MIM magazine Ghent supplement

D est i n a t i o n Re p o r t G h e n t i s a s p e c i a l e d i t i o n of M I M m a g a z i n e N o 1 0 4 - A P R I L 20 0 9 p u b l i s h e d by M e e t i n g M e d i a Co m p a ny ( Be l g i u m) - w w w. M I M m a g a z i n e.e u

ENJOYING THE GOOD LIFE

GHENT

SPECIAL MIM SUPPLEMENT

Afgi Af giftftek ekan a toor o -BBur u eaau de dépôt: p 2800 Mecheleen 1 2800 Ediitioon Apri prill 2009 2009 – P4A P4A903 90322

Ghent

M E D I E VA L M A N H AT TA N The ideal destination for your next congress, meeting or incentive

Why Ghent? sõ CENTRALLYõ LOCATEDõ ANDõ EASYõ ACCESSIBLEõ sõ EXCELLENTõ CONGRESSõ ANDõ MEETINGõ FACILITIESõsõCOMPACTõCITYõINõTHEõCENTREõOFõAõBEAUTIFULõREGIONõsõHISTORY õARTSõ ANDõCULTUREõsõHOSPITALITYõANDõGOODõLIVINGõsõUNIVERSITYõTOWN

Gent Congres Official Convention Bureau for Ghent and East Flanders sõPROFESSIONALõADVICEõANDõGUIDANCE õFREEõOFõCHARGEõ sõFINDINGõOFõHOTELS õMEETING õANDõDINNERõVENUES õ OTHERõ SERVICESõ sõ CREATIVEõ IDEASõ ANDõ TIPSõ FORõ SOCIALõACTIVITIESõsõPROMOTIONALõSUPPORTõ

www.gentcongres.be info@gentcongres.be T: +32 (0)9/224 44 95 F: +32 (0)9/224 44 98 Van Rysselberghedreef 2- b o x 3 Citadelpark 9000 Gent

Belgium

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Ghent equals joie de vivre 2.

Are you looking for a city that's really fun and charming to stage an event, meeting or incentive? Then Ghent has many things to offer. Thanks to Annick Debels, Director of Gent Congres, who guided us around, we got to see the city in a whole new light. We only knew the capital of East-Flanders from the typical sceneries, big events and famous museums, so this visit was a true revelation. Lots of interesting developments and the latest places to be were confided to us. At the same time, the city embraced us with a warmth and beauty like no other. Every visitor is given a warm welcome, whether it's a business traveller or a tourist. Nicolas Vanden Eynden, sales manager of the ICC Ghent describes it perfectly well: ‘The people of Ghent are modest. Their hospitality gives you a good feeling about being in Ghent. Because of the offer and charm of the city, tourists are welcomed with open arms.’ And if there's already one thing I can tell: you just can’t get bored here. The city is waiting to be explored!

warehouses are transformed into appealing restaurants, hotels date back to the renaissance, and medieval festivities and folklore bring traditions back to life.

But the rich past of Ghent doesn’t stand on its own. It goes together in perfect harmony with the modern, young and trendy feeling, creating a city that is alive and captivating. The frequently used nickname ‘Medieval Manhattan’ defines it well. But the variety of what Ghent has to offer even goes beyond that. For instance, where else can you can find shops selling sixties wallpaper, an artisanal mustard factory or a flower festival?

Ghent is bursting with cultural life and art.

Museums such as the S.M.A.K. present daring international art collections, whereas the amount of cinemas, theatres and all kinds of cultural activities is impressive. Of course, the people of Ghent are the ones who make it all happen.

REPORT NATHALIE REGA

Alive and kicking: history meets modernity Wandering about through picturesque medieval streets, along the imposing Gravensteen stronghold (Castle of the Counts) or over the magnificent St.-Michael’s bridge, it's almost like travelling back in time. Indeed, the overwhelming historic heritage of this city immediately tickles your imagination. The recent award for most authentic destination proves how well

the city is preserved. Wherever you go, you can feel the people are very proud of their city. And with good reason!

