Antwerp: The Atypical Congress City

Congress City Antwerp focuses on multi-day international conferences in sectors in which the city excels and which help to strengthen the image of the city. To start with, that is the association market. Antwerp is just thirty minutes from Brussels, where more than 1,800 international associations are established. After Washington D.C., Brussels is the world’s largest association city. Logical that Antwerp is a dream destination for this target group. Other highlights for which Antwerp is known are World Port & Logistics, Retail, Industrial & Petrochemical, Diamonds, Business services (particularly IT and transport) and the Creative sector (fashion, graphic industry and performing arts).  

Diamonds

Antwerp is the second largest port in Europe and the world’s second largest port in the Petrochemical field. The port is situated far inland, with all the benefits that entails. For example, the distances for road and rail transport are conspicuously shorter and thus less expensive. This particularly produces an advantage for container traffic. Where diamonds are concerned, Antwerp has a centuries-old history. The city accommodates four diamond bourses that are internationally highly regarded. Besides trading, Antwerp is also a major player in the cutting and processing of diamonds. As an innovative knowledge city, Antwerp is a magnet for students. More than 44,000 students study at the young modern University of Antwerp and the many colleges. Two hundred specialisations are represented in the city. The University ranks at the top of research into medicines, neuroscience and Alzheimer’s. Antwerp doctors at the Institute of Tropical Medicine are leading the fight against diseases such as ebola, malaria and AIDS.  

Creativity is buzzing

Antwerp also has a rich creative sector. The university and academies host every conceivable creative study. Together they attract the most creative students from all over Belgium. In addition, research shows that there are almost 17,000 creative businesses, with new ones being added almost every day. The Antwerp fashion designers are world famous, but Antwerpers are also highly regarded in ICT, photography, advertising, music, ballet, design, the audiovisual sector, print, culture and architecture. The city on the river Scheldt is, in short, an attractive place for innovative and creative people, students and entrepreneurs, who together create the buzzing city. The high concentration of innovators not only means that Antwerp is a city where innovative ideas are created, but also where new concepts are tested. Pop-up shops are really shooting up everywhere here. Also international companies from other disciplines – design, IT, culinary, whatever – that want to conquer the European market use Antwerp as a test city.  

Centrally situated

The city of Antwerp is centrally located in Europe. From Germany, France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, there are direct train connections to the centre. The international Brussels Airport is 35 minutes away by train and 30 minutes by car. In addition, Antwerp has its own airport, Antwerp Airport, with destinations such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, Rome, Milan, Berlin, Hamburg and Geneva. Furthermore, Antwerp is a well known cruise destination for sea and river cruises, with the important advantage that you can step right off the boat into the historical city centre.  

Metropolis on a human scale

Atypical Antwerp. With this slogan, the city is drawing national and international attention. Atypical because the city is quite different, a city where fashion and trends are not just followed, but rather are created. Antwerp is a metropolis on a human scale. Where 174 nationalities – more than in New York! – coexist. A city where an incredible range of art, culture, history, shops, restaurants and bars can be found within a small area. The many special venues also often have something atypical about them. Museum Aan de Stroom (MAS museum), for example, is not only an architectural highlight; the panoramic roof offers the best view of the city. That provides good opportunities for receptions or dinners. Or take The Cathedral of Our Lady, dating from 1521, which took 170 years to build. Only one of the two towers was completed, but the cathedral is nevertheless included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Unique is that congress guests are exclusively offered a look behind the scenes, and may for example climb the tower to admire the organ or enjoy a reception in the secluded courtyard.  

Showpieces

The highlight of the many special venues that Antwerp possesses is the new Flanders Meeting & Convention Centre Antwerp (FMCCA), which will be completed in November 2016. The FMCCA is situated next to the beautifully restored railway station and beside the ‘world’s finest nineteenth-century zoo’: Zoo Antwerp. The auditorium will have a capacity of 2,000 people and will also include numerous other halls and meeting rooms. Typical of these Antwerp showpieces is that old and new are combined in an exceptional manner. Of a different calibre are the conference facilities on the various campuses of the University of Antwerp. These include ancient underground vaulted halls, but also ultra-modern spaces equipped with all possible comforts. A true highlight is Elzenveld, a religious complex from the 14th century right in the centre of the city, which includes a hospital, church and convent. Today, these authentic buildings serve as a hotel and conference location. The largest room has a capacity of 500 people and is equipped with the latest devices and interpreter booths. There are also special locations with an industrial ambiance, located in old warehouses, sheds or soup kitchens. And what about the many museums? They will be happy to offer congress guests a unique experience after the doors have been closed to the general public. An exclusive guided tour? A dinner in between the most extraordinary works of art? It is all possible.  

Free advice

Anyone planning to organise a conference in Antwerp will find an expert partner in the Business Development team of Visit Antwerp. The agency provides free and independent advice, requests quotes, checks availability and will be happy to guide planners and organisers around Antwerp. All conference participants receive the ‘Antwerp congress folder’, containing all kinds of information, such as an event calendar, map and restaurant guide. Multi-day international congresses also have the chance of an official reception at the 16th century Antwerp City Hall.