mim magazine no.106 antwerp special

the Other Antwerp 6

architecture waterart

diamondfashion

gastronomy

M I MSPECIAL MIM SUPPLEMENT

Dest inat ion Repor t Antwerpen i s a spec ia l ed i t ion of M IM magaz ine N o 106 - AUGUST 2009pub l i shed by Meet ing Med ia Company (Be lg ium) - www.MIMmagaz ine.eu

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MIM > Antwerp special

MIM: Our readers haven’t forgotten your promise to improve the international image of Antwerp. Has this been realised?Philip Heylen: Each day the offi ces of Tourism, Congress and Culture all work hard together to improve Antwerp’s international fame. This all depends on two things: Antwerp as a product and a good marketing and promotion campaign. In the last few months a lot has happened to make Antwerp stand out and more is to come.

The iconic MAS (Museum At the Stream) will open soon and already enjoys interna-tional attention. Another iconic building will be the new congress centre, for which the Flemish government has promised 57,2 million euro. Last month we launched the Dutch Capitool Travel Guide and the English version will soon follow. This is the touristic guide and really puts Antwerp next to the other metropolises on the bookshelf. We’re also trying to attract more international hotels – with whom we

already work closely together – through city renovation projects. Lastly, we have signed several agreements with Antwerp Airport, Brussels Airport and Brussels Airlines to make travel to Antwerp much easier. As you can see, we’re constantly making progress and that’s how I want it.

MIM: Branding has become very important for cities. What does Antwerp as a brand represent?PH: Meeting in Antwerp is meeting in an easily accessible historic city. Antwerp is a pocket-sized metropolis: the historic city centre, the international port, diamonds, fashion, culture and gastronomy are all combined with accessibility and small scale. These are the most important trumps of Antwerp.

MIM: With which other European city would you twin Antwerp? Why?PH: We’re already working together with Ghent, Bruges, Mechlin and Louvain to profi le ourselves as the “Flemish Art Cit-

ies”. We share a stand and act as a group at the larger international meeting fairs (IMEX, EITBM, and EMIF). Together with Amsterdam, Vienna, Zürich and Valencia, we also form – on a more touristic level – the “Cool Capitals”.

MIM: Antwerp is known in the Meetings Industry as a second city. ICCA statistics place Valencia as the fi rst of the second cit-ies. Will Antwerp compete for this position?PH: Fly with the eagle or scratch with the chickens. We’re ambitious and naturally we want to be the best second city. Once we have the new congress centre, we will be able to fully challenge cities like Zürich, Valencia and even Barcelona.

Philip HeylenHigh ambitions for Antwerp

In 2008 MIM magazine interviewed Philip Heylen, the vice-mayor for Culture and Tourism in Antwerp. He told us about his inspired and great ambitions for Antwerp as a congress city. Now, one and a half year later, we visited him for a follow up.

Together with Amsterdam, Vienna, Zürich and Valencia, we also form the “Cool Capitals”.

Antwerp special is a production of MIMmagazine.eu.Interviews and texts:Marcel A.M. Vissers, Editor in ChiefIgor Hendrickx, Assistant Editorial Offi cerwww.mimmagazine.eu

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MIM: Networking is an important part of the meetings industry. In such a setting, isn’t it diffi cult for you to be the new face of a new Congress Bureau? How do you cope?Inge Marstboom: It’s true that you have to prove yourself, but I like a challenge: variety is the spice of life. You should also not forget that I’ve been working for the Tour-ism Bureau since 1997, where I have helped organize such events as the “Fashion Year” and the “Van Dyck Year”. A lot of contacts from the tourism industry return in the meetings industry. Professionally, I don’t feel unprepared or new. Personally, it makes everything easier to work in such a grateful sector with such a great city to promote.

MIM: You probably already know how to play Antwerp as a trump card. What’s your strategy?IM: Communication is the most important part of the job. I believe it’s important to regularly communicate with everyone in the local meetings industry (hotels, venues, …). Unlike a lot of bureaus, we don’t work with members but with the whole group

of organizers and suppliers. Associations don’t like limitations and really appreciate this open and neutral approach. I also work closely with Tourism Flanders, because they have many permanent bureaus in Europe, Asia and America. This helps a lot to raise our international profi le, as do the many fairs and events that we try to attend: IMEX, EITBM, EMIF and Event. We’re also member of MPI and will become a member of DMAI. Finally, we collaborate regularly with our local industry to organise site-visits and publish advertisements in foreign magazines.

MIM: The new congress centre will signifi -cantly simplify your job in the future. How will you translate this to the public at large? IM: True, the new congress centre is already very popular in Belgium. Their name, “Zalen van de Zoo” (Halls of the Zoo) really attracts a lot of attention. With its iconic historic façade, central location and easy accessibility, it hardly needs promotion. Abroad, however, we fi rst need to work on

our destination promotion before we can promote the centre. Antwerp doesn’t enjoy the same name recognition as Paris or London, even though we have just as much to offer, but within closer vicinity of each other. That’s Antwerp’s strongest asset: everything is on walking distance. It truly is a city on human scale.

MIM: Finally, what have you planned for 2010?IM: We’ll be launching a new and much more professional website with a databank, contact lists, etcetera. The new MAS will need launching as well, since it opens its doors in Spring 2011. The promotion of the new congress centre will also start in 2010. And all the while I’ll be working on further expanding my network. Busy, busy, busy...

A grateful sector and a great cityInge Marstboom

Unlike a lot of bureaus, we don’t work with members but with the whole group of organizers and suppliers

Antwerp Tourisme & CongressGrote Markt 15 – 2000 AntwerpPhone: +32 3 338 81 81Fax: +32 3 338 81 [email protected]/visit

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In March 2008 a new congress bureau was established, focussing exclusively on managing congresses and business events in the city of Antwerp. Leading the effort is Inge Marstboom, Manager Congress & Business Events. MIM visited her in her bureau on the Great Market Square.

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MIM: Antwerp has been waiting for al long time for its very own congress centre. Didn’t this take too long and how did it happen?Rudy Van Eysendeyk: My answer to the fi rst part of the question will be short: yes, it took too long. As to why it took so long, that’s a longer story. Perhaps it is best to explain the current situation fi rst.The Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp (KMDA) is made up out of several institu-tions: the Antwerp Zoo, the Wild Animal Park Planckendael, the nature reserve De Zegge, the Serpentarium in Blank-enberge and the Flanders Concert & Congress Centre (FCCC). When I became director in 2001, the KMDA was in dire fi nancial straits. The animal and nature parks no longer turned a suffi cient profi t to renovate and repair. My experience as crisis-manager in the private sector and my political connections from my years as director-general of the Flemish Parliament in Brussels, served me well to

solve this problem. Nowadays the Zoo has once again become a pearl of this city – especially with the recent birth of baby elephant Kai-Mook (Thai for ‘pearl’). Remained the problem of the FCCC. The FCCC – better known as the Elisabeth-hall – functioned primarily as a classic concert hall. The congress part was never fully integrated. Luckily, everyone concerned was aware of the problem and all agreed Antwerp needed a real congress centre. Sadly, no one could agree on how exactly this would be accomplished. Should the new centre be located in the very centre of the city or should it be moved to a more remote location? For a long time it looked like the new centre would be built on the Island, the modern neighbourhood at the old docks. The construction of the MAS in the same area, made a new congress cen-tre there nearly impossible. So that idea was fi nally discarded for the renovation of the old congress centre in its current loca-tion at the Astrid Square. The monetary

discussions between the different levels of government (city, province and region) were fi nally resolved in the beginning of 2009: 57,2 million euro would be set aside for the complete renovation and rebuild-ing of the FCCC.