The fact that the noose, once used by Emperor Charles V to humiliate the people, now is carried through the city with pride and used as its symbol, already speaks for itself. On a side-note, this already reveals the obstinate, yet gentle-hearted character of the people of Ghent. In many ways, the historic heritage is given a second life. Former

© Kristof Flamen

Cover: real raspberry cuberdons of Ghent

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They create a cultural dynamism and a fun atmosphere, while some 60,000 students keep the city young and vibrant.

Events on all sides Ghent is the largest university city in Flanders, so there's always something going on early (or late) in the evening. The beautifully illuminated night scenery already revealed to us that the city had come to life again. The night-life is pulsating in every corner and includes everything from cultural happenings, and hot clubs to trendy bars. We went to try out a few places ourselves. In the trendy brasserie Café Theatre with its cosmopolitan style and classy bar, you can have an aperitif while you're waiting to go to the opera.

The young and cosy Hot Club de Gand, is an ideal spot if you wish to see live jazz performances in an attractive setting.

Definitely hot! And if you don’t feel like partying, why don’t you have a tea in the trendy and spacious café, het Oeverloze Eiland? In addition to the many places to go out, events and festivities are going on all through the year. Wouldn't it be excel-

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lent if they would take place at the same time of your meeting or event? Music lovers will certainly find something to their liking among the many music festivals, while film fans certainly cannot miss the International Film Festival of Ghent. The famous Ghent Festivities of July perfectly reflect the spirit of Ghent. And in 2010 the Ghent Floralies, a flower festival that offers possibilities to corporates, will take place again. It almost becomes difficult to miss any of those festivities.

Ghent keeps surprising With several projects and investments, the city of Ghent constantly strives to improve city life and attract an international public.

In April a crowd of thousands of twirlers and majorettes and their fellow travellers have taken in the city during the World Championship of Baton Twirling. It's no surprise that the sports event took place here: Ghent boasts the only indoor facility in the Benelux: The Topsporthal. Even to people like Annick Debels, who knows the city inside and out, Ghent keeps surprising every day. The city's brand new logo,

consisting of the word Ghent, followed by a double point, marks the soul of the city: a place that has many stories to tell and where people are open minded.

The Burgundian way of living: a gastronomic ambiance In every way, the city awakens your senses. As an indication, there's the many terraces on the river banks, the numerous cafés around the market squares, and the 300 or so different restaurants. Culinary adventurers will find themselves at the right address here: Restaurants serve outstanding gastronomic delights next to the traditional local kitchen and multicultural menus. Be aware that choosing a restaurant will be harder than looking for a good one. With the Korenhuis, restaurant of the Ghent Marriott hotel, the Auberge du Pêcheur outside of Ghent or The Belga Queen, just to name a few, a business diner becomes pure pleasure.

An array of specialities makes the gastronomic diversity complete. For instance, who hasn’t heard of the Ghent ‘cuberdons’? The Butcher’s Hall, once a meat

market, promotes local products from dried hams to local gin, cheeses and cakes.

In Chocolatier Van Hoorebeke on the St. Baafs square, two generations dedicate themselves to the traditional fabrication of the most exquisite Belgian chocolates.

Just take a peek trough the partly glazed floor to discover the craftsmanship with which father and son create those greattasting chocolates. Does that make your mouth water already? Then try one of the typical local beers in café de Dulle Griet or a jenever in ‘t Dreupelkot. Several of those breweries and local manufacturers open their doors for company visits. And in case you're interested to make your own bread or chocolates, workshops, such as Atelier Plus, provide these possibilities.

room, such as the Ghent-River-Hotel, and have a marvelous view over the river?

Small boats take you to one of the cafés or restaurants on the waterside. The Oude Vismijn (Old Fish Market), at the Lys is just one of those places. For a long time this former industrial building has been literally covered with question marks. But we managed to find out the answers for you; an info-box for tourists has already been set in place. In the future, a multifunctional event hall, and a modern brasserie with a completely glazed terrace will be added.

Because it will be possible to open up the terrace near the river, the fish market will become the perfect spot to catch a cool breeze on a warm summer evening.

