Associations and Brussels: a match made in Europe

With over 2,450 international associations based in Brussels, it’s fair to say that Brussels is the perfect home for associations.

By Elisabeth Van Ingelgem

Elisabeth Van Ingelgem is the Director of Strategy & International at visit.brussels

25 May 2023

Looking back at the 11th edition of the European Association Summit (EAS) is a bit like looking back to the future. And if I were to own a time-traveling DeLorean, I’d say: what a ride it’s been! Our two-day conference united 180 participants, 55 speakers, experienced and budding associates around trends and challenges that affect us all. Now in its eleventh year, EAS has provided a decade’s worth of peer-to-peer education for the international associations community. Curious about what the next decade will bring? So am I! 

Associations flourish in our capital. With over 2,450 international associations based in Brussels, we’re the leading association city in the world (UIA 2022 ranking). So, if your organisation isn’t yet part of our international community, Brussels is where the action is! Operating in the capital of Europe instantly boosts the notoriety and reputation of your association, amplifies your message, reinforces your international position and puts you in direct contact with a multitude of decision-makers and other associations. If you require help settling in, we at the visit.brussels Convention and Association Bureau are glad to help. So, the question isn’t “why Brussels?”, but “when?”. 

"With over 2,450 international associations based in Brussels, we’re the leading association city in the world"

 

- Elisabeth Van Ingelgem, Director Strategy & International at visit.brussels

Autumn 2023, perhaps? With the official opening of The Association Place imminent, the future looks bright! This venue, which is literally located in the heart of Europe (European Quarter), aims to become the meeting point for the international and European associations community. The Association Place will be a “first-stop shop” for associations’ questions, an intimate yet versatile event location and a place to become part of, and gain access to, this dynamic community of well over 40,000 people based in or around Brussels. The newly renovated former orangery combines a bright and welcoming atmosphere with a modern look and feel. In short, it’ll be a place to be, a place to see and a place to grow. Not unlike Brussels. 

I hope to see you here, very soon! 


Visit.Brussels

The 11th edition of the European Association Summit was organised by visit.brussels on 27th-28th April 2023. You can find out more information about the summit here