Of course, Kortrijk is not really a new destination – the city boasts a long history, but has always maintained one foot in the present. The same can be said of the Kortrijk Regional Convention Bureau – it has a wealth of experience, yet is still young, not least in spirit. Although you can call the convention bureau premature, the team, composed of Luc Debusschere & Ann-Pascale Mommerency, present a young, fresh and dynamic view of the city, and have really put it on the map (which could not be said before). Here we give a short roundup of the meeting and event opportunities in which the region of Kortrijk is rich!

If you are thinking big, think Kortrijk XPO. With 40,000 m2 of versatile exhibition space and meeting and banquet halls, it is one of the MICE stalwarts in the region. But not resting on its laurels, Kortrijk XPO is very conscious of its environmental footprint: with its roof fitted with photovoltaic solar panels, the centre now produces its own green energy. With very extensive possibilities, it is an ideal location for 'green' events or other purposes. Slightly smaller but equally adequate alternatives in the area are Waregem (4,500 m²) and Roeselare Expo (6000 m²).

Beer or boat?

For a different type of location, Roeselare holds a trump card: the former jute mill Fabriekspand is a beautifully renovated meeting and event location and the Rodenbach brewery simply exudes history. Alongside the beer that is brewing, maybe your company can produce some refreshing new ideas? Or you might find more inspiration for persistence and perseverance in the Bicycle Collection in Roeselare?

Transfo, the former power station lying on the banks of the Bossuit-Kortrijk canal in Zwevegem, is a beautiful piece of listed industrial heritage. It has been completely renovated and transformed into a 9 hectare MICE location, where everything is possible, even adventure sports! From Zwevegem you can also easily take a trip onboard ‘Old Tjalk’ (dated 1896), the oldest ship flying the Belgian flag. Here, in this unique setting, your corporate party will have that special touch.

Design

Kortrijk also stands for design. The city is not only home to the biennial INTERIOR design trade show, but also to the internationally renowned designers, Quinze & Milan. As a company you can visit their exclusive gallery or even rent it as event location. If Design is what you are looking for, check out the AVC Centre in Harelbeke. The building is an architectural triumph with numerous open spaces, an inspirational setting for large and small events.

Kortrijk is also a region that reaches for the skies in terms of age-old traditions. The Bockor brewery has been based in rural Bellegem for five generations and it is here that Lambic, Jacobin, Max and the award-winning Omer beers are brewed. The newly renovated brewery tower now houses the "Brett", a brand new visitors’ centre, but it also happens to be an excellent venue for events of up to 30 people. But, as we all know, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy and so the day can be closed with a visit to the brewery and, of course, beer tasting!

Glorious Glory

For companies that just want to escape the bustle of Kortrijk and prefer to opt for a green, inspirational meeting location, Marrem in Wevelgem, is certainly the one. An estate with park, ponds, farm and guesthouse, it has been under family management for centuries; it has now been ecologically renovated, its historical soul going hand in hand with the natural surroundings to create an ideal setting for reflection and inspiration.

If you want to really seek your inner soul and get the best out of your employees, Sacrament might be the perfect event location for you. This chapel, formerly called St. Juliana chapel on the Vossemolen, was renovated in 1929 and, until recently, served as the parish church of Rumbeke. It now forms a unique, inspiring and sometimes even sacred event location.

For companies who cannot find their ideal location in the many meeting and event opportunities the Kortrijk region has to offer, we recommend a brainstorming session at The Studios. The creative spaces in Howest Kortrijk are available to companies and go under the intriguing names of Oasis, Green Lounge, The Garden of Eden and Treehouse. It comes as no surprise to learn that it is not unusual to hold a meeting on the swing here! It is just that little bit different…