Easy access Good living

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On a Friday, Saturday or Sunday it’s very likely that you come across one of Ghent’s many markets. And can you imagine a more refreshing way to start the day on a lazy Sunday morning than with a glass of champagne and some Oysters at the Blauwe Kiosk at the Kouter? Afterwards you can continue your way up to the second hand book market at the Ajuinlei, followed by a visit of the Groentenmarkt with its traditional products, and maybe end with gazing upon the curiosa and antiques at the Beverhoutplein. Indeed a pleasant way to pass the day in a different way. A lucky thing everything is at walking distance.

Moreover, you won’t get stressed out from cars chasing by. The historic centre has the largest pedestrianised area of Belgium.

The presence of the water in the city, with the rivers Lys and Scheldt is another thing that makes the city so very enjoyable.

Who doesn’t want to wake up in a hotel

Ghent’s openness is also shown in its accessibility. Coming from major European cities you can easily reach Ghent by car or coach, using one of the two European highways (E 17 and E 40) and Brussels airport is only 45 minutes away. Ghent’s railway station, Gent-Sint-Pieters, has connections to all Belgian cities, and to the European high-speed train network after a transfer in Brussels South or in Lille. The Thalys provides daily direct connections to Paris.

Within Ghent itself, the public transport is well organized. Buses and trams take you to wherever you need to be. And in case you want to enter Ghent by car, you only need to follow the parking routes.

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1. Always surprising 2. Auberge du Pêcheur 3. Café Theatre 4. Chocolatier Van Hoorebeke 5. Paul Suy - General Manager Ghent Marriott 6. Cuberdons from Ghent 7. t Dreupelkot and Hot Club de Gand 8. Annick Debels, director of Gent Congres 9. Maarten Michels - RoomeR 10. Traditional Mustard

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Onderbergen One of the most interesting places we passed through was Onderbergen, a lovely part of Ghent, situated in the centre of the Historic Quarter. It’s a large, recently rebuilt alley starting from the Gothic St. Michael’s Church, leading all the way to the Gebroeders Vandeveldestraat. Along the street, beautiful mansions are standing with pride and the large pathways make it agreeable to stroll along the superb boutiques and restaurants.

The new place to be When wandering around here, we soon discovered this neighbourhood revealed much of what is typical for Ghent. You could perfectly call it ‘Ghent in a nutshell’ since it perfectly reflects the dynamic character of the city. Here too, old and trendy go hand in hand. Paul Suy, general manager of the Ghent Marriott, stated that Onderbergen, with its many little sidestreets, has slowly taken over the role of the Patershol. For a long time The Patershol was the place to be thanks to its unique medieval street pattern that attracted many restaurants and tourists.

Onderbergen may not be a tourist attraction, but it certainly shows the true nature of Ghent and its people. New restaurants, decoration stores and arty boutiques have revived the neighbourhood the last couple

of years. The nearby school of Sint Lucas ensures the artistic aspect is not left out and leaves a visible mark on Onderbergen.

The many students that come here guarantee the young look of the street.

enjoy special formulas that are offered or can choose to organize a tasting. Those who prefer to drink Champagne can enjoy a glass in the modern decor of Champagne bar Chez de Beir, just one step

Have an aperitif in…

You don’t feel like going out for a business dinner right away, but prefer to have an appetizer somewhere first? In Onderbergen, you can find bars and restaurants that are there only to fulfill that wish. For fine wine enthusiasts, restaurant and wine bar Vintage is the right spot. A selection of about 300 wines from all over the world has been brought together here, and a creative cuisine accompanies every wine. The warm red walls and the cosy wooden interior make you feel right away at ease in here. Companies and groups

Onderbergen is Ghent in a nutshell away from Vintage. Customized arrangements can be made for anything ranging from company reception to incentive. And if you don’t feel like going there, you can always let Champagne bar Chez de Beir come to you.

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Trendy restaurants

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Trendy restaurants and popular venues make Onderbergen even more attractive. Day restaurant and coffee house het Lepelblad, housed in a stately building on the corner of Onderbergen and the Zwarte Zusterstraat, is a popular place among students and people who work nearby to have lunch. The spaghetti of the student-friendly bistro De Kastart is not your ordinary spaghetti, it's really famous in Ghent, and is appreciated by young and old. Maybe the lovely exterior of Mineral, a façade of little green mosaic stones and flowers can seduce you into entering in this trendy restaurant. Here they serve vegetarian, Belgian and Mediterranean dishes in a home-like interior with art-deco influences.