MIM: What exactly will happen now? When can we expect the new congress centre to open and what special changes will we see?RVE: The concert hall will probably be fi nished in 2013, maybe even 2012. The construction of the congress parts will go more smoothly and is planned for 2012. Let me explain this distinction. The Elisabeth-hall will be converted into a an acoustic concert hall with 2100 seats. That way, the Flemish Philharmonic Orches-tra will fi nally have the space it always needed and previously lacked. The idea is that congresses will take place during the day, while concerts and repetitions will be scheduled for the evening.

Only recently has Antwerp started to work on renovating and expanding its many advantages. What Antwerp lacked the most, was a large modern congress centre. Luckily this is the past tense. It looks like there will be an Antwerp congress centre after all in 2012.

MIM interviewed Rudy Van Eysendeyk, the director of the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp and responsible for the current Flanders Concert & Congress Centre. We were wel-comed into his beautiful Art-Nouveau offi ce suit, located in the Zoo entrance building, overlooking Astrid Square and right next to the congress centre.INTERVIEW AND TEXT MARCEL A.M. VISSERS AND IGOR HENDRICKX

Flanders Congress CentreA New Competitor on the European Conference Market


Rudy Van Eysendeyk

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MIM: Yet again a combination of a concert hall and a congress centre. Is that wise?RVE: The demand for a completely dedi-cated congress centre in Antwerp isn’t high enough to be cost-effective. This is a practi-cal and more profi table solution. We’ve ar-ranged with the orchestra that the planning of congresses will be given priority over their concerts. Anyway, the planning of a large congress always starts earlier than the planning of a new orchestra season, so we foresee no problems in this regard.Architecturally, it will become a clas-sic concert hall with reverberation, but this will be neutralised electronically for congresses. The entrance hall will be expanded to 2000m2 – more than twice its original size – and can serve as exhibition room, dinner room, etc. While the prelimi-nary session will take place in the main hall, the subsequent smaller meetings can take place in breakout rooms on the upper fl oors. Additional meeting rooms will be available in the grand Central Station. One of these even has a glass wall overlook-ing the HST trains. This way we’ll be able to easily accommodate 2000 attendees. Because most hotels are within walking distance, we won’t be integrating the three chair principle. There’s also no need for modernising the building’s exterior: it’s

already an iconic and historic building, we don’t need to change that.

MIM: That brings us to our next ques-tion. The FCCC is a member of the Historic Conference Centres of Europe. Will the new centre remain a member of this organisa-tion? Will you strengthen this or do you see other possibilities?RVE: Most likely the new centre shall re-main part of HCCE, but we do question its added value. Perhaps the whole concept behind the HCCE should be rethought, because at the moment the members still compete with each other. In my opinion the HCCE limits itself thus to merely a nice placard on the façade. There should be less competition and more cooperation and if this happens, we might even discuss increasing contributions.

MIM: The new congress centre has a very strategic location. Marcel Vissers once called it Astrid Meeting Square: a neighbour-hood with hotels and congress centres within walking distance of each other. Moreover, the Central Station is located right next door. How will you make use of this?RVE: Transportation is, marketingwise, our highest trump. There is a distinct difference between a fair and a congress.

Fairs need a lot of parking space, because most attendees live in the same region and arrive by car. Congresses, on the other hand, cater more towards an international public. Most of these people will fi rst arrive by plane in Brussels and will then take the direct train connection (planned for 2011) to Antwerp. When they arrive in the Central Station, they can immediately go to the congress centre. Practically all public transports pass by the Astrid Square, so people arriving from outside the city centre will still have no problem. It’s already possible for guests to walk between the congress centre, their hotel and the station without having to face the weather: an underground fl oor connects all three. Everything truly is within walking distance and when not attending meetings, one can always visit the city centre and its many delights.

MIM: Lastly, will the name change?RVE: Probably. Flanders Concert & Con-gress Centre is a mouthful and doesn’t mouth easily. Hardly anybody knows it by that name and usually calls it the Elisabeth-hall. Already we’ve been using a different appellation: “Zalen van de Zoo” (Rooms of the Zoo). It’s a work in progress.www.zalenvandezoo.be

With the appearance of the new congress centre Antwerp will be reborn as the new leading Second City of the European congress market.

A large conference hall with +/- 2071 seats •A large entrance/exhibition hall (+/- 2000m • 2)A marble ballroom in Colonial style ( +/- 465m • 2)Exclusive boardroom in Art Deco style. •12 break-out rooms. •A new hotel is planned. •1200 hotel beds on walking distance. •

In 2012 Antwerp will have a modern, state of the art, dedicated congress centre in a classic Art Nouveau setting. More than 1500 people will be able to meet and convene in the heart of the Diamond City.

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Diamond MuseumUnfortunately, the increased security in and around the hundreds of diamond stores has made it highly impossible for outsiders to organize events in a dia-mond-related setting. The only location still remaining, is the Diamond Museum on the Astrid Square.

Located right next door to the new conference centre on the Astrid Square, the Diamond Museum introduces visitors to Antwerp’s 500-year diamond history. The museum is certainly worth a visit for those interested in the technological aspects of the diamond industry, but also for the more jewellery-

minded. Aside from an impressive collection of historical and contemporary diamond creations, one can also see a diamond cutter at work. The museum regularly mounts fascinating temporary exhibitions.

The museum regularly organizes nocturnes on demand. There’s even a special “Sparkling Diamond”-cocktail for up to 100 guests. Cocktails are served with a small stone in the ice cubes. This stone can be checked on the spot to see if it’s a real diamond or merely a zircon. One can also arrange for diamond pralines as gifts. The museum staff has built up a lot of dazzling experience and they’re always willing to

provide you with inspiration.www.diamantmuseum.be

The Antwerp Tourism & Congress Bureau also offers two guided tours through Antwerp. “Antwerpen Schitterende Diamantstad” takes you on a historic tour through the diamond industry. “Diamantwijk” is shorter and limits itself to the current industry and the diamond district. Both tours are coupled to a visit of the Diamond Museum.

