Destinations

Antwerp: A Gift from God?

13th January 2025

When Susan Hayden, Conference Director for the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS), described Antwerp as "a gift from God," it wasn’t just a figure of speech. Hosting the ISCoS Congress this year, Antwerp’s commitment to accessibility and its efforts to welcome over 700 professionals specializing in spinal cord injury research left a lasting impression. As I experienced firsthand during a  trip to the city, Antwerp’s blend of history, innovation, and inclusivity makes it a standout destination for European and international conferences.

Words Remi Deve

A City Open for Business & Innovation

From the moment I arrived at Hotel FranQ, a beautiful boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Antwerp, the city’s vibrancy and hospitality were immediately evident. Following a lunch at Hilton Antwerp Old Town (which can accommodate up to 1,200 guests over 13 flexible meeting rooms, including a grand ballroom!), I embarked on a guided tour that unveiled the city’s rich historical legacy intertwined with its status as a global hub for innovation.

Often described as “open for business,” Antwerp is both the economic and cultural capital of Belgium, a city with a “metropolis with a human scale,” offering the benefits of a large city while maintaining a close-knit community feel. Antwerp boasts the world’s first stock exchange, highlighting its longstanding role in international commerce.

Antwerp’s River Scheldt is a key driver of its economy, facilitating global trade through one of Europe’s largest ports. “If you put your hand in the Scheldt, you’re connected to the world,” remarked our guide during the tour. This sentiment is reflected in Antwerp’s stature as a leader in industries such as sustainable chemistry, renewable energy, life sciences… and of course diamonds.

Antwerp’s reputation as an innovation hub, supported by its 16,000-strong student population and world-class academic institutions, positions it as an ideal destination for conferences that blend business with advanced research. The city’s strategic location in Europe, combined with ongoing investments in mobility infrastructure, has definitely solidified its status. Antwerp fosters an ecosystem that connects academia, businesses, and government bodies, creating a fertile environment for knowledge-sharing and collaboration—key factors for hosting European and international events.

A Room with a Zoo

No visit to Antwerp from a meetings perspective would be complete without exploring its premier conference venue, A Room with a ZOO—one of the city’s most remarkable spaces for hosting events.

Known for its unique concept, the venue is located within the Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world. This distinctive feature not only adds a unique charm but also offers attendees the chance to experience an extraordinary blend of nature, culture, and modern conference facilities.

A Room with a ZOO offers more than just a scenic setting. The venue is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that can accommodate a wide range of events, from smaller meetings to large-scale conventions. With capacities ranging up to 2,000 attendees in various rooms and exhibition spaces, A Room with a ZOO can easily adapt to events of any formats. Its versatility made it an ideal location for international conferences like ISCoS 2024, where accessibility and advanced infrastructure were paramount.

Accessibility & Adaptability: ISCoS 2024

The 2024 ISCoS Congress, which brought together professionals specializing in spinal cord injury research and treatment late September this year, indeed required a venue that could meet stringent accessibility standards.

“Antwerp was a gift,” Susan Hayden, ISCoS Conference Director, remarked, praising the city’s accessible infrastructure, from its train station to A Room with a ZOO. With a significant number of wheelchair-using delegates, accessibility was the top priority. “The venue was fantastic, especially in terms of accessibility, with more accessible bathrooms than I’ve ever seen in a venue globally,” she noted.

Antwerp’s hospitality and flexibility were on full display when the Radisson Blu’s lift broke down just hours before the congress’s gala dinner. Local partners, including Chocolate Nation, stepped in to create a temporary ramp in the venue. “It could have been a disaster, but the way the city and local partners came together turned it into a triumph,” Hayden recalled.

Beyond logistics, the congress has been a catalyst for change in Antwerp. Hayden explained how the event has raised awareness around the city’s need for broader, more inclusive accessibility. “This congress has inspired the city to rethink how it approaches accessibility—not just for specific events but in general,” she said. Partners like Visit Antwerp, Visit Flanders Convention Bureau,and the Flemish Agency for Accessibility (Inter) —an agency specializing in accessibility for events, museums, and festivals—worked closely with the congress to address these issues, and the collaboration has led to long-term improvements. Antwerp is now committed to upgrading its infrastructure to better serve people with physical disabilities for future conferences and public events.

