ASSOCIATION BUREAU a valuable resource for international associations
WELCOME TO THE BRUSSELS ASSOCIATION BUREAU ! In our effort to continue strengthening the role of Brussels as an international centre, visit.brussels has set up the Association Bureau, a unique resource for international non-profit organisations looking to develop their activities in Brussels. With more than 2,250 associations based here, Brussels is the world leader for association headquarters and world’s primary host city for international association meetings. Whether related to science, research, industry groups, culture or business services, associations are intrinsically linked to the vibrant character of Brussels, bringing a lively mix to the city’s environment. Since Brussels offers a very intense network and collaboration model of academics, businesses, research centres, technology-driven communities and international organisations, it is a pivotal place where associations can develop, grow, ` organise events and share their values and messages. As host city to European institutions, international organisations and regional representations, Brussels enables all types of associations to reach their stakeholders at all levels and give exposure to their activities. Together, we aim to strengthen partnerships, create the right connections and offer the best of Brussels for all associations, their staff and membership.
Alain Hutchinson Brussels Commissioner for Europe and International Organisations Patrick Bontinck CEO visit.brussels
A S S O C I AT I O N B U R E A U S E R V I C E S The Association Bureau is a one-stop shop and specific point of contact that provides valuable support for international associations. It is a multilingual expert service ready to guide you to the resources, training and connections that will enable your association to develop and reach its professional objectives.
1.
ONE STOP SHOP
> Obtain initial information on starting, developing and moving an association; > Receive guidance to various expert partners for all association management aspects; > Obtain all information relevant to your activities thanks to our single contact point.
2.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
> Meet more than 2250 associations present in Brussels; > Participate in events and platforms tailor-made for associations.
3.
A S S O C I AT I O N C L U B
> Work and connect with your peers in the “International Association Club�, the ideal place for networking and experience-sharing among association representatives; > Obtain material of interest related to business, life in Brussels or cultural activities; > Use the resources of the One Stop Shop on site.
4.
TRAINING AND LEARNING
> Meet and learn at the European Association Summit, the annual peer-to-peer event for associations; > Join the Executive Master in International Association Management set up by Solvay Brussels School; > Access details on training, information and continuous education for association representatives happening all year round.
5.
G LO BA L AS S O C I AT I O N H U B S PA RT NE R S HIP (GA HP)
> Benefit from the common platform setup by Brussels, Dubai, Singapore and Washington DC to grow and expand your presence across continents through joint initiatives among the partner destinations.
6.
MARKETING
> Display your activities through the communications channels managed by visit.brussels and other public authorities.
WHY BRUSSELS ? 1 N° 1 association city
2 Corridors of power
Brussels is the natural home for international associations. With its highly-skilled multilingual workforce and depth of support services,
You can’t get any nearer to Europe’s policy makers than Brussels. The city hosts all the major EU institutions and is home to a
Brussels is the best spot for building membership and getting up close to European decision-makers. With 2,250 headquarters,
huge diplomatic corps, journalist community and lobby groups. But Brussels is also about business: 1,700 international corpo-
Brussels is home to more international associations than any other city and is N° 1 destination for association meetings in the world..
rations operate Europe-wide from their base here, spawning a diverse business services sector.
3 Strategic location
Brussels is easy to reach by air, road and rail, but also easy to move around in. In this compact city, many places are within walking distance, or a short ride away by tram, bus or metro. AMSTERDAM 00:45
And if you’re staying near the city centre, walking is a wonderful way to discover historical Brussels. LONDON 01:10
BERLIN 01:20
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4 Specialist in life sciences
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Surprised to know that Belgium has the
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world’s highest concentration of life science professionals? And that it is the second largest pharma exporter in the world?
MILANO 01:20
With its world-famous university hospitals
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and concentration of international hi-tech and healthcare companies, Brussels is a pivotal centre in life sciences.
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5 Dynamic ICT sector
6 Greener and cleaner
In Brussels you can tap into a diverse and sophisticated ICT sector. Thanks to close collaboration between academia, R&D and
Visit.brussels will work with you to make your meeting greener. Brussels itself has made great progress towards becoming a more
businesses, with proactive support from regional authorities, the ICT sector is growing fast and earning Brussels worldwide
eco-friendly destination and was recently voted No. 1 sustainable city in Europe for environmental policy. Join the Annual Carbon
recognition for its capacity to innovate.
Capture & Storage Summit, Sustainable Energy Week and many other clean-tech events that choose to meet in Brussels.
7 Creativity
8 World city
Your delegates will have plenty of options after work. Admired for its Art Nouveau and today also for its fashion and textile
Your delegates will feel at home in Brussels. It is a
design, Brussels is emerging as an exciting contemporary creative hub. The local film industry is booming, museums and art
cosmopolitan city (183 nationalities live here) and a
galleries flourish, and 18,000 cultural events take place every year.
magnetic centre for economic migration. On the professional side, Brussels offers you translators and interpreters in all 24 official EU languages – and you won’t easily find that in other cities.
9 Art de vivre Visitors appreciate the quality of life in Brussels, not least the great food. You can choose from 2,000 restaurants and enjoy top quality on-site catering. The city has also preserved its local culture, so you’ll find street life, traditional markets and folklore, all in a colourful ambience full of good humour. Enjoy!
