Antwerp’s ‘City Is Your Venue’ Hosts IAPCO EDGE Event

Monday, January 22, 2024

The IAPCO EDGE Seminar held from January 16-18, 2024, was a collaborative effort by the Antwerp Convention Bureau, VISITFLANDERS Convention Bureau, and Semico. This event brought together 65 prominent PCOs and their industry counterparts. Antwerp took the opportunity to showcase its new brand, encapsulated in the tagline: “The City is Your Venue.”

The seminar, conducted in English, provided a platform for attendees to delve into contemporary themes, forge new connections, and acquire skills through a combination of lectures and hands-on workshops led by industry leaders. The inclusive nature of EDGE Seminars ensured relevance for both early-career participants and seasoned professionals, fostering interactive group learning experiences.

Antwerp’s distinctive charm and adaptable mindset were vividly portrayed throughout the seminar, emphasizing the city’s ability to transform into a welcoming venue. From the inaugural reception at The Radisson Blu’s Diamond Room to educational sessions at the Flanders Meeting & Convention Center Antwerp (FMCCA) – A Room with a ZOO, and the gala dinner at the Zoo’s Aquarium Building, every aspect of the event seamlessly integrated the city’s character, efficiency, and world-class event offerings.

Noteworthy highlights included an immersive day at the Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp and the grand IAPCO Dinner and Party at the Sapphire House Antwerp Hotel & Handelsbeurs. The concluding sessions at the Horta Art Nouveau Hall marked not only the conclusion of the event but also the celebration of a city-wide experience, embodying the essence of Antwerp’s innovative approach to event hosting, where Flanders’ Heritage Venues stand out from the ordinary.

Tadeja Pivc Coudyser, CEO of Antwerp Convention Bureau, reflected on the event’s success, emphasizing how the IAPCO EDGE Seminar showcased Antwerp as a premier conference destination. She highlighted Antwerp’s unique brand promise, where events extend beyond the conference room, becoming integral to the city’s fabric. The seminar, much like other events in Antwerp, felt like the main attraction in the city.

Mathias Posch from IAPCO acknowledged Antwerp’s pivotal role in the 50th-anniversary celebration of IAPCO, praising the city’s rich culture, stunning venues, and warm hospitality as the perfect backdrop for the event. The success was attributed to the collaborative efforts of the Antwerp Convention Bureau, VISITFLANDERS Convention Bureau, and all partners involved.

Evelyne Bardyn, Head of Congresses & Events at VISITFLANDERS Convention Bureau, highlighted the alignment between IAPCO EDGE and their ambition to reinforce the positive impact of conferences. A case-study style workshop showcased how strong collaboration could create positive societal change through the legacy of international conferences for the destination.

Antwerp, with its rich history and modern infrastructure, continues to stand out in the international event market. The Antwerp Convention Bureau, in collaboration with its partners, remains committed to attracting international organizations and large events, solidifying Antwerp’s position as a distinctive, vibrant destination for global conferences and events.

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