introduce our new board members:

𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀
• Vinciane Morel
• Michel Van Camp
• Gregory Olszewski
• Frédéric François
• Birgit Ketele

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀
• Juul Van Gils
• Katrien Vermeire
• Jannes Jacobs
• Alain D’Haese
• Patrice Engelschenschilt

Read more
▶️ in Dutch: https://event-confederation.be/nieuws/de-10-nieuwe-bestuursleden-van-event-confederation/
▶️ in French: https://event-confederation.be/fr/actualites/les-10-nouveaux-membres-du-conseil-dadministration-devent-confederation/

23/09/2026

Yesterday, our cluster 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 was given an exclusive sneak peek inside the brand-new 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮, ahead of its official opening later this year.

✅ Ine Vanoeveren kicked off by introducing our members to some of the impressive technology integrated into the venue. From VR, holograms and avatars to no fewer than eight gigantic LED screens that can move throughout the space, technology is an integral part of the experience, creating exciting new possibilities for event organisers and audiences alike.

We then took a deeper dive into the technical side with two of our own members who are contributing their expertise to this prestigious project.

✅ 𝗜𝗹𝗷𝗮 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘂𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻 (The Safe Group) explained how the venue’s Wi-Fi network will be managed to provide a stable connection throughout events.
✅ 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗵𝘁𝘀 (PRG: Belgium) gave us a closer look at the arena’s complete AV and technical set-up.

Of course, no sneak peek without food and drinks, time to catch up and connect, and a proper 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿.

Our cluster members explored the arena while it’s still taking shape and see first-hand how everything is coming together. We can’t reveal too much before it’s official opening, but judging by what we saw yesterday, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀. 😉

And we already know when we’ll be back! Corda Arena will host 𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗢 𝟮𝟲, the fourth edition of our congress for the Belgian event sector. After getting this first glimpse behind the scenes, we’re even more excited to welcome our sector there on Wednesday 𝟵 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿.

Save the date! 🗓️ 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝟭 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿
👉 Stay tuned for updates!

21/09/2026

𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗴𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿! 🇧🇪

The latest sector study by Event Confederation and IVOX reveals positive momentum alongside key challenges for Belgium’s event sector:

📈 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 & 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
• Q2 2026 saw higher revenue and profit growth compared to Q1, outpacing 2025 results.
• On average, 90% of permanent staff and freelancers remain actively employed.
• 78% view the digital revolution as a growth opportunity, with 76% reporting higher efficiency through tech. Only 22% worry about its impact on job creation.

🔮 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 & 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀
• 41% plan to hire new staff in the next 6 months, and 55% still have scope to invest.
• Only 29% can pass rising costs onto clients, and 55% faced lower-than-normal order volumes over the past 6 months.

While resilience and optimism drive the sector forward, internal efforts alone aren't enough. For sustainable long-term growth, the Belgian event sector needs 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀, and 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 from government leaders to unlock its full economic and social value.

Read the research summary:
▶️ in Dutch: https://event-confederation.be/nieuws/van-applaus-naar-actie-eventsector-eist-structurele-erkenning/
▶️ in French: https://event-confederation.be/fr/actualites/du-applaudissement-a-laction-le-secteur-evenementiel-reclame-une-reconnaissance-structurelle/

17/09/2026

Why does Belgium’s world-class event sector still lack formal institutional recognition?

Today, our sector operates without 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲, 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. The result? A chaotic patchwork of federal and regional regulations that creates unnecessary uncertainty for employers, employees, and policymakers alike.

At Event Confederation, securing official recognition for the event sector remains 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀. We advocate for one clear and comprehensive definition that reflects the reality of our industry.

Whether public or private, commercial or non-profit, subsidised or not, formal recognition with 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 is essential to:

✅ create a level playing field across the sector
✅ standardise regulations on sustainability, safety and digitalisation
✅ ensure fair labour conditions and effective social dialogue
✅ eliminate inconsistencies between regional and federal policies

What began as local gatherings has evolved into a 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 and a significant 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 for Belgium.

With 𝟴𝟳% 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗴𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁, our sector deserves an official framework that matches its economic and societal weight. It is time for policy and regulation to catch up with reality.

Read the full article on the news page of our website.
▶️ in Dutch: https://event-confederation.be/nieuws/belang-van-een-definitie-voor-de-belgische-eventsector/
▶️ in French: https://event-confederation.be/fr/actualites/limportance-dune-definition-pour-le-secteur-evenementiel-belge/

Le secteur événementiel belge fonctionne aujourd'hui encore sans ancrage institutionnel. Cela engen des problèmes concrets pour les employeurs, les travailleurs et les décideurs politiques. Une grande partie des difficultés auxquelles nos entreprises sont confrontées découle directement de l'...

14/09/2026

𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗴𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 ... 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆? 🤔

A new study by Event Confederation and research partner IVOX - surveying 1,000 Belgians in July 2026 - reveals a fascinating paradox:

📊 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗴𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆:
• 74% value simple events without excessive technology
• 68% say that the use of AI at events makes them more wary
• 54% are concerned about how their personal data is used at events

📍 𝗬𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘀:
• Nearly 6 in 10 Brussels visitors are willing to 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 in exchange for a better event experience, compared with just one-third of Flemings and Walloons.
• Only 29% of Flemish and 34% of Walloon visitors enjoy 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘀 (plannings, networking, information), while in Brussels this rises to 50%.
• Just 23% of Flemish visitors claim they are more likely to attend an event that 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆, compared with 39% in Brussels.

The event sector needs to push for digital innovation, but bridging the gap between tech integration and attendee trust will be key.

The challenge for our sector is not simply to introduce more technology, but to ensure it delivers genuine value, enhances the attendee experience, and earns the trust of those using it.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆:
▶️ in Dutch: https://event-confederation.be/nieuws/belgische-eventbezoeker-wil-meer-technologie-op-events-maar-willen-ze-dat-wel-echt/
▶️ in French: https://event-confederation.be/fr/actualites/les-visiteurs-devenements-belges-veulent-plus-de-technologie-lors-des-evenements-mais-le-veulent-ils-vraiment/

09/09/2026

𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗞, 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮!

Belgian event companies enjoy an outstanding international reputation. With more than 60% seeking growth opportunities beyond Belgium, expanding into new markets has become a strategic priority.

However, international business development often comes with unexpected challenges. To support companies on this journey, we’re launching a webinar series focused on doing business abroad, featuring insights into three key trading markets.

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀.

👉 Free for members of Event Confederation. Register via our Academy: https://event-confederation.be/academy/
👉 Non-members can register via our webshop: https://event-confederation.be/shop/

𝗗𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗱𝗼𝗺
📅 Thursday, 17 September 2026 at noon
🤝With Maarten (Flanders Investment & Trade - UK) & Cederic Gysel (bematrix)

𝗗𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻
📅 Thursday, 24 September 2026 at noon
🤝 With Charline Vandermeer (Flanders Investment & Trade - Spain) & Dominic De Gruyter (PFL bv)

𝗗𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮
📅 Thursday, 1 October 2026 at noon
🤝With Bart Vandeputte (hub.brussels), Harshal Kothari (EEMA India) & Anil Makhija (BookMyShow)

Read more:
▶️ in Dutch: https://event-confederation.be/nieuws/webinarreeks-zakendoen-in-het-buitenland/
▶️ in French: https://event-confederation.be/fr/actualites/serie-de-webinaires-sur-le-commerce-international/