The conference and events sector is at a crossroads. To shape a brighter future, we need to shift our focus from "more" to "better." A new and resilient business model is essential for staying relevant.
Social impact is crucial in this transition. Consider the long-term positive effects your conference or event can have on the host location and its residents.
To address this key question, VISITFLANDERS Convention Bureau has co-developed a new methodology. This stakeholder-focused approach helps organizers identify and maximize their positive impact, making conferences and events milestones not only for the sector but also for society.
On Monday, October 14, we will unveil this methodology—developed over two years—during Impact Day in Bruges. As a sector expert, we invite you to join us for this premiere.
Together with partners #MEET4IMPACT and GDS-Movement, we have designed an engaging afternoon program.
Why attend?
Impact Day offers you 5 reasons to join this unique opportunity:
- Learn from industry leaders. Hear from associations like like The European Academy of Childhood-onset Disability (EACD), (Incredible Impact Award 2024 Finalist), The European Federation of Food Science and Technology (EFFoST), EASL | The Home of Hepatology, and The World Breaking Championship how they created positive outcomes for members, communities, stakeholders.
- Unlock Funding for Impact. Explore how to access funding to support impactful initiatives and get inspired by famous Belgian Captain of Industry and Founder of the Impact House Piet Colruyt.
- Insights intosustainable practices. Explore the latest trends in sustainable practices that can make your events more impactful. Get a great introduction from Jan Beyne, Sustainability Expert and Professor at the Antwerp Management School on what Impact is all about.
- Strengthen your global network. Connect with over 100 international stakeholders from the Quadruple and Quintuple Innovation Helix Framework to expand your influence and collaboration opportunities.
- Drive meaningful change through impactful initiatives.
Impact Day is part of the BEFuture project, which aims to shape the future of Business Events in Europe by promoting sustainability, resilience, and digital innovation.
This event will be organized with sustainability at its core. Located in the heart of Bruges, it is easily accessible by public transport and surrounded by hotels with The Green Key certification. Additionally, we will measure our CO2 emissions to ensure environmental responsibility.
We Care For Water at the Impact Day
Urgent action is needed to overcome the global challenges to water and sanitation. Business events have the power to focus attention on SDG6 and to create a significant impact on sustainable water management.
Let us collectively demonstrate our support for SDG6 during the conference! How?
The Crowne Plaza Bruges monitors water use in real time before, during and post conference. We visualize the results during the conference days.
You can contribute to the campaign by using water more consciously.
Maybe you want to
- Take shorter and less frequent showers?
- Close the tap while you wash hands?
- Use the water glass when brushing teeth?
- Rethink if towels need to be changed and room to be cleaned daily?
VISITFLANDERS Convention Bureau developed the new methodology in collaboration with #MEET4IMPACT and the cities of Bruges, Leuven, Antwerp and Ghent.
Program
Drive Meaningful Change
Do you want to create real impact within your organisation?
Are you looking to engage your members and stakeholders more effectively and host events with purpose?
Together with the entire organisation, our partners and moderator Francis Kadaplackal we invite you to celebrate our methodology and learn more about the importance of generating impact with a congress or event in your destination.
Morning program: starts at 9h with welcome coffee
In an unusual setting you will learn and get inspired by industry leaders from associations like
- The European Academy of Childhood-onset Disability (EACD), (Incredible Impact Award 2024 Finalist) with Elegast Montbaliu
- The European Federation of Food Science and Technology (EFFoST)
- The World Breaking Championship
on how they created positive outcomes for members, communities, stakeholders.
Through short presentations and interviews you will discover the do’s and don’t’ s on generating positive societal impact with your organization or destination.
You will learn from professor Jan Beyne on what ‘impact’ is and means.
A cocktail of best cases, inspirational stories and real tips and tricks on how to start driving change!
Afternoon program: starts at 14h after a healthy tasty lunch
In the afternoon we start with an introduction by Geneviève Leclerc and Guy Bigwood on “Why Funding for Impact?” and link with business events industry.
Followed by an inspiration presentation on the ABCs of the impact investment world and introduction to the “impact ecosystem” by one of Belgium’s most impactful Captain of Industry: Piet Colruyt.
People chose 1 out of 3 sessions
Session 1
Sponsorship from corporate partners - case studies of associations who forged impactful partnerships to scale their impact -with EASL | The Home of Hepatology
Session 2
Conference subventions - best practices of leveraging subvention funds to catalyse social and environmental change in cities – Bregje Frens-De Leeuw, Co-Founder Conferli
Session 3
How could governmental and supranational funding schemes support better delivery on associations’ impact objectives through event-related impact projects, where the event is considered a key activity or “activator" in a broader impact-focused project aiming to advance social and environmental goals aligned with the SDGs and government priorities.
We close the Day with a networking reception with local specialties to give you time to reflect with your old and new contacts on the learnings and to think about the next steps you will take to drive change!
Location
Saint Magdalene’s Church
Stalijzerstraat 19, 8000 Bruges
Saint Magdalene’s Church is not St Peter's Basilica in Rome. The number of places is therefore limited. Be quick and you will definitely get your seat.
Accomodation
If you would you like to book a hotel for Sunday night you can consult our special deal on the Impact Congress booking platform. (To be booked before 15th September 2024).
Registration
You participate for the price of €150 (VAT included).
Cancellation policy
If you need to cancel your registration, please inform us by emailing hilde.vandepoel@toerismevlaanderen.be before September 30, 2024. This allows us to finalize catering arrangements and adhere to our commitment to sustainability by minimizing food waste. Additionally, your timely notice will enable us to offer your spot to someone else.
If we receive your cancellation after September 30, 2024, the following fees will apply:
- Up to 2 weeks before the event: 50% cancellation fee
- Within 2 weeks of the event: 100% cancellation fee