DiamondIn 1476 the modern diamond cutting technique was developed in Antwerp by Lodewijk van Bercquem. Ever since Antwerp has been the diamond centre of the world. Antwerp World Diamond Centre plays an important role in regulating professional ethics, training, setting standards and promoting the interests of Antwerp as a centre of the diamond industry.

The Other Antwerp 6The international name and fame of Antwerp has noticeably increased since last year’s interview with Philip Heylen. Elegant proof of this was provided by Vanity Fair when they published an article in their April 2009-issue, saying: “The art is amazing, and it's everywhere you look; the fashion scene is vibrant, and the design is gorgeous; there's a cool café culture, and the streets are practically paved with diamonds. When you think about it, there's not much about Antwerp that is less than totally adorable.” In the following pages, we will verify that, apart from being adorable, Antwerp has also become an excellent place to organise meetings and incentives. In imitation of the Ant-werp Six, the group of infl uential fashion designers that fi rst put the new Antwerp on the map, we will showcase the Other Antwerp Six that make Antwerp the meeting place it is today. Water, as the source of Antwerp’s prosperity, deserves an important place. The wealth of Antwerp is most promi-nently displayed in the Art and Architecture on the streets and in the museums. For example, the daring building on our cover is the future Port Authority Building, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. One simply cannot forget that Antwerp is the Diamond capital of the world and an important Fashion city. In any case, each event will be augmented by the gastronomic experience that has become so typical for Antwerp. Therefore – last but not least – we will focus on the Gastronomy in Antwerp. You can view extended texts and other meeting and incentive possibilities on our website: www.meetingmedia.be

The highest international mark of approval forpolished diamond is the “Cut in Antwerp” label.

[email protected]

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Antwerp used to have a wide network of chan-nels, waterways and streams: the ruien, vlieten and vesten. These medieval channels were later used as sewers and were overarched. An adven-turous tour of these underground waterways can be arranged through the Antwerp Tourism & Congress Bureau.

A-Sailing

Sometimes after a conference, fresh air and the wind in your hair are just what the doctor ordered. What better way to clear your mind and relax in the company of your friends, colleagues and associates than to spend a few hours on a sailboat. A-Sailing.be developed this concept in Antwerp and in only a few months time gained a lot attention and experience.

You name it, they do it … as long as it’s on a sailboat: after-work sail, initiation sailing, training, races. Through their network of contacts they can arrange an incentive for up to 100 people. For example, they took part in the Antwerp Race – the largest sailing race in the Benelux – and in the Schelderegatta. In September 2009 they organized the Juris’ Cup in Antwerp. You can sail or charter their ship(s) from Antwerp, Zeebrugge or Breskens. From these ports you can sail off into the sunset from and to most anywhere.www.a-sailing.be

Zaal StuurboordZaal Stuurboord is located right at the bend of the Scheldt and is easily accessible by car, boat or public transport. This multifunctional venue room can be divided into fi ve units, each named after an interna-tional port: New-Orleans, Rio, Kaapstad, Singapore and Antwerp. The fl exible acoustic walls allow you to divide the venue in different rooms or to adjust to the number of people. This fl exibility can also be found in the amount of different events that can be organized for up to 1200 people. What makes Zaal Stuurboord really special is probably the best view over the river and the mood-adjustable bar and large terrace from where one can observe the harbour and the old city.www.stuurboord.com

WaterThe Waterfront and the Island are the two Antwerp neigh-bourhoods most connected to the water. Thanks to munici-pal renovation projects both neighbourhoods have become very trendy. In addition to the many cafés, bars and restau-rants, all water-related loca-tions for events can be found here. The fresh air, the sound of the waves and the wide vistas, ensure the perfect atmosphere for meetings and incentives.

Zuiderterras

[email protected]

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Ruien

FlandriaFlandria literally is the fl agship of Antwerp’s water-related activities and events. With six diverse ships and a polyvalent hall, Flandria offers businesses, tourists and individuals a boatful of possibilities. Even if you have no idea what you want, Flandria will in-spire you and help you with developing a completely original concept. A new activity is an incentive-trip with the “Gerlache”, a training ship. Reconnect with your true nature while you learn the ropes and sleep on the water in primitive circumstances. Furthermore, all ships can be rented to serve as a dynamic, private and quiet location. This All-Inn formula is not so much a formula, but the promise of fl exible prices, arrange-ments and people-oriented service. Each year a few of the largest cruise ships in the world put in at the Cruise Terminal. This 480m2 terminal can be trans-formed into a polyvalent hall with a phenomenal view of the Scheldt. Perfect for meetings, fairs, dinners etcetera. With Flandria, you’re free to immediately embark on an eventful and totally personal voyage.www.fl andria.nu

WaagnatieWaagnatie is a former port hangar and was originally built as supply depot for the Holland-America Line. Recently it got a new purpose as a multifunctional space for events, fairs, congresses, product launches, receptions, concerts, ... With nearly 6000m2 – expand-able to 7000m2 – Waagnatie is the ultimate location for organising large events. Even though it’s only 700 meters away from the old city centre, it has nearly unlimited parking space, is easily reachable by public transport and is close to the major roads into Antwerp. While you can just rent the hall, the staff has the required experience and contacts to

transform it into whatever you please. For example, the Galadinner of the Antwerp Diamond Conference 2007, with princess Mathilde of Belgium and president Bill Clinton and Al Gore in attendance. To further serve you, Hangar 29 – the company behind Waagnatie – also owns three other locations in Antwerp: tKwartier, Loods Belgica and the Atriumroom.www.hangar29.be

Don Quichote IIIn the Willemdock of Antwerp, lies a ship with the inspiring name Don Quichote II. The ship’s captain is a lady with a rich professional history, specialised in the media. She can invite twelve passengers to meet, lunch or dine on her ship. As extra fl avour, a trip on the Scheldt can be added. Suitable for smaller and private board [email protected]

ZuiderterrasAt the southern end of the esplanade along the river, lies what looks like a moored ship. Appropriate, because the cruise terminal is nearby. The building was designed by Flemish architect Bob van Reeth and brought renewed attention in the Nineties to the waterfront. The large windows and mirrors create a wide and infi nite spatial feeling. It is possible to meet with 80 people in a room on the fourth fl oor and have a coffee break, lunch or other full prepared and served meal on the roof terrace with full view of the passing ships and the famous cathedral.www.zuiderterras.be

Antwerp is an international port and it won’t surprise anyone that it’s possible to rent a ship for a large event and to sail to other Belgian cities, the Netherlands and Germany. Two companies in Antwerp are specialised exclusively in organising events on their ships.

OceanDiva has two ships available for meetings, dinners, seminars, etc. OceanDiva Original has room for 350 people in theatre style and for a walking dinner with 1200 people. It’s possible to create several seminar rooms. OceanDiva Futura has room for 150 people in theatre style and for a walking dinner with 600 people. Seminar rooms are also possible.

