Association Connect

Meet various experts in person and learn more about practical issues for your international association in Brussels. 

Association Connect, a monthly networking series tailored for association professionals is designed to empower and inspire.

The events cover essential topics like branding, influence, networking strategies, well-being, and time management. With a focus on active participation and limited to 32 participants, the sessions includes diverse formats and tea-time meetings for effective learning in a fun and engaging environment.

Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in carbon-compensated events. 

Our in-person Association Connect events are held at The Association Place, avenue d'Auderghem 63, 1040 Brussels.

Join us upon your availability during all year upon registration.

Resilience is often described as the ability to “bounce back.” That idea assumes disruption comes in waves, followed by a return to normal.

As we move into 2026, this no longer feels true. Uncertainty is constant. Geopolitics, trade tensions, funding pressures, climate change, technology shifts, polarisation and real-time media are now part of everyday challenges for leaders of associations and NGOs.

Resilient associations do not just survive disruption — they learn, adapt and improve while under pressure.

There is no single formula for resilience, but there are clear success factors. The session will explore these and how associations can embed them in a practical way, building on one of their greatest assets: the opportunity for peer-to-peer learning and collaboration.

Moderator: Joost Visser, co-founder of the global TIAO network and Managing Director of Brussels-based consultancy RELSC. 

Room: Brighter (plenary)

Workshop limited to: 30 participants

The workshop explores the connection between art and stress prevention, as well as the link between creativity and productivity. Visual art is used as a tool to stimulate creativity through individual and group exercises, all conducted in a relaxed, playful, and engaging atmosphere. The event is designed as a digital detox experience.

Recent studies show that creativity can be highly effective in managing stress. More than a form of self-expression, creativity is a valuable resource for personal well-being. 

The proposed workshop focuses on the creative process of making art rather than on artistic performance or technical skills. Creativity celebrates diversity, individual talents, and unique perspectives. No prior artistic experience or interest in contemporary art is required to attend the event. 

Moderator: Sara del Bene, Artist and consultant, Well-Being ART Work

Room: Brighter (plenary)

Workshop limited to: 15 participants

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Room: Brighter (plenary)

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Speakers:  to be confirmed

Room: Brighter (plenary)

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Moderator: -

Room: Brighter (plenary)