There's space for groups of 15 to 65 people and special events can take place in the separate theatre hall. One of the trendy restaurants that certainly cannot be left out is Domestica. We personally went to explore its cuisine and facilities and found that the attractive interior was a perfect match for the stately character of the old mansion.

You can choose from different rooms, one being painted black with golden accents and decorated with a majestic chandelier, the other one offering a more romantic setting. Also dining at the outside terrace

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on warmer days, and even at the long bar is possible. The gastronomic French cuisine was not of a lesser quality. We were served outstanding refined meals in which the pure taste of the products dominated.

Not for dull people Everyone who enjoys the pleasure of shopping will be delighted to pass an afternoon in Ghent. Everything from big chain stores to small authentic shops and original boutiques is there. And Onderbergen forms part of the heart of the shopping area.

You just can’t pass through here without noticing all the special stores looking out on the street. Here, the combination of traditional and trendy comes forward very clearly. You can discover architectural book stores and arty boutiques, and find modern design next-door to antique dealers and special lamp stores. We went to take a look in one of the more fancy shops, A ce Soir, a clothing and accessories store that characterizes what it's all about in Onderbergen. Inside we were amazed by the range of stylish hats and gloves in all possible shapes and colours, presented with the utmost care. Clearly, the designers are passionate about their work. A separate room revealed that you can even have your clothes tailor-made here.

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the rich past goes in perfect harmony with the modern, young & trendy feeling of Ghent The Pand Meeting and congress planners are not left behind in Onderbergen. The beautiful and well-known Pand, owned by the university, is one of the treasures of the street.

The Dominican monastery from the 13th Century is currently used as a cultural and congress centre. It boasts a restaurant, several conference rooms, museum collections, exhibition rooms, and has its own catering service. Amongst other things, you can admire a wonderful collection of stained glass fragments and an exhibition of full-scale reproductions by Hieronymus Bosch.

11. Onderbergen is flourishing 12. A Ce Soir 13. Chez De Beir and Vintage

14. De Kastart 15. Het pand 16. Mineral 17. Chez De Beir

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Citadelle ma belle

exhibition, party, or show, the ICC ghent is there to take care of you!

A wind of change

The Citadel site is definitely worth a visit. The site lies within the so-called Arts Quarter and hides important museums like the S.M.A.K and MSK, and the ICC ghent, one of Belgium’s major congress centres. The list continues with a range of interesting locations such as Het Kuipke, a cycling track known for the six days of Flanders-Ghent, the botanic garden, the old caserne, and so on. All of those are embedded in the beautiful green Citadelpark. Not many people might notice, but this hilly surrounding is home to more than 100 different sorts of trees. At the same time, the park is the largest in Ghent with its 25 hectares. So it should come to no surprise that this extensive area formed the stage for one of the famous world exhibitions in 1913. It led to the construction of the Floraliënhal, where Ghent’s beloved flowers were exhibited, and inspired the architects of the wonderful houses of the Millionaires Quarter.

The ICC ghent Amidst the greenery, the ICC ghent (International convention center ghent) lies hidden, but Nicolas Vanden Eynden, sales manager at ICC ghent, was kind enough to show us around. A sea of light bulbs decorating the central hall was one of the first things that caught our attention.

Other remarkable features are the amaz-

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ing capacity of the whole complex, the flexibility of the spaces and the nice look of the meetings and exhibition rooms.

In comparison to Flanders Expo, which focuses on fairs and big events, you could describe ICC ghent as the Expo’s little brothers, but with its own market niche, as Nicolas Vanden Eynden puts it well. Whatever facility you need for your meeting,

Our visit to the ICC ghent learned us that for a short time now, a fresh wind is blowing through the congress centre. In the first place, the ICC ghent got itself a new look, inspired by the colours of the earth.

The green accents and renewed green logo symbolize the environment-friendly efforts that are made, such as the new arrangements with the public transport organization De Lijn, and energy-saving adjustments. Other investments, meant to upgrade the building’s infrastructure of 1975, are underway. And last but not least, since January 2009 ICC ghent appeals to the services of one of Belgium’s most famous caterers, Gourmet Invent. Those who are thinking about making use of a house caterer no longer need to hesitate.

