If you would like to organise a business event in Brussels that meets the requisite criteria and you have contacted our Convention & Association Bureau to start the process (bidding or site inspection), you will join the programme and become a Business Events Ambassador.
When do I become Business Events Ambassador?
Do I have to pay to join the programme?
Joining the programme and benefiting from its advantages is completely free.
How long do I stay in programme?
You retain this title throughout the planning of your event and for up to two years after its completion. Business Events Ambassadors who wish to continue their involvement on a regular basis (mentoring and lead generation) are offered the opportunity to remain in the programme. Also, if the event is canceled, you will lose your title as Business Event Ambassador and be automatically removed from the program.
Can I join the network as a service provider?
No. Only end customers who choose Brussels as their destination and who supports the cost of organising the event are eligible. Service providers are key players in the tourism sector and are therefore considered partners of visit.brussels (see dedicated page).
Is the Business Event Ambassador title transferable ?
The Business Event Ambassador programme is nominative and only one representative per event joins the network. The ‘title’ cannot be shared or transferred. However, in the event of unavailability, the winners of the annual ceremony may appoint a proxy to collect their award.
Which type of events are eligible?
Only professional (B2B) conferences that meet the following criteria are included in the program:
- At least 500 participants
- At least one overnight stay
- At least 40% international attendees
- At least two full days of programming
Political or student events, sports competitions, and cultural events are excluded.
What if my event has fewer than 500 participants?
If your event has at least 300 participants and meets the other eligibility criteria, you could potentially join the programme. In fact, if it returns to Brussels for at least the third time, then you are also considered a Business Event Ambassador for visit.brussels.
Are there priority business events sectors?
Brussels’ strength and expertise is recognised in 5 event sectors (Gaining Edge 2022 Brussels’ intellectual capital study):
- Healthcare: Cancer Studies, Gastroenterology, Psychology, Neurology, Public Health
- Sustainable Economy: Clean Energies, Nuclear Technology, Environment
- Digital Economy: Computer Science, ICT, Software & Data
- Bioscience: Pharmacology, Biotechnology, Biopharming
- Finance & Trade: Financial Services, Commerce & Trade, Business Services
To provide a more positive impact in the future, these priority sectors form part of our Business Tourism strategy and guide our targeted prospecting.