Pure-Liner also has two ships. Both have room for a buffet with 600 guests, a sit down dinner for 300 and a theatre style meeting for 250. Almost everything can be customised: all kinds of business events are possible and have thorough technical support.

It is a point well worthy of attention that major riversare generally at the foot of major cities.

– Henry-Bonaventure Monnier

’t Eilandje / The Island

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Through a cultural discovery, with a focus on contemporary design, architecture and history, you learn to know Antwerp as a fashion city. This guided tour stops at shops, buildings and other places that are important for the development of Antwerp as a fashion city.

MoMuAs a prominent fashion city, Antwerp had to have its own fashion museum. The MoMu is housed in the Modenatie – a building that serves as hubnub of all things fashionable. Behind the Neo-Classic exterior of the Modenatie, one would not suspect such a modern interior with warm colours, a wooden stairwell and wide open spaces. It’s possible to arrange a whole day of meetings in the MoMu: there’s an auditorium, several meeting rooms and a large entrance hall – perfectly suited for receptions or other events. In addition one can ask for a guided tour of the running exhibition in the museum after opening hours or one can participate in several workshops (on request) or fashion walks.www.momu.be

HospitalA truly special location for events can be found on the Southside. There you can visit Hospital, a luxuri-ous fashion store whose ambition it is to become the most striking store in Europe. With an in-house wine bar and adjacent lunch-apero bar, they are already well on their way. The store was designed by architect Will Erens, who also designed the new Martini Bars and several Grey Goose Bars. The old stables of the Hippodrome have been turned into an immense space with high ceilings and harmonious, recycled building materials. Despite the size, Hos-pital feels cozy and is the perfect place if you’re looking for an exclusive selection of high fashion and designer brands. The store is very welcoming of events: it is possible to arrange a wine

tasting, a reception for up to 150 guests and you can even pass the night in one of three suites. Hospital is no Lifestyle store, but a Love life store.www.hospital-antwerp.com

Hoedensalon CRZA very particular fashion experience can be found in the shadow of the Cathedral. There lies a small hat shop, owned and run by Caroline de Roy van Zuydewijn. For more than twenty years, she has designed her own hats and her clientele includes royalty, nobility and celebrity personages. Apart from selling hats, she also offers a Tea experience. Up to forty people can be welcomed

In 1988, with the advent of the Antwerp Six, Antwerp became a notable location for fashion and design. The initial inspi-rational success was followed by a new generation of design-ers in the Nineties. Naturally, fashion has also conquered the streetscape: fashion stores and design centres are every-where. Since 2002, Antwerp also has its own fashion centre: the ModeNatie. In this unique building in the historic cen-tre of Antwerp, the Flanders Fashion Institute, the MoMu, the Antwerp Fashion Acad-emy, an artistic book store and a brasserie have all found a new home. The yearly fashion show of the Antwerp Academy has become a major event, drawing more than 6000 visitors from all over the world.

Fashion


Hospital

Caroline de Royvan Zuydewijn

[email protected]

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in her shop. They can listen to a lecture on the history and fashion of hats, after which they can fi t hats and enjoy a Light Tea, High Tea or Royal Tea. This is certainly interesting for partners of convention attendees. It’s the perfect sedate close of an intensive day of shopping and culture.www.hoedensalon.be

Verso Covering approximately 2000m2, Verso is a large con-cept multibrand store in the heart of Antwerp. Since

its opening in 2003, it was decided to add a lunch restaurant to the store. Verso Café has become the place to be for the Antwerp fashion crowd. Several rooms can be rented for events: the Buffalo-lounge, Club Safe 1 and 2 – two rooms that can be closed with a thick safe door – and a Martini Bar. Verso is the per-fect place if you want to organize a fashion-themed event in a more classic location. Indeed the store is housed in an old 16th century building that used to be a Renaissance hotel.www.verso.be

The Meeting Centre at Antwerp expo is the place to be for your seminar, conference or meeting.Depending on your needs and requirements, we can offer you the perfect space. You can welcome 10 to 500 people in our 6 confi gurable rooms, which are all equipped to the fi nest detail.Extra benefi ts for your guests: a central and easily accessible location, 3.000 parking places andstylish hotels in the immediate vicinity, with separate entrances to the Meeting Centre. 1 website for all info: www.antwerpexpo.be

confi gurable rooms, with all facilities

Jan Van Rijswijcklaan 191BE-2020 Antwerpen

T. +32 (0)3 260 81 20F. +32 (0)3 237 87 [email protected]

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Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.

– Coco Chanel

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De WinkelhaakLocated in an award-winning design building – not far from Central Station and the new congress centre – De Winkelhaak is ideally suited for organising small events. Thanks to the glass walls and their creative design, its polyvalent room can be easily transformed from an exposition during the day to a cocktailparty and fashionshow at night. De Winkelhaak also organ-izes workshops and launch-events, provides catering in association with Brasserie Enfanterrible and has contacts throughout the Antwerp Art industry.www.winkelhaak.be

FotoMuseumWhen the renovated Museum of Photography opened its doors again in 2004, it was made clear that it would no longer limit itself to purely museological activities. Apart from a historical and contemporary collection of photography and frequently changing exhibitions, the FotoMuseum now also offers a permanent range of activities. The museum is the only one in Antwerp which offers so many rooms to organise an event: the ground fl oor gallery and entrance hall, two exhibition rooms, a meeting room, an auditorium and a mezzanine. In addition, several group-programmes – including evening visits – can be arranged. This progressive policy fi ts the modern building and the relatively new artistic subject.Note: the same building also houses the Media department of the Museum for

Contemporary Art.

www.fotomuseum.be

KMSKAThe Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, founded in 1810, houses the largest collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures from the 14th to the 20th century in Flanders. The Neoclassical building has become an icon of the Antwerp Southside – the rising entertainment district. Following a guided tour to the museum after opening hours, it’s possible to arrange a reception for up to 450 people (more is possible) in the large and impressive entrance hall with marble

staircases. You’ll be in the best of company, because Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, Frans Hals and many other Antwerp painters look down on you from the painted walls. The museum is a must visit, even if you’re not interested in organising an event there.Note: The museum will be closed for restoration and renovation from 2011

onwards. All pictures of the KMSKA were made by Ms. Kristien Daem.

www.kmska.be

AMUZLocated in the trendy hart of the Antwerp fashion scene, AMUZ is a modern complex built in and around an old baroque church. The old church now functions as the main event hall, while the sacristy and side-chapel now function as, respectively, a meeting room and a foyer. These are decorated with marble fl oors and pillars, gold murals and stained glass windows. In addition to the historic rooms, there’s also a VIP-room, several dressing rooms and another foyer. These are built in a light contemporary style. Both the historic and contemporary rooms enjoy modern technical facilities and can be used for many kinds of events.www.amuz.be

Metropolis AntwerpenThere is more to do in Metropolis – the largest megaplex movie theatre of Belgium – than just going to the movies. Metropolis Business & Communica-

Antwerp was the artistic nexus of the Flemish Baroque painting – prominent artists include P.P. Rubens, A Van Dyck and J. Jordaens – and became one of the fi rst Eu-ropean cities to have a Royal Academy for Fine Arts. Antwerp became the Euro-pean Capital of Culture in 1993, which served as a cata-lyst for the further cultural development and transforma-tion of the city. Be it modern or classic, Antwerp simply breathes art.


