Why Brussels is your ideal MICE destination

13 February 2026
Uitzicht over Brussel

Brussels has been at the top of the international rankings as a top MICE destination for years. And that's no coincidence. Time and again, the capital launches new venues, hotels and high-profile events, each in a unique setting of remarkable heritage and surprising architecture. Brussels is compact, international and easily accessible. But that alone does not explain its success. Find out why the capital is the ideal setting for your next meeting.

Choose Brussels, choose relevance

People come to Brussels to be heard. When you organise an event here, you’re at the heart of the conversation. As a crossroads of politics, science, business and culture, Brussels offers you direct access to the people and networks that influence the world stage. Organising an event in Brussels means being part of an ecosystem where conversations set things in motion.

Three major European institutions, NATO and thousands of international associations are based here. Together, they form an exceptional concentration of expertise, accounting for more than 30,000 professionals active in policy, advocacy and communication. This international presence fits perfectly with Brussels’ characteristic diversity.

With more than 180 nationalities and a strong multilingual talent pool, Brussels is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. The region’s openness and culture has international organisers returning again and again. Events like ISICEM and CDPD have been based in Brussels since the 1980s and are built on decades of trust and shared success.

That success is evident in many areas. With almost ten million overnight stays in 2024, Brussels reached a historic high. Tourism and business events reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the capital's upcoming development phase, with a clear vision for 2030. 

Ready for 2030

That vision of the future is already becoming a reality. Heritage and culture remain the city’s main attractions. The opening, later this year, of the new KANAL–Centre Pompidou, a cultural venue that will attract visitors from all over Europe, is eagerly awaited. With its 40,000m², it will be a city within the city, ideal for organising events. In 2027, popular comic strip character The Cat will get its own museum. The Wiertz Museum (2027), the Museum of Ixelles (2027), the Jewish Museum of Belgium (2028) and the iconic Chinese Pavilion (2028) will reopen their doors after major renovations.

Accessibility will also be significantly improved. Night trains, additional international coach connections and more direct flights will make Brussels more accessible than ever. In addition, a large-scale transformation of Brussels Airport will begin in 2026 and run until 2032.

The hotel offer in Brussels is rapidly evolving, especially upmarket hotels. New hotels such as The Standard, Cardo Brussels and Corinthia Grand Astoria raise the bar in terms of comfort and design. The supply will continue to grow over the coming years. The expansion of DoubleTree by Hilton (2026) and the reopening of the historic Hotel Métropole (2027) will boost the four-star offer. Cloud One Brussels (2026 and 2027) and a second MIX spa hotel (2028) will add variety to the city centre. In total, some 1,300 new hotel rooms will add a clear shift towards experience-oriented hospitality.

What really defines Brussels is its character. Brussels Special Venues represents 60 exceptional event venues and more than 500 rooms, from historic ballrooms to repurposed industrial sites. Organise a symposium in the largest Art Deco church in the world, a gala among dinosaurs or a product launch in the Atomium. No idea is too wild. 

Sustainability will be the common thread as we head towards 2030. Almost half of Brussels’ hotels hold the Green Key label. More and more venues are focusing on eco-labels, circular design and green mobility.

Be sure to make use of the digital tools on offer in Brussels. With initiatives such as the Brussels Smart City Card (2027), you can make good use of the transport, cultural and local services.

Planning also becomes easier. With the RFP Event Planner, organisers of small to medium-sized events quickly find the right location. Because Brussels is a smart city where people are central. 

Discover the 2026 edition of the Let's Meet meeting planner guide!

Everything you need to organise your event successfully: from top venues, hotels and restaurants to reliable service providers. Check out the handy tips and get inspiration to keep your event on track. Plan your perfect business event in Brussels - simply, efficiently and bespoke! 

Gastronomy

When you think of Brussels, you think of good food. A love of food is woven into the DNA of Brussels' citizens. That's why you'll find a whole range of new hotspots and top restaurants in the capital.   

Belga Queen is one of them. This mythical brasserie, in a former hotel and bank building, is a feast for the eyes. The oyster bar at the entrance gives you a fine welcome. Once inside, you’ll be blown away by the interior and the phenomenal glass roof. 

You don't even have to leave your hotel to eat well. Corinthia Brussels brought in two top chefs to do justice to the hotel’s star status. Christophe Hardiquest (Menssa*) serves refined brasserie cuisine with star allure in Le petit Bon Bon. David Martin takes haute cuisine to the highest level at Palais Royal. At Chaga, on the top floor of luxury hotel Faubourg21, Kevin Lejeune is at the helm of a robata, a traditional Japanese barbecue which produces stunning gastronomic masterpieces. To be tasted with a view of the Royal Palace.

Prefer affordable Belgian classics made with high-quality produce? Then take a seat at Boemvol, the mega brasserie by the former stock exchange. There you’ll eat a delicious vol-au-vent, perfect shrimp croquettes and excellent stew from the finest suppliers. Take a seat downstairs with a view of the open kitchen, upstairs where you can look out over the stock exchange or on the large terrace and gaze at passers-by. 

Out and about with a large group after your conference or trade fair? Then be sure to visit Barracuda in the magnificent former broadcasting house on place Eugène Flagey. The interior is a lavish nod to the building's stunning Art Deco architecture. The menu features just about every classic Italian dish and large groups are more than welcome! 

The smartest moments to plan your event

January, February and August are sweet spots for events in Brussels. Hotels and venues have more availability and respond more flexibly to requests. For you, that means better conditions, more competitive rates and more choice. It also benefits the city, as spreading events throughout the year is a win-win for everyone. Organisers are given space and quality. Hotels and locations remain active. Local entrepreneurs build continuity. And with Brussels, visitors discover a city on a human scale. 

But that’s not all, there's even more to look forward to. In 2026, Brussels will celebrate 800 years of the Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula. The year will be dominated by the Renaissance, the era when Brussels grew into an important political and cultural centre in Europe. From 17 May to 4 July, the Brussels Renaissance Festival brings history back to life with a programme dedicated to European heritage, craftsmanship and Brussels history. The historical context will give your meetings extra substance and significance.

In February, Bright Brussels Festival literally presents the capital in a different light. Light artworks transform the historic city centre into an open-air gallery. Ideal for a fairytale evening moment with impact. How about a drink on place Royale surrounded by the most beautiful light art?

In April, the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken open  their doors. This beautiful glass palace with a unique plant and flower collection is the perfect setting to surprise an exclusive guest or speaker.

In May, the streets of Brussels will be decked in the colours of the rainbow for Brussels Pride. With debates, workshops and countless performances, Brussels Pride is a period of celebration and activism.

Are you a music lover? Then you should definitely not miss the Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend, with free concerts throughout the city. Alternatively, the world-renowned Queen Elisabeth Competition for classical music is the crowning glory of the musical calendar.  

Belgian beer culture shines in September for the Belgian Beer Weekend on the most beautiful square in the world. Admit it, there’s no better backdrop than the Grand-Place for a networking drink or incentive. The former stock exchange is a temple of all things beer and hosts Belgian Beer World, which takes you through the richness of Belgian beer culture. Tasting is, naturally, a big part of that. Finish at The Beerlab, with a Belgian beer in hand and a view of the city, it’s a popular stop for beer lovers.

And don't forget to round off the year in festive fashion at Winter Wonders, the largest Christmas market in the country - according to some, it's the most beautiful one in the world!   

Seasonal events for meeting planners

Looking for inspiration? Four times a year, we take event organisers on a tour of Brussels' hotspots. Explore top venues, restaurants, cultural gems, and discover tailor-made solutions for your future events, alongside other professionals. Contact us for more information.