How a convention or meeting in Antwerp benefits you

Antwerp has one of the largest ports in the world and is the diamond capital of the world. At the same time, Antwerp is also a pocket-sized metropolis, where everything is almost within walking distance. Add the fact that it is a creative and innovative hub, with a strong audio-visual industry, to this interesting mix.

Easy access and a financial asset

Look at any map of Europe and you will realise that Antwerp is conveniently located near a number of important European gateways. Brussels Airport is just 30 minutes from Antwerp, by car or by train. International rail services take you straight to the city’s Central Station, which has been voted one of the world’s most beautiful stations at that. Antwerp has also its own airport. Because Antwerp is so accessible, your participants will find that the transport costs are significantly lower compared with other European destinations.

Aerial view of Astridplein, Central Station and the entrance to the ZOO.

Several people stand in the majestic entrance hall of Antwerp Central Station.

Covered train platforms at Antwerp Central Station.

A pocket-sized metropolis

Even though Antwerp is Belgium’s second largest city and home to more than 170 nationalities, it is a pleasant city, which you can easily explore on foot or by bike. Many of the accommodations (from comfortable business hotels to extraordinary boutique hotels) and venues are located in the city’s bustling centre. Meaning you can save on local transportation. What’s more, your participants can head into the city immediately after the meeting, where they can enjoy the amazing culinary offering, indulge in some shopping, visit museums, or sample a Belgian beer in one of the many local cafés and bars. Explore all the options.

A bedroom with bed and bath. The walls and ceiling are painted or papered with Rubensian scenes.

Two women drink beer from a glass inside. More people stand in the background.

A group of people walk along a dock towards a large and tall red building: the MAS | Museum aan de Stroom.

Europe’s second largest port

For many European companies, Antwerp’s port is a gateway to other continents while the city is also a gateway to Europe. The port of Antwerp is the backbone of Europe’s largest chemical cluster, where all the world’s largest chemical companies and international refineries have a presence. The best way to explore Antwerp’s gigantic port is by boat. A unique and instructive experience for the participants in your meeting or convention.

Aerial view of a 'Maersk' container ship in the harbour. In the background, containers.

The outside of the Port House at sunset, the top of which is shaped like a diamond ship.

Aerial view of the Scheldt bend, with the Eilandje and Historical Centre on the right bank and the green Antwerp-Left Bank district on the other side of the river.

The world’s premier diamond hub

Antwerp rose to prominence in the diamond trade since 1477, becoming the world’s diamond capital. While the city’s diamond district, dubbed the Square Mile, is relatively small, it is home to almost 1,700 specialised diamond companies. Nowhere will you such a strong connection between diamonds and people as in Antwerp. And the best way to experience this is during a diamond cocktail. All your participants receive a glass of champagne with a sparkling stone in it. But who has a real diamond in their glass? A most thrilling experience.

People of different origins walk down a street with high-rise buildings, the diamond district.

Three women stand at small showcases filled with diamonds and other jewellery in diamond museum DIVA.

Three young women look outside at a display window filled with jewellery.

A creative and innovative city

Does your meeting or convention have an innovative or creative theme? Then you will feel right at home in Antwerp. The city is a real hotspot for start-ups and scale-ups. StartupVillage / Campus 29 and The Beacon are successful hubs in this extensive (digital) innovation ecosystem. Local and international creative minds meet and inspire one another during events such as Us by Night.

A group of people stand in front of a classicist building: StartupVillage.

A man walks through the entrance of a modern office building: The Beacon.

A man looks at his laptop in a green, classic but modern environment.

A strong audio-visual industry for hybrid meetings

In recent years, the way in which we meet with and talk to each other has changed profoundly. Hybrid meetings are becoming increasingly popular, offering lots of benefits. But they also require the right technology. Fortunately, Antwerp has a strong audio-visual industry, which knows exactly how to approach this. And you can stand to benefit from this.

As you can tell, a meeting or convention in Antwerp is always an enjoyable experience for participants. Whether they choose to assist in person, participate online or explore the city, in Antwerp we always make sure that your participants will enjoy a memorable experience.

A man uses his camera to film a conversation between a man and a woman sitting on a chair in a cosy indoor area of Stadsbrouwerij De Koninck.

Aerial view of people watching a large screen in a room.

Several people sit at tables in a classic hall with columns: the Handelsbeurs.

Get in touch

Want to organise your next meeting or convention in Antwerp? Get in touch with Antwerp Convention Bureau, they are at your service, offering expert and professional advice: info@antwerpconventionbureau.be.