Art

De Winkelhaak

MAS

FotoMuseum


tion Centre clearly shows that business can be combined with pleasure. Apart from 24 comfortable theatres with a capacity ranging from 198 to 745 seats, all theatres are perfectly suited and equipped for conferences. However, it doesn’t stop there: two Seminar Rooms, and the large Hollywood Lounge, a multi-functional room with a maximum capacity of 2.500 people and a seated capacity of 1.200 people. All facilities are there to provide your guests with an event in the highest possible quality. Accessibility is no problem: Metropolis is close to major traffi c-arteries with free parking space for up to 2500 cars and can easily be reached from the city centre by public transport. Conferences, launches, receptions, exhibitions and buffets (organized by one of the top Belgian caterers) can be lightened up with several other additional events: live opera and theatre in the cinema, avant-premieres, a guided tour behind the scenes, 3D-Cinema etc … With fl exible propositions and programs, everything is possible. Metropolis has made it their business to entertain!www.business.kinepolis.be

MASA new city landmark rises above the marina and old docks. MAS [Museum aan de Stroom] is a place of discovery for inhabitants of Antwerp and visitors from abroad alike. It tells stories about Antwerp’s rich history, its cultural heritage and the interaction be-tween the city and the world. Five exhibition fl oors, a museum shop, a restaurant, a café, a panorama room, a terrace, four pavilions, a boulevard and the square by contemporary artist Luc Tuymans, prove that MAS is more than a just a museum. It is a hot spot buzzing with activity. It will be possible to organise meetings and other events in and around the museum. With MAS, Antwerp adds a new tower to its skyline. This tower has already received an honourable mention in the book “Museums in the 21st Century” and is designed as a contemporary warehouse – a reference to the maritime activity of ’t Eilandje (the Island). The museum will open in Spring 2011.Note: All pictures of the MAS were made by Ms. Karin Borghouts.

www.mas.be

Modern Art in a chateauIn the middle of a beautifully designed park with century old trees in Antwerp’s district Ekeren, stands the 19th century Chateau Beukenhof. The host and his wife are distinguished collectors and connoisseurs of (very) contemporary art, with a knack for discovering young artists. They open their chateau for private par-ties (companies and organisations) with a taste for art and beauty. While the host guides you through his art collection, the hostess prepares an artistic lunch or dinner according to the fi nest Burgundian [email protected]

Art is much less important than life, but what a poor life without it. – Robert Motherwell

It would be a great folly to assume that these are the only museums in Antwerp. There are a lot of smaller, historical museums in Antwerp worth a visit. Guided tours are available for most, if not all museums. They all offer a wide variety of group activities in historic setting. If you’re interested in organising a nocturne, a seminar, a lecture, a dinner,… Simply contact Ingrid Lampaert ([email protected]) to discuss the many options for a success business event.

Travel is more than just A to B.Travel should empower you for success.

In the heart of the city, Hilton Antwerp boasts 14 meeting rooms hosting up to 1000 participants and combines the effi ciency of Hilton Meetings with the timeless elegance of the Belle Époque, Belgium’s largest hotel ballroom.

* book and confi rm your meeting before 4th December 2009 and one in every fi ve participants goes free.Full terms and conditions: hilton.com/1in5.

Go to www.antwerp.hilton.com and discover your way to successInformation tel 32-3-204-8285 . fax 32-3-204-8688 . e-mail [email protected]

Groenplaats, 32 . 2000 Antwerp . 32-3-204-1212 . antwerp.hilton.com

1 in 5participantsgoes free*

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MIM 14

MIM: Apart from B2C events, you’re now also busy in the B2B sector. What prompted this and how do you proceed?Tom Bertels: Before 2009 we already had some experience organising B2B events and the possibility has always existed to rent our halls for events. We wanted to professionally develop our B2B event

possibilities and that’s why we acquired the Zuiderkroon, including its complete and experienced catering and event team. We now have everything needed for organising large B2B events: an experi-enced support service and professional infrastructure. You can rent our event locations in Bel-

Music Hall Group: content, locations and servicesThe Music Hall Group has been one of the mainstays of the performing arts in Antwerp. Geert Allaert started the group in 1989 and focused primarily on organising large music productions. The group has been growing steadily – starting with the acquisition and renovation of the Antwerp Stadsschouwburg and Forest National in the early Nineties – and became an important organiser, producer and promoter of large B2C events and associated B2B services (VIP Corporate service). 2009 has been a turning point for the group with the acquisition of the Zuiderkroon – a large purpose built corporate venue in Antwerp. Their large quantity of facilities and services will now also be available to corporate business. MIM magazine interviewed Geert Allaert, general manager, and Tom Bertels, marketing manager.INTERVIEW AND TEXT MARCEL A.M. VISSERS AND IGOR HENDRICKX


Geert Allaert

Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen

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gium’s Golden Triangle: Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent. Forest National in Brussels can accommodate up to 8000 people in an arena setting. Capitole Gent is an elegant Art Deco location in Ghent with several break out rooms (1600 seated). The Stadsschouwburg Antwerp (2000 seated) is the perfect place for an event with panache. More about that later. The Zuiderkroon (1200 seated) has a large foyer and auditorium and can be set up in any way possible. In addition to our VIP Corporate service and our Event Loca-tions, we now have our Event services: Gusto (our in-house catering service) and 2toTango (our event bureau). These are our three main pillars of activity. We’re unique in Belgium in combining large capacity event locations and know how: the one stop shop for any event.Naturally, we will be communicating our new B2B possibilities to the press, our clients and through our corporate event brochures.

MIM: So what’s so special about the Stadsschouwburg and the Zuiderkroon?Geert Allaert: First of all, we have a 1000m2 stage with incredible techni-cal possibilities: six huge elevators, a revolving stage with a diameter of 24m, 89 theatrical fl y bars, technical bridges, etc. It’s perfect for spectacular events. For example, last year we had a confer-ence where – after the presentation – a ready walking dinner buffet was raised from below. Secondly, we have the larg-est covered square in the world right in front of our building. The square with its large awning was designed by the Italian architects Secchi & Viganò. Encouraged by the city, we’ve already organised some large events outside. The new square also infl uences the neighbourhood: more and more trendy bars and restaurants start to appear. We’re right at the centre of the Antwerp West End and our building – for-merly called the Bunker – now feels more

like a new Centre Pompidou.The Zuiderkroon is our dedicated multi-purpose event hall. The hall can be used for all B2B events: seminars, meetings, product launches, … We have a large foyer and a large multifunctional auditorium, which can be totally transformed from theatre style to dinner style to a catwalk etc. Lots of free parking space in the vicin-ity, make this an easily accessible location on the Antwerp Southside.

