Welcome reception - Delegates and Accompanying persons

Wednesday 11 september 2019
18.30 - 20.30

Punctuated by narrow bays, the 1618 façade of the Magistrate’s Chambers was influenced by the Gothic style. Only the capitals of the superimposed columns derive from the Italian Renaissance, inspired by those of the Roman Coliseum. Other buildings were added in the 18th century, forming an enormous quadrilateral with interior courtyards.

Charles the Fifth abdicated in the Throne Room in 1555 in favour of his son Philip II.

There followed a reign and a moment of history that the people of Ghent will never forget, marked by the religious intolerance of the absolute monarch. Above the throne hangs the portrait of Joseph II, the sovereign of enlightened despotism, against whom they also revolted.

The City Hall of Ghent is the centre of political power of the city. Our reception at the invitation of the Mayor will take place in the “Pacificatie zaal”, referring to the signing of a peace treaty between Spain and the Low Countries in 1576.

Followed by a guided walk through the centre of the Old town

Wednesday 11 september 2019
20.30 - 21.30

Limited to the delegates who have registered for this activity.

Gala dinner – H.A. - Handelsbeurs

Thursday 12 September 2019
20.00 - 23.00

The Gala dinner will be hosted at the wonderful ‘Handelsbeurs’. The ‘Handelsbeurs’ is a multifunctional concert hall in the city of Ghent, located in the monumental Handelsbeurs building on the Kouter. It's a 5-minute walk from the city centre and 10 min walk from the Conference centre.

Every year, Noordstarfonds vzw, under the name 'Handelsbeurs' organises some 100 concerts in the Handelsbeurs building which was revamped in 2002. When no productions are being performed, the building is available to rent. The historical building hides a unique, advanced theatre engineering infrastructure - with a dual purpose layout: either as an auditorium or in a planar arrangement - which is in the capable hands of a professional production and technical team.

Handelsbeurs is located in the heart of Ghent. Beneath Kouter square in front you find a parking lot.