BRUSSELS IN NUMBERS
nr 1 city for headquarters of international associations
5,400 diplomats
183 nationalities, 108 different languages spoken, 3 official languages
nr 1 worldwide in number of association conferences organised (UIA ranking)
13 million m2
over 20,000 lobbyists
478 media represented incl.99 television stations and 191 newspapers and magazines
200 Hotels with 20,000 bedrooms
Around 210 venues for events from 10 till 10,000 persons
18,000 cultural events
Strong innovator: nr 10 city worldwide with capacity for innovation
2nd european country
nr 1 sustainable city in Europe in terms of environmental policy
posted in Brussels
over 2,000 restaurants and bars
every year
total office space
20 organisations of the European Union and 42 intergovernmental bodies
in terms of language skills
PA R T N E R S IN T ER N ATIO NAL ASSO C IAT ION S ORG AN ISAT ION S ESAE The European Society of Association Executives info@esae.org / www.associationexecutives.eu The European Society of Association Executives (ESAE) is the hub for association leaders in Europe and a platform for senior-level association managers. in Europe. ESAE’s goal is to help their members to work both smarter and better by connecting knowledge, insights and people.
B RUSSELS REGION A L PA RTN ERS Brussels Commissioner for Europe and International Organisations (CEIO) Av. d’Auderghem 63 Oudergemlaan 1040 Brussels T +32 2 430 66 00 info@commissioner.brussels / www.commissioner.brussels The CEIO is in charge of the seat policy of the Brussels-Capital Region (BCR) towards the European and International organisations. Its Expat Welcome Desk (EWD) gives administrative assistance to people who settle in the BCR as part of their activities within and around the European and international organisations.
FAIB Federation of European and International Associations established in Belgium Rue Washington 40 B-1050 Brussels, Belgium T +32 2 641 11 95 F +32 2 641 11 93 faib@faib.org / www.faib.org This not-for-profit apolitical organization represents international associations from all walks of life. Together with their associate members, they offer members a comprehensive guide to setting up and operating a (international) not-for-profit association in Belgium.
MAI International Associations Centre 40 rue Washington 1050 Brussels T +32 2 640.16.65 F +32 2 640.05.25 mai@mai.be / www.mai.be The chief purpose of the International Associations Centre (IAC-MAI) is to provide facilities to welcome and accommodate non-profit associations and NGO’S. IAC-MAI offers offices for rent in collaboration with FAIB. International associations can request domiciliation at the International Associations Centre (MAI), under certain conditions.
UIA Union of International Associations Rue Washington 40 B-1050 Ixelles, Brussels, BelgiumT +32 2 640 18 08 F +32 2 643 61 99 uia@uia.org / www.uia.org The UIA serves two main purposes: to maintain and provide comprehensive, up-to-date, and reliable information on international associations, their activities, concerns and meetings activities; and to support and facilitate the work of international associations through training and networking opportunities.
Brussels Invest Export / impulse.brussels Investinbrussels.com / impulse.brussels / 1819.be Chaussée de Charleroi 110 and 112, 1060 Brussels A highly competent team for legal, administrative and business-related issues. Advice and guidance on foreign investments, grants, funding and enterprise setup.
Solvay Brussels School Executive Master in International Association Management Asja Kamenica / Programme Manager T +32 2 650 38 94 asja.kamenica@solvay.edu / www.solvay.edu/iam The objective of the executive master course is to enhance the leadership, strategic planning and management skills of Europe’s top association professionals and to highlight the best practices across the association sector. It is led by Solvay academics and features regular classes from prominent association executives.
W H Y A S S O C I AT I O N S P R E F E R B R U S S E L S “UITP (Union Internationale des Transports Publics) was founded in 1885 in Brussels. It is the oldest international association established in Belgium. Being the leading city for hosting international associations’ headquarters, Brussels is perfectly equipped to make their activities easy to implement and their administration easy to manage. Every year, UITP organises in Brussels meetings of different sizes and types. They attract hundreds of people from abroad and have positive impacts on the local economy by the business they generate in events related activities. Moreover, they contribute to strengthening the image of Brussels as business events destination and a city with an international dimension. Being the capital of Europe, Brussels is the natural hub for EU-related activities and events. The presence of EU institutions and other international organisations in Brussels guarantees the involvement of their representatives in meetings and events held in the city which is an important decision-making criteria for people to attend.” Mohamed Mezghani, Deputy Secretary General, International Union for Public Transport (UITP)
“Something for all tastes and budgets” “Brussels is situated at the heart of the European Institutions and is therefore THE location for European Associations. We in FoodDrinkEurope have frequent interactions with the EU institutions and with Member State and International representation offices here. We also work hand-in-hand with many other organisations across the food chain that are located here. Being close to the decision-making centre facilitates our work, and that of the administrators. But that’s not the only reason Brussels is a great location for Associations. This city is also a great place to work, to meet and to hold conferences; there is lots of choice - even for the biggest events. From a fun team-building event for colleagues, to a prestigious VIP soirée, there is something here for all tastes and budgets. I’ll admit that my personal favourite is the Tram Experience; FoodDrinkEurope celebrated Christmas on the Tram some years ago and the team still talks about it!” Mella Frewen, Director General, FoodDrinkEurope
ASSOCIATION BUREAU
visit.brussels Rue Royale 2-4 1000 Brussels +32 2 551 54 87 associations@visit.brussels