Leuven Convention Bureau

❓ Are we truly as welcoming as we think we are❓ On December 5th, 2024, Meet in Flanders Academy (MiFa) brought together inspiring voices to discuss the social aspect of sustainability in #meetings and #events. ▶️ Our key takeaway? #Inclusivity is a societal responsibility, not a "nice to have." 👨🦽➡️ 1.3 billion people worldwide live with a disability—whether visual, mobility-related, auditory, stemming from migration backgrounds, gender inequality or other. This underscores the need for intentional inclusivity. Highlights from the day: Karl Meesters (Niks te Zien): Challenged us to reflect on the impact we can create in our roles. Gabrielle Austen-Browne FRSA (she/her): Shared insights on designing experiences where everyone belongs, highlighting the harm of unintentionally excluding individuals by not considering their needs upfront. Taha Riani: Encouraged open communication to counter negative stereotypes about marginalized communities, even when conversations feel uncomfortable. Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad: Reminded us that disability pride and belonging are fundamental rights. 🤸♀️ A powerful local example was the WK #Breaking in stad Leuven, where creativity and respect showcased the power of inclusivity in action. As we reflect on these lessons, let’s ask ourselves: ❓ Are we truly as welcoming as we think we are❓ The #hospitality sector, and all of us, have a role to play in building a future where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. #Inclusivity #Sustainability #MeetInFlanders #SocialImpact #Hospitality#EventFlanders Evelyne Bardyn Kevin McMullan

❓ Are we truly as welcoming as we think we are❓ On December 5th, 2024, Meet in Flanders Academy (MiFa) brought together inspiring voices to discuss the social aspect of sustainability in #meetings and #events. ▶️ Our key takeaway? #Inclusivity is a societal responsibility, not a "nice to have." 👨🦽➡️ 1.3 billion people worldwide live with a disability—whether visual, mobility-related, auditory, stemming from migration backgrounds, gender inequality or other. This underscores the need for intentional inclusivity. Highlights from the day: Karl Meesters (Niks te Zien): Challenged us to reflect on the impact we can create in our roles. Gabrielle Austen-Browne FRSA (she/her): Shared insights on designing experiences where everyone belongs, highlighting the harm of unintentionally excluding individuals by not considering their needs upfront. Taha Riani: Encouraged open communication to counter negative stereotypes about marginalized communities, even when conversations feel uncomfortable. Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad: Reminded us that disability pride and belonging are fundamental rights. 🤸♀️ A powerful local example was the WK #Breaking in stad Leuven, where creativity and respect showcased the power of inclusivity in action. As we reflect on these lessons, let’s ask ourselves: ❓ Are we truly as welcoming as we think we are❓ The #hospitality sector, and all of us, have a role to play in building a future where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. #Inclusivity #Sustainability #MeetInFlanders #SocialImpact #Hospitality#EventFlanders Evelyne Bardyn Kevin McMullan

🏆 Will stad Leuven become the European Capital of Culture in 2030? Our strong proposal has already earned us a spot among the final three contenders. In September 2025, the final selection meeting will take place, and then we will know which of the three cities will hold the title in 2030. The Leuven Convention Bureau is already crossing its fingers! 🤞

🎥 A new story is about to unfold… #staytuned #leuven

This was IBD, held from September 16 to 18, 2024, at the beautiful Maria Theresia College, in #Leuven. It’s the second time the organizing committee, led by Prof. Severine Vermeire, has chosen Leuven for this prestigious event on Inflammatory bowel disease. 🌞 We were blessed with sunny weather and seamless organization, thanks to the KU Leuven Congresbureau - PCO. Big thanks to the sponsors for their support! #IBDLeuven #KULeuven #IBD UZ Leuven Severine Vermeire Caro Dralants AbbVie Takeda Pfizer Celltrion Inc The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson Eli Lilly and Company Abivax Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ferring Pharmaceuticals Biocon MRM Health

Prescribing fresh ideas for Leuven's healthcare meetings! Karin just returned from the #ICCA event, ‘The Future of Healthcare Meetings 2024’ in #Zürich. The conference focused on conference design, impact, compliance, patient involvement, and other critical areas shaping the future of healthcare meetings. Given the opportunity to network with colleagues and leading healthcare #associations, it is essential for Leuven Convention Bureau to participate in these events to remain at the forefront of industry trends and to further solidify Leuven's position as a premier destination for international healthcare conferences. Looking forward to applying these insights back home! Thank you for the warm welcome from all in #Zürich. #FHCM24 #ICCAWorld #EventProfs #MeetingsIndustry #HealthcareMeetings #ICCAAssociationCommunity #MedicalMeetings Dermot Ryan Milo Vergucht Daniel Palomo, MBA, MSc. Vanessa Reis Christian Ortlepp Kathy Van Wambeke Pigalle Tavakkoli

The renowned EAERE (European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists) conference is happening right here in #Leuven! 🎓✨ With no less than 805 delegates attending both online and in person, hosting EAERE brings together top minds to tackle global environmental challenges, reinforcing Leuven's status as a leader in #sustainable #innovation. #EAERE conference is organised by the CEDON research centre for economics and corporate sustainability of KU Leuven and KU Leuven Congresbureau - PCO. Proud to see our city at the forefront of such vital discussions. 🌿🔍 #EAERE2024 #Leuven #Sustainability #EnvironmentalEconomics #Innovation #AcademicExcellence #circulareconomy Dinner Faculty Club Leuven Reception M Leuven European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (EAERE) Sandra Rousseau Johan Eyckmans Monica Eberle Simon De Jaeger Jos Delbeke Guido Pepermans Ingrid Molderez Karel Van Acker Steven Van Passel Bert Willems Lies Dobbels Caro Dralants