MIM: What makes the Music Hall Group so special? What’s the added value that you offer your clients?GA: Our B2C events remain our primary activity, but they’re also the added value to our B2B events. In the daytime, we can easily organise large seminars, confer-ences and meetings in our locations and in the evening the guests can attend our shows. Of course, people have to take a break and that’s when they can take a backstage tour or have a meet and greet with the artists. Through our artistic con-nections, we’re the only ones in Belgium who can offer such incentives in between and after the meetings. For no added cost! The Music Hall Group distinguishes itself by offering a unique product in so many large and fl exible locations and with all-inclusive service.

We now have everything needed for organising large B2B events

MyCulture is a terrifi c tool foremployers to reward their employees. For no added cost you can get a discount (-15%, -30%, -50%) for your employees on all shows of the Music Hall Group (500 each year) in Forest National, Stadsschouwburg Antwerp, Capitole Gent and Zuiderkroon Antwerp.Call 070 22 44 22 or [email protected]

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Cathedral of Our LadyThe pride and glory of Antwerp is its cathedral. It’s the largest, highest and most beautiful Gothic ca-thedral of the Benelux. This is not an opinion, this is a fact. The cathedral serves as the most prominent display of Antwerp’s glory and prosperity. Not only is the Cathedral a magnifi cent piece of architecture, it also houses an impressive collection of major art pieces. Several programs exist: a visit behind the scenes (max. 260), nocturnes (max. 260) and a demonstration of the pipe organ (max. 500).www.dekathedraal.be

Central StationAntwerp’s Central Station is a towering example of the Eclectic style of the late 19th and early 20th century. After a thorough restoration and moderni-sation, the Railway Cathedral once again overlooks Astrid Square in all of its glittering glory. In 2009, Newsweek Magazine placed the station fourth in the Top Best Stations in the World.

The station has several meeting rooms that will serve as an addition to the future congress centre. It’s possible to rent these rooms and to organise an event in the central hall, but requests are always treated ad hoc. Simply contact Mr. Paul Vanaelst: [email protected]

If you want to organise a small reception in this magnifi cent setting, you can contact Le Royal Café, housed in the former waiting room. In this magnifi -cent bar with high ceilings, an enormous clock and gold decorations, you can arrange a reception for 28, 32 or 60 people or you can rent the whole bar. Just contact the manager for reservations and details.

City HallIt’s possible to rent up to fi ve state rooms in the City Hall. A drink, a dinner or a meeting in this impres-

sive historical setting won’t soon be forgotten. The city council will have to approve your application, so reservations should be made at least two months in advance.www.antwerpen.be/openstadhuis

Felix PakhuisHoused in a renovated warehouse near the marina, the Felix Pakhuis tries to be more than just another trendy bar-restaurant and succeeds. While the upper fl oors are home to the city’s archives, the ground fl oor is divided into several rooms with a total size of 4000m2. One of these, the “Salon”, is perfect for concerts, seminars, meetings and presentations. Another is a long, wide covered street and can be used for fashion shows and walking dinners. Events can also be organised on the patio with a beautiful view of Antwerp’s Island. Most refreshing, however, is the cultural touch and the social dimension. Part of the turnover goes to charity, young artists can freely display their designs and jazz and classical concerts are regularly organized.www.felixpakhuis.nu

Grand Café HortaVictor Horta was perhaps the most important infl uential Art Nouveau architect. The Grand Café Horta in Antwerp – a café-restaurant in the middle of Antwerp’s shopping district – is a homage to him. Meals for up to 50 people can be arranged in the café-restaurant itself, but for larger events one just has to take a look at the Art Nouveau Room on the second fl oor with its authentic beams. Events for up to 1000 people can be organised in the most elegant setting imaginable. Also worth mentioning is the modern cuisine and catering, which specialises in beer-recipes. Beer and Art Nouveau … you can’t go wrong with that. www.grandcafehorta.be

In recent years Antwerp earned the title “Construction site of the century”. Renovation and restoration projects are constantly in progress. Many decayed buildings have been restored to their former glory and some neighbourhoods have acquired a completely new look. Many architectural styles create a harmonious, uniquely Antwerp style.Guided tours of architectural buildings and neighbourhoods can be arranged through Ant-werp Tourism and Congress.

Architecture

Architecture is a social act and the material theatre of human activity. – Spiro Kostof

Stadsfeestzaal The Salon - Felix Pakhuis


Internationaal Perscentrum VlaanderenHouse Roodenborch – the headquarters of the International Press centre Flanders at the Great Market Square – offers the possibility to organise meetings, receptions and exhibitions in an exclu-sive 17th century setting. In the 14th century cel-lar there’s a bar with modern kitchen and room for 80 people, ideally suited for receptions. The modern multi-purpose and multi-media room on the fi rst fl oor can easily hold 120 people. Finally, it is possible to hold smaller meetings from 20 to 50 people in two rooms in the historical attic with its wide wooden beams.www.ipvlaanderen.be

La RivaIn 1864 a soup kitchen for the Antwerp dockers was housed in a picturesque building with a large hall and mosaic fl oors. It lost its purpose with the expansion to the North of the port facili-ties and was forgotten until recently. Though the original chandeliers, mosaics and decorations were restored, the interior was redesigned in Art

Deco style and the exterior took on a Neo Gothic look. La Riva is a charming setting for product launches, seminars, walking and seated dinners for up to 500 people. Every event benefi ts from this elegant setting and the excellent catering.www.lariva.be

Shopping StadsfeestzaalGlamorous! That’s the word that immediately springs to mind when visiting the Antwerp Shopping Stadsfeestzaal, to be found on the Meir – Antwerp’s main shopping street. With marble staircases, parquet fl oors, gold mosaics and murals, a champagne bar and more than forty national and international shops, Shopping Stadsfeestzaal does not descend into kitsch, but is a stunning and enchanting location for your festive events. Large events for up to 1200 people can be organised after hours, while smaller gatherings of about 150 people can be held in the Multi Temporary Art Space on the second fl oor. www.stadsfeestzaal.com

Port Authority Building, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects

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GastronomyAmongst its various tours, Antwerp Tourism & Congress also offers a cultural pub crawl and culinary visit. Enjoying the many different tastes of Antwerp is mandatory.

