Antwerpen
Antwerp is one of those underrated gems of a city. So often, travelers head straight to Brussels, Bruges, or Ghent on their visits to Belgium, but in reality, they skip over one of the best-kept secrets in Western Europe.
Antwerp is a port city with an incredible history. Antwerp grew throughout the Middle Ages thanks to its proximity to the water and became a city of enlightenment. Now you can find an ethnically diverse and vibrant city with a great history.
How to get there?
By Plane:
- Fly to Brussels Airport
- You will find the train station directly under the Departure and Arrival Halls of the airport (level -1). The escalator or lift will take you directly to the platform.
- Tickets are sold in advance through SNCB website or at Brussels Airport – Zaventem Station ticket machines.
- Trains leave every 30 minutes. The ride takes 31 minutes and brings you directly to Antwerp Central Station. References:
- IC 2631 “Mechelen – Antwerpen Centraal”
- IC 9231 “Antwerpen – Amsterdam”
By Train
- Take a Thalys fast train from Paris, Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport or Rotterdam directly to Antwerp
- Take a Eurostar from London to Brussels South, then a train to Antwerp
- France: take a TGV to Paris, then a Thalys to Antwerp.
Useful links
KCC Congress Centre
Welcome to KCC, a conference center in one of Antwerp’s most desirable locations. The all-new KAVA Conference Centre provides all of the services and facilities required to host meetings, training sessions, conferences, and other types of gatherings. The clever use of the spaces allows us to provide small rooms for limited guest numbers, auditoriums, and meetings for up to 350 people. KCC has cutting-edge audio-video technology, full Internet access, and conferencing equipment. KCC is easily accessible by public transportation (rail, tram, and bus), but it also has its own dedicated and spacious parking lot.
Address: Consciencestraat 41a – 2018 Antwerpen
Conference Dinner
This edition will feature a seated dinner with an open bar (no drink tickets needed) in the beautiful, historical Marble Hall, next to the famous Antwerp Zoo.
As one of the architectonic highlights of Art Nouveau in Belgium, it is the ideal setting for our evening dinner.
The impressive columns of pink marble, the high ceiling in pure Art Nouveau style, and the high windows add to a special, spacious, and stylish impression.
On entering the Marble Hall, one is immediately aware of an overwhelming sense of light and space. High windows bath the Marble Hall in beautiful soft daylight. The Belle Epoque atmosphere still lingers here.
Dinner guests are invited to roam around in the adjacent Verlat Hall and the Winter Garden: a late 19th-century architectural gem of glass and steel providing a tropical illusion.
Entering this Winter Garden is like arriving in a dense woodland, where you can walk among hundreds of butterflies during the Spring and Summer.
Address: Koningin Astridplein 20-26, 2018 Antwerpen
Social Event
The most fun adventure in Antwerp? A tour through our City Brewery! That is not only a must-see, but especially a must-do due to the countless interactive experiences. No, you do not have to follow a guide: you do this visit at your own pace. Moreover, before and during your visit we treat you to a perfectly tapped tasting. So put our tour on your bucket list, or better yet: come experience it immediately!
Followed by a walking dinner by Cece is hungry.
Address: Mechelsesteenweg 291, 2018 Antwerp
Hotels
We hand-picked these hotels near the conference center and the central station. These hotels keep a fixed rate when you use the booking link and they have guaranteed room capacity up to one month before the event. We recommend booking early. You can cancel free of charge up to 7 days before the event. Prices include breakfast.
Recommended hotels:
Leonardo Plaza
This hotel is closest to the conference center (400m). It has been renovated recently and it has very spacious rooms. There’s not enough room for all attendees. Book early to secure your spot.
Booking code: 1211CLI
Address: Charlottalei 49, 2018 Antwerpen
Central Station area
These hotels are within walking distance from the conference center: 1,1 – 1,5 km or a 14-18 minutes walk. If you rent a bike or an electric scooter, it’s just 6 minutes.
Leonardo City
This hotel is the most budget-friendly. It’s located in the heart of the vibrant tourist and shopping area around the central station. The rooms are more minor.
Booking code: 1211CLI
Address: De Keyserlei 59, 2018 Antwerpen
NH Collection
Modern ‘collection’ hotel with a lovely breakfast area. More luxurious rooms.
Address: Pelikaanstraat 84, 2018 Antwerpen
Please note: booking a room as a double must be done in agreement with the hotel
Lindner
The most expensive on the list.
Reservation is possible until October 13th. Mention your name, your check-in and check-out date, the booking code, and if you want a single or double room.
Booking code: 304046
Address: Lange Kievitstraat 125, 2018 Antwerpen