The congress center is well integrated in its surroundings and in the Citadelpark in particular. The huge convention building of ICC ghent is strengthening the bonds with the S.M.A.K., MSK and other artistic initiatives. So don’t be surprised to notice the people of S.M.A.K. having their lunch in the centre’s lounge, or to see art works brightening the grey walls. It's remarkable to see how much the artistic scene exerts an influence on the ICC ghent. Lately, one of its side buildings was turned into a small, permanent exhibition space: the CAT, the Centre of Artistic Talent, which has an entrance of its own. The CAT provides the conference centre with art works, thus cre-

ating a more pleasant atmosphere within the building (and maybe even art works will show up in the park later on). And it doesn’t end here. For the organization of festivities, the congress centre works together with the local catering industry, and they even invite student groups to make use of their facilities. ICC ghent is getting the image of a modern convention center that keeps pace with the times!

is to inform conference organizers and visitors about the price/quality ratio of a specific congress centre. The ICC ghent was awarded at least three gavels in the category of accommodation and four in the category of service (with five being the highest possible). Wouldn’t it be interesting to see this principle applied to other congress centres as well?

The citadelpark ICC evaluated

A cultural kilometre

The ICC ghent is the first convention centre in Belgium to be subject to a quotation which can be compared to the Michelin stars for restaurants. Because of the success of the meetings held in the ICC ghent, The Authorized Convention Centre (Het Erkende Congresbedrijf), a Dutch organization, decided to evaluate the convention centre in accordance with their gavel classification. The purpose

Speaking of a ‘Cultural kilometre’ is an excellent way to refer to the array of superb cultural locations of the Arts Quarter. The cultural axis connects the Citadelpark with the Bijloke site. At the Citadelpark, the S.M.A.K., the Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art, and the superbly renovated MSK, Museum of Fine Arts, are the 'not to be missed' shrines of culture. On the other side of the kilometre the STAM, the city

museum at the Bijloke site that will open its doors mid 2010, is on the top of the list. But the expositions of the St. Peter’s Abbey can’t be left out of this cultural offer, neither can the ICC ghent, and all the other museums of Ghent. Maybe it’s better

ICC ghent is strengthening the bonds with the S.M.A.K., MSK and other artistic initiatives to speak of a cultural marathon, since it would take you days to visit all the art collections in the area!

Banding together For the first time in history, The MSK, the SMAK and ICC have combined forces to promote the three entities as a whole.

18. SMAK 19. MSK 20. ICC ghent 21. Bijloke site 22. Nicolas Vanden Eynden

The Best of Ghent

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1. Most pleasant city of Flanders (2005) 2. Most authentic historical destination, according to the National Geographic Traveler Magazine. (2008) 3. Sports city of Flanders in 2011 4. Ghent has the best Marriott Hotel of Europe and second best in the world. (2009) 5. The University of Ghent is one of the 'Best Places to Work in Academia 2007'. It's ranked 6th in the list of non-American institutions and is the only European university in the top-10. (Survey of the American scientific magazine, the Scientist) 6. Winner of the international City-People-Light Award in 2004, as best illuminated city.

7. Winner of the Eurocities award 2008 in the category of cooperation.

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Together they inaugurated the two-yearly festival ‘Citadelle ma belle’, which takes place 25-26 April in both museums as well in the open air. During the festival weekend, organized at the same time as the heritage day, you can enjoy art or participate in workshops. Artistic performances,

In 2012, a real Museum Square will serve as a forum between the institutions at the Citadelpark DJ-sets and plenty of surprises will be awaiting the visitor, not to mention orchestras which will be playing in the trees - yes, you've read it right - and buildings that will look as if they're on fire. For the occasion, the future museum square is constructed and no transport is allowed in the Fernand Scribedreef, the street that separates both museums.

The construction of a real Museum square between the institutions is a project that these institutions have pursued for years.