De Groote Witte ArendOne of the fi nest examples of a fi fteenth century pa-trician palace is “The Great White Eagle”. Built before 1554, it has an inner court surrounded by graceful Tuscan pillars in blue stone, a Gothic chapel with frescoes, Rococo-styled windows and gate and a win-ter garden. It also has two meeting rooms equipped in 21st century style and a famous café-restaurant specialised in Belgian beers on the ground fl oor. You can choose from several programs (beer-tastings, meetings, dinners …) and the staff is as fl exible as the service and the food is fl awless.www.degrootewittearend.be

Mike’s Havana HouseThere are only a few cigar stores in the world that get the exclusive certifi cate “Casa del Habano”. Mike’s Havana House is one of these and can be found in Antwerp. It got elected in 2005 as “Most Beautiful Havana Store in Europe”. Nowadays, smoking cigars is no longer as exclusive as it used to be. If you want to be introduced to the Cuban pleasures, you can organize a cigar and rum tasting for up to 20 people in the sumptuous lounge on the fi rst fl oor. Most par-ticipants who have never smoked a cigar before, will be suitably impressed and perhaps even converted.www.mikeshavanahouse.be

De VagantIn every guide book and during every guided tour, “De Vagant” gets mentioned. After all, there are few bars who can claim they have a permanent stock of two hundred different kinds of jenever – the juniper-fl avored and strongly alcoholic traditional liquor of the Netherlands, Belgium and Northern France. Connoisseurs and amateurs alike will be surprised by the variety of taste and colour. Tastings for groups of up to 25 people – that’s eight jenevers per person if

you’re so inclined – can be arranged in a private room. www.devagant.be

Kook-KlasseCooking has become very popular as form of relaxa-tion and social activity. After acquiring international experience in developing gastronomic products and concepts, Robby Dubois and his young team have started a small company specialised in cooking-work-shops. Located in the Kasteelpleinstraat – a street which has slowly but surely become synonymous with the cooking-art in Antwerp, Kook-Klasse offers groups from 8 to 30 people the opportunity to cook fresh, tasty and healthy.www.kookklasse.be

FoodForFoodies

Located on walking distance from Astrid Square, FoodForFoodies offers a unique experience. For inspi-ration, they start with a culinary excursion through the multi-ethnic quarter of Antwerp. Various cuisines from Portugal to China and Morocco pass the review. Afterwards you gather in a designer kitchen and cook a light multi-culinary meal.FoodForFoodies is geared towards teambuilding by companies and organisations and offers personalised programs and seminars on request.www.foodforfoodies.be

While other Belgian cities might have a typical regional dish, Antwerp – by way of its international port – strives to be profi cient in not just one, but all things gastronomic. The array of possibilities to organ-ise a culinary event is simply astounding. And even though a typical Antwerp dish is lack-ing, typical local products can still be found: a Bolleke (beer from the De Koninck brew-ery), Elixir d’Anvers (a locally made liqueur) and Antwerp hands (hand shaped cookies or chocolates) are just a few of many.

Gastronomy

The gentle art of gastronomy is a friendly one. It hurdles the language barrier, makes friends among civilized people, and warms the heart.

– Samuel Chamberlain

[email protected]

MIM 19


Crowne Plaza AntwerpThe Place to Meet

Crowne Plaza Antwerp is located in the relaxing green belt of Antwerp, just off the ring road and on the crossroads of the ma-jor highways. Its easy accessibility makes it a primary spot for short and long meetings.

The hotel offers 13 meeting rooms for up to 600 attendees. Five are located on the ground fl oor, where the green forest sur-roundings, garden view and water fountains give you the illusion that you’re meeting in Mother Nature’s womb. Crowne Plaza Antwerp is the highest hotel in Antwerp and offers breathtaking views from its top fl oor, where the other meeting rooms are located. Let this unique view of Antwerp inspire you. The lounge area of the hotel often serves as the setting for interviews and get-togethers. Multiple business units and free wireless internet connection allow you to check your email and stay in touch.

Crowne Plaza is not only the highest, but also the largest hotel in Antwerp: it’s easy to organise a large conference with 264 spacious rooms and suites, designed in a light, refreshing contemporary style.

Each year, the artists of Jazz Middelheim – the annual summer jazz festival held in the neighbouring Middelheim Park – stay at Crowne Plaza Antwerp. The bar restaurantis named TOOTS, after Belgian’s world famous jazz artist Toots Thielemans.

In 2010 one of the largest and most innova-tive spa lounges will be opened here. You will be able to soak up the natural and inspiring atmosphere at the pool and spa facilities: herbal sauna, hammam, steam cabins, Jacuzzi, multigym, …. But until then the hotel-fi tness and the multiple possible activi-ties in the neighbouring parks – like Nordic

walking, Tai Chi and jogging – will more than suffi ciently keep you fi t and healthy.

Obviously, Crowne Plaza Antwerp is by it-self an excellent location for your meetings and incentives. However, its close proximity to the city centre is another major asset. The experienced and friendly staff will inspire you and bring you into contact with the realm of possibilities that is Antwerp. They have developed pre- and post meeting ideas to discover the city: fashion walking tours, a shawl knotting seminar, a tour of the best fries stands, a boat tour of the river Scheldt, … Truly, Crowne Plaza Ant-werp is one of the better ways to connect with the Other Antwerp Six.

Meetings and incentives often serve to inspire new ideasand concepts. That’s why organisers are always on the look-out for an inspiring location to hold their event. Crowne Plaza Antwerp is such a location.

- Central location.- Easy to reach from anywhere.- Private parking for 170 cars.- 700 parking spaces in the direct vicinity.- 13 meeting rooms for up to 600 attendees.- Free Wifi connection.- 264 spacious rooms and suites.- Meeting lounge.

Crowne Plaza AntwerpGerard Le Grellelaan 10B-2020 Antwerpmeetings & conventions:E: [email protected]: +32 (0)3 259 75 18www.theplacetomeet.be

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Some people say that – with the advent of the new congress centre – a few additional hotels in Antwerp won’t hurt. All four and (one) fi ve star hotels in Antwerp already have excellent meeting possibilities. While there are many special venues in Antwerp (castles, industrial settings, …), we had to review them briefl y. This was not a quality judgement, but rather a prac-tical solution to our limited space.

Where can we meet in Antwerp?

Antwerp ExpoBuilt in the same year as the World’s Fair in Brussels (1958), Antwerp Expo has ever since been Antwerp’s major exhibition centre. The numbers are over-whelming: 60 trade and public fairs and 1.2 million visitors per year, 22,120 m2 with four fully equipped exhibition halls, 6 modular rooms, 3 restaurants, 2 separate entrances and 3000 nearby parking spaces. It’s situated in the green belt of Antwerp, close to the Antwerp ring and linked to the city centre with regular public transport. Since April 2007, Artexis Belgium also owns Flanders Expo in addition to Namur Expo and Namur Palais des Congrès. This makes it possible for Antwerp Expo to concentrate on organising (relatively) small and medium trade fairs and congresses. This fi ts the vision of Etienne Verhaert, director of Antwerp Expo, that specialisa-tion, fl exibility and good service are the main reasons for success. No plans for expansion here, but rather renovation to better serve the customer in the new millennium. This makes Artexis the provider of ultimate meeting en market places.www.antwerpexpo.be

