With more than 2,400 international associations based in Brussels, this sector is of strategic importance for the n°1 association city in the world (UIA 2021). If you are part of this unique community, visit.brussels is your best ally to help you establish, manage and develop your association in Brussels.
The Convention & Association Bureau is your single point of contact, providing you with a free first-hand information about available services and stakeholders in Brussels.
Brussels, natural home for international associations
Being based in Brussels instantly boosts the fame and reputation of your association, amplifies your message, reinforces your international position and puts you in direct contact with decision-makers and other associations.
How to get started?
At visit.brussels, we understand the challenges of gathering information. That's why we want to make it easy for you to establish your association in Brussels by providing some key information in this useful guide.
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Association service providers
Are you looking for specific services tailored to the needs of international associations? Discover this referencing platform of business experts. If you are a provider, make yourself known !
Summary sheets
Our professional partners from various sectors have synthesised important facts that you should keep in mind when considering settling in Brussels. Print out the fact sheets and have the information at hand at all times.
Get free support
The Convention & Association Bureau is here to provide the best possible assistance to international associations and to bolster the reputation of the community present in Brussels.
Discover all the free services that will help you settle in and achieve your goals in Brussels.
Discover our events for associations
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Brussels Ambassador Programme
Brussels has developed an enviable position as a destination for international meetings and events. To maintain this momentum and grow as a key destination for meetings in Europe, we have created the Brussels Ambassador Programme.
Key partners
FAIB - Federation of European and International Organisations
The FAIB was founded in 1949 to draw attention to the existence of international associations in Belgium and to the need to facilitate their activities. This non-profit, apolitical organisation represents international associations from all walks of life.
European Society of Association Executives
ESAE is the leading organisation in Europe for bringing together association professionals. They facilitate the exchange of best practices among peers, ensuring that current and future leaders understand the association business and strategy, through a wide range of events, seminars, networking initiatives and educational activities.
UIA - Union of International Associations
The UIA was founded in 1907 to enhance collaboration between organisations, and to serve as a centre for documentation. It serves two main purposes: to maintain and provide comprehensive, up-to-date, and reliable information on international associations, their activities and concerns, and their meetings activities; and to support and facilitate the work of international associations through training and networking opportunities.
MAI - Maison des Associations Internationales
The Maison des Associations Internationales is a foundation of public utility and a unique place dedicated to international associations, located in the heart of Brussels. Its mission is to support international non-profit organizations by providing the space and the logistical services necessary to their operations.
Brussels partners
1819 Helpdesk
1819 Helpdesk is the leading information service for anyone who is starting or developing a business in the Brussels-Capital Region. The 1819 service is permanently in contact with an extensive network of government institutions, private organisations and associations that offer various types of guidance, financing, training or support.
Hub.brussels : Invest & export
hub.brussels invest & export assists foreign investors seeking to set up in Brussels. Its mission is to provide the assistance needed by foreign investors to speed up procedures and connect them to the right people at all the relevant government departments, regional institutions, associations and professional organisations in Brussels.
EWD - Expat Welcome Desk
With more than 25 years of experience, the Expat Welcome Desk offers personalised administrative assistance through a dedicated and customised service to all those who settle in the Brussels-Capital Region as part of their activities within and around the European and international organisations.
Affiliations
ICCA France-Benelux Chapter
The France Benelux Chapter has members across the 5 countries: France, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Monaco including convention bureaus, PCOs, convention centres, media groups and other suppliers in the meeting industry. Most of the professionals you will find in the France-Benelux chapter have been ICCA members for many years and have extensive experience in hosting international congresses.
MPI Belgium-Luxembourg Chapter
MPI connects us with 7,000 professionals in Belgium and more than 60,000 industry players worldwide. Since 1995, MPI Belgium Chapter has been a key part of the meetings and events industry in Europe. This chapter delivers value and a high level of member satisfaction by connecting members to networking and educational opportunities for their professional success.
The city of Brussels is part of the Global Association Hubs Partnership
This global alliance was born in 2015, bringing together the cities that are the undisputed leading international association specialists in each of the world’s regions:
Brussels - Washington - Singapore - Dubai
Each city offers the strongest association-relevant ecosystem in its geographical region, including customised support by specialised agencies and destination marketing organisations. Each one is committed to building and nurturing strong, vibrant association communities.
These cities have a deep understanding of the many challenges and opportunities facing associations. Working together, they are able to provide access to valuable intellectual and practical resources, and a platform for global association voices to be heard.
Join the community at The Association Place
The Association Place aims to become the gathering place for the international and European associations community in Brussels. This venue sets out to become the place to meet, network and animate one of the strongest association-centred ecosystems in the world. Scheduled to officially open in September 2023, The Association Place will be a first-stop shop for associations’ questions, an intimate yet versatile event location and a place to become part of and gain access to this dynamic community made up of well over 40,000 people based in or close to Brussels.
Activities
The Association Place will officially open in September 2023.
Located in the heart of the European Quarter, at the centre of the movers and shakers of decision-making in Brussels, The Association Place offers a unique and inviting setting for the association community to come together.
A real eye-catcher, the freshly renovated former orangerie combines a bright and welcoming atmosphere with a modern look and feel. The various zones and rooms are equipped with the latest cutting-edge tools for any type of event, in person or hybrid.
Here’s an overview of the various activities and possibilities this venue will offer.
A place to meet
The Association Place will be the place to be for board meetings, seminars, trainings or networking events for members of the association community headquartered in Brussels, those with business in Brussels or those looking to move to Brussels.
A place to develop
The Association Place sets out to become a first-stop shop for all questions of the association sector in Brussels, to help them settle and thrive.
A place for your activities?
The Association Place will be open to host your event and offer opportunities to engage with the community provided they align with their specific needs and goals. Send us an email if you want to be kept informed about the rate card and conditions. All surplus revenue generated by these activities will be reinvested in The Association Place project and the related community.
Get in touch with us
Stay up to date with the latest developments of The Association Place and join our community. Contact our team directly or subscribe to the monthly Associations newsletter below.
Elisa Brekelmans
Project Coordinator
Mathilde Dugautier
M.I.C.E. partners, Brussels Meetings Ambassadors program
Milena Zandona
International Associations & Business Event Sectors
Virginie Lurkin
Convention & Association Bureau
Elisabeth Van Ingelgem
Director Strategy & International
Practical information
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Address: 63 avenue d’Auderghem, 1000 Brussels
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Metro lines 1 and/or 5 (Schuman)
Bus 38 (Schuman), 80 (Leman), 27 (Nerviens)
Train Brussels-Schuman, Brussels-Luxembourg -
Bike parking on the premises
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Parking BePark - Parking Auderghem Cinquantenaire Schuman