Antwerp has embraced accessibility on a whole new level, and this congress has set a benchmark for future events. The city now has the tools and knowledge to be more inclusive, ensuring that all visitors, regardless of physical abilities, feel welcome,” Susan noted, praising the development of a comprehensive 2.0 guide for hosting accessible events, which will ensure that Antwerp continues to improve its accessibility standards in the future.

Looking ahead, Hayden expressed optimism that the ISCoS Congress’s legacy will not only influence Antwerp but also encourage other cities to adopt similarly high standards. “We can hold this event up as a beacon of excellence and say, ‘This is achievable with cooperation and commitment,’” she concluded.

A Future-Ready City: International Tunnel Congress 2027

Antwerp: Fast Facts for Conference Planners

+ Strategic Location: 30 minutes from Brussels International Airport

+ Global Port Hub: 2ndlargest port in Europe, connected to 800+ destinations

+ Key Venue: A Room with a ZOO, for up to 2,000 pax in plenary

+ Accommodation: 6,800+ hotel rooms, many near venues

+ Cultural Landmarks: Museum Plantin-Moretus, Antwerp Cathedral, Rubens House, MAS, Porthouse

+ Connectivity: Excellent public transportation system

The future looks bright for Antwerp, as its reputation as a leading destination for international conferences continues to rise, with the city set to host the International Tunnel Congress in 2027. marking the first time the event will take place in Belgium. Scheduled from April 23 to April 29, 2027, the event will bring together over 2,700 global experts, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss advancements in tunneling and underground construction.

Johan Mignon, representing the Belgian Tunnel Association (ABTUS-BVOTS), said, “We are extremely excited about the decision to choose Belgium – and Antwerp. The Oosterweel project, with its various tunnel complexes, has certainly been an asset in our candidacy. Of course, the Antwerp Convention Bureau provided invaluable support in submitting a winning bid, assisting us every step of the way. “

The Oosterweel project is indeed one of the largest infrastructure projects in Europe, aimed at completing the ring road around Antwerp to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. This ambitious initiative includes the construction of several tunnel complexes, designed to enhance connectivity while minimizing environmental impact.

Antwerp Convention Bureau CEO Tadeja Pivc Coudyser explained: “Through Antwerp’s new brand, ‘The City is Your Venue,’ we aim to integrate the vibrancy and cultural richness of our city into every aspect of the congress. This congress will serve as a perfect example of how effectively our bureau can facilitate major international events.”

Highlights of a few venues

Antwerp offers a variety of unique venues for meetings and events, each blending history, culture, and modern facilities. The MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) is an iconic architectural landmark located in the city’s port district. With its striking red sandstone design and panoramic views of the city from its rooftop, MAS is not only a museum but also a versatile venue for events. Its spacious exhibition halls and meeting rooms can accommodate conferences, receptions, and dinners.

The Museum Plantin-Moretus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a more intimate and historical setting. Once the home and workshop of the renowned 16th-century printer Christophe Plantin, the museum houses original printing presses and manuscripts. This beautifully preserved building is ideal for smaller gatherings, offering a unique atmosphere steeped in literary and cultural history.

For high-scale events, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is a five-star hotel and wellness retreat set in a restored 12th-century monastery. The venue combines heritage with modern elegance, offering state-of-the-art conference facilities, dining options, and beautiful botanical gardens. It’s perfect for hosting high-end business meetings, conferences, and private events in a serene, green setting.

De Hofkamer, a hidden gem in Antwerp, is a beautifully restored 18th-century townhouse that offers an exclusive and atmospheric space for events. Its ornate interiors, including a famous mirrored salon, make it an ideal venue for private meetings, presentations, or cultural events, providing a taste of Antwerp’s rich architectural and artistic heritage.

More info on Antwerp as a conference destination: antwerpconventionbureau.be

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