But their patience is rewarded: the opening date for the museum square is set for 2012. The square will serve as an open air forum between the buildings, where visitors can hang out, meet people and simply enjoy life. The Koningin Astridlaan, starting from the Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station and leading to the Park, will even turn into a sort of 'ramblas', and its surroundings will be reconstructed. The goal is to transform a couple of alleys between the railway station and the city centre into real boulevards. Ghent is obviously sparing no pains when it comes to creating a pleasant city life! The future of the Floraliënhal is less certain. The impressive monumental palace is located in between the ICC and the S.M.A.K. and since it was built for the world fair in 1913 it has completely lost its purpose. A potential new purpose for the building might be as a central entrance hall for the surrounding institutions.

Perfectly located From the centre of Ghent and the GentSint-Pieter’s station you can reach the

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Citadelpark by foot in ten minutes. Moreover all buses and trams from the railway station pass by the park and since the park is outside the centre, it won’t be a problem to find a parking space. At the nearby Bijloke site, it’s even possible to take a boat to the centre, or you could catch a boat from the centre to the St. Peter’s abbey.

Contact: Gent Congres Van Rysselberghedreef 2 bus 3 Citadelpark - 9000 Gent tel. +32 (0)9 224 44 95 fax +32 (0)9 224 44 98 info@gentcongres.be www.gentcongres.be

Monasterium PoortAckere In this unique location, you can spend the night in one of the 47 large hotel rooms – of which 13 rooms in the Slot are recently renovated – decorated with respect for tradition, with private bathroom, TV, phone, free wifi, coffee and tea facility, etc. the former Sint-Autbertus church

room in the “Maagden” wing

Or you can spend the night in one of the 13 authentic renovated monastery cells with facilities in the hall way. Inspiring seminars are possible in one of the 13 seminar rooms for 2 up to 250 people. The former ironing rooms have kept their character: antique floors and elegant arches create a warm and peaceful atmosphere.

Or a seminar in the house chapel or in the former Sint-Autbertus church where the morning sun comes peeping through the colourful glass windows.

Didactic material is available in all the meeting rooms: screens, overheads, video, TV, beamers, smart board, flipcharts with paper and pens, loudness system, etc. as well as free wifi.

the large monastery corridor

Oude Houtlei 56, 9000 Ghent phone 09 269 22 10, fax: 09 269 22 30 info@monasterium.be www.monasterium.be 4834

the former ironing room

sq. meters, for grand plans No matter how good your event looks on paper, it only begins to take form in the right environment.

At Flanders expo you can cut off the piece that you need from the 54.000 m2. Customized to your specifications, complete with a professional team of your choice. In short, Flanders expo can give colour to your event in the way that you want. Big or small, but always grand.

Flanders expo makes room for your success: 54.000 m2 of expo space. Over 140 events and 1 million visitors each year. 8 halls with all the required technical facilities. 1 congress and seminar centre. 4 configurable rooms. 3 restaurants. 6.000 parking places.

1 website for all info: www.flandersexpo.be

A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY FOR MEETING HISTORICAL & TODAY’S GHENT!

Ghent Marriott Hotel Korenlei 10 B-9000 Ghent, Belgium Tel. +32(0)9 233 93 93 Fax +32(0)9 233 93 94 info@marriottghent.com www.marriottghent.com

Maaltekouter 1 BE-9051 Gent T. +32 (0)9 241 92 11 F. +32 (0)9 241 93 25 flandersexpo@artexis.com

Ghent Marriott offers seven different conference rooms for gatherings of all size and stature; totaling more than 4,500-square-feet of easily divided space, for 10 to 200 people.

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3/30/2009

9:54:38 AM

A HOLE IN ONE

nationale congres- en vergaderclassificatie Het Erkende Congresbedrijf

· Flexible and functional spaces that engage your senses · One-stop event coordination making planning simple · Fine food and beverage services setting new standards in event catering The ICC ghent represents premier conference and convention facilities which are refreshing in every way.

It is hard to imagine a better place, as the ICC ghent is situated in Ghent’s Citadelpark, among small lakes and lots of green.

Add unrivalled hospitality and our commitment to being a true green company, and you get the ideal area for your events. Simply choose ICC ghent’s unique setting.

It is all about putting a hole in one!

Van Rysselberghedreef 2 bus 1 | Citadelpark, B - 9000 Gent | GREEN PHONE +32 (0)800-92429 f. +32 (0)9-242 89 01 | welcome@iccghent.com

www.iccghent.com