Hilton Antwerp

If you’re looking for opulent and luxurious surround-ings with discrete full-service to organise a confer-ence, meetings, a launch-party, etcetera in Antwerp, look no further. Hilton Antwerp has dedicated one

complete fl oor towards meeting rooms and facilities. Added to this is one of the largest ballrooms in Belgium: the Belle-Epoque Ballroom with its beauti-ful domed ceiling and enormous crystal chandelier. Hilton Antwerp can easily accommodate a conference for 1000 people: starting with a plenary session in the ballroom, subsequent meetings and seminars in thirteen separate rooms and fi nishing up with a dinner dance or banquet. An executive fl oor with a private executive lounge and terrace allows for even more comfort. But what truly sets Hilton Antwerp apart, is its location in the very heart of the historical city centre.www.antwerp.hilton.com

Recreational and Congress Hotel Ter Elst

In the whole of Antwerp, there’s only one place that combines the three pillars of the meetings industry on a large scale. Even though they have a four star hotel and two wonderful restaurants, Ter Elst is still primarily a congress centre. The sheer amount of meeting rooms and halls and their possible arrange-ments is simply overwhelming. Located in green and quiet Edegem – on a short distance between Antwerp and Brussels – Ter Elst offers visitors a wide variety of recreational options in between and after meet-ings. There is of course a limit to what the staff will help your organise and it’s called “the sky”. Special mention should go to the possibility of arranging more than 200 VPN-network connections at once – unique in the Benelux.www.terelst.be

Jada events

In Belgium, Antwerp is the second city where most of the events take place. Therefore, quite a few decent event companies are located in Antwerp, doing busi-ness in Belgium as well as abroad.Companies like to choose for JADA events because they have a very clear method of working: they like to listen to their needs, give them a few different offers or possibilities and for a very reasonable price. They’re also a relatively new event agency with fresh ideas, coming from the experienced owners: Jan and Danny. Most clients experience a quick and personal follow up in the preparation and the actual event, always with a lot of happy faces as a result.JADA events thinks and feels that – especially in times of economic crisis – it's very important to invest in live events, where one can meet his clients, collaborators and colleagues personally. A live event always strengthens a relationship. And in these times, businesses that profi le and renew themselves, will get the attention of clients automatically and their business results will improve accordingly. Chal-lenge becomes opportunity becomes success! www.jada-events.be

You can view extended texts and other meeting and incentive possibilities on our website: www.meetingmedia.be

MIM 21


Flandria 16 (La Pérouse)

2 salonsLower deck: 120 peopleUpper deck: 40p.Reception: 250p.Dinner: 160p.Buffet: 130p.Length: 61mWidth: 8,65m

Flandria 18

2 salonsLower deck: 152p.Upper deck: 32p. Reception: 200p.Dinner: 184p.Buffet: 152p. Length: 35,5mWidth: 7m * no kitchen

Flandria 24

2 salonsLower deck: 140p.Upper deck: 88p. Reception: 350p.Dinner: 228p.Buffet: 175p. Length: 44 mWidth: 7,60 m

Flandria 1

1 salonDinner at one table: 26p.Dinner at small tables: 46p.Length: 30,05 mWidth: 6,20 m

Brabo 20

1 salonmax. 18 passengersLength: 19mSpeed: 14 knots

Cruiseterminal

Theatre: 250 people Classroom: 150p. Dinner: 300p.Reception: 400p.

Anchors away with Flandria

From time to time companies and organisations need to show off: the celebration of meritorious employees, the anniversary of the fi rm, a meeting with important guests or potential clients. Flandria provides you with an original setting, fl exible and full service and a choice of many inspiring locations.

Steenplein2000 Antwerpen(03) 231 31 00www.fl andria.nuinfo@fl andria.nu

The four star Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel Antwerp prob-ably stands to gain the most

from the new Antwerp Congress Centre. Not surpris-

ing really, because Radisson Blu is located on the Astrid

Square and is easily the fi rst thing to notice when exiting

Central Train Station – the place to arrive with Thalys,

TGV, Eurostar or the for 2013 scheduled, direct rail-link to Brussels Airport. In fact, the

hotel was designed to have the same profi le as the station and now acts as its contempo-

rary twin building.

Radisson Blu at Astrid Meeting Square

Thierry Vermeiren, Assistant General Manager, understands the opportuni-ties the new congress centre will bring and foresees an increase of business for the hotel and the area. He has already noticed a new wind blowing through the neighbourhood. New buildings and busi-nesses continue to pop up and the whole neighbourhood around the station seems to revitalize itself.

The hotels' 18 modern meeting rooms, the Scala ball room, the separate conferencing fl oor and 24h business centre, will serve as an important addition to the congress centre. Due to the hotel’s proximity, conference guests will most likely choose for Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel and Park Inn

as their residence. It’s a choice they won’t regret. Where some have reacted to the economic crisis with cut-backs on quality and personnel, Radisson Blu Astrid and Park Inn Antwerp have resolutely chosen to ensure their continued high level of service in the belief that quality and famil-iar faces guarantee returning customers.Aquatopia, the oceanarium right next door, also offers interesting opportunities for meetings and incentives in the quiet but beautiful company of thousands of fi sh. The hotel's meeting staff has extensive experi-ence creating fun and adventurous work-shops such as treasure hunts in the hotel's public areas and entertaining cooking ses-sions with the restaurant's Head Chef.

When we took our leave, Thierry Ver-meiren also assured us that the new Antwerp Tourism & Congress Bureau shows promise. They’ve certainly shown to be interested in the opinion of hoteliers and that goes a long way towards Antwerp becoming a better known meeting place.

www.radissonblu.com/astridhotel-antwerpwww.antwerpen.parkinn.be

Park Inn- 59 modern and contemporary designed guest rooms- Guests can enjoy an international buffet breakfast at the hotel's restaurant area.- Special arrangements apply for restaurant “The Square” of the Radisson Blu Astrid hotel (100m)- Fitness room- The swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam bath, sauna and 5* fi tness club of the Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel can be used free of charge (100m)

Thierry VermeirenRadisson Blu

AquatopiaBe enthralled with a visit to the amazing Aquatopia, located within a 100 meters from Park Inn and situated next to the Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel. Housing an astounding 10,000 exotic fi sh and reptiles, the oceanarium is a delight for the senses. Bring the kids along for an aquatic adventure or hold your next con-ference, party, product launch, cocktail or event and conduct business unusually.Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00www.aquatopia.be


MIM 22

City of Antwerp

www.antwerpen.be/visit+32 3 338 81 81

Unique venues in a historical settingTailor made advice for meetings - incentives - conventions - events

Antwerp Tourism & Congress | Grote Markt 15, BE-2000 Antwerpen

Phone: +32 3 338 81 81 | Fax: +32 3 338 81 32 | [email protected] | www.antwerpen.be/visit

210x270_MIM082009_MICE_09.indd 1 19-08-2009 16:57:52

mim magazine no.106 antwerp special

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