Belgium
Proven Belgium, Brussels, Bruges & Antwerp Destination Management Company:
DMC and Planner
for Specialist Incentive, Conference, Event and Convention Travel Organisers Worldwide
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OVATION BRUSSELS
(EVENTIA / ISES / ICCA / MPI / SITE / IAPCO) |
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COUNTRY MAP
(Map by kind permission of the CIA Official Website)
General Information
Company
Ovation Brussels is part of the Ovation Global DMC network, the world's first and
only professional organisation offering consistent and seamless world class destination
management services at over 20 locations around the world. The thought-leader in
destination management, Ovation Brussels draws on the experience of an expert team
operating high touch incentive and corporate meeting programmes in the Benelux region
for more than 30 years. For further details on Belgium please use the below link.
Belgium Destination Management Presentation
Destination
Belgium, a Country of Contrasts
From the medieval charm of Bruges and Ghent to the castle-studded countryside of
the forested Ardennes, visitors to Belgium experience not only the country, but
perhaps the best of what is considered European as well. The two distinct and contrasting
cultures - Flemish and French ( Wallonia ) - provide a variety of architecture,
cuisine and culture for the visitor.
Brussels is also the capital of the European Union and NATO. A cultural and linguistic
meltingpot, rarely seen in the whole world.
Already in 57 BC, Julius Caesar wrote “Horum omnium, fortissimo sunt Belgae…”
– among them all (referring to the people of Gaul ), the most courageous are the
Belgians. For the last two millenniums, this small country in the heart of Europe,
with 11.000.000 inhabitants has witnessed the passage of foreign troops: Spanish,
Bourguignon, French, Austrians, Dutch, Germans… until they had enough of being a
perpetual battle ground, where kings and emperors practiced their warring skills,
and declared independence in 1830. The country experienced economic, scientific
and social development at dizzying speed. Business leaders such as Empain, Nagelmackers,
Franki, Ernest Solvay, Adolphe Sax and Zénobe Gramme, led by Leopold II, second
king of the Belgians and of the Congo made Belgium grow to the 5th largest
economy in the late 19th century.
Since the middle ages, this country full of dynamic individuals has been known for
its sense of luxury craftsmanship, trade and construction. In addition to the
‘joie de vivre’, the Belgians have a great tradition of pictorial art:
Van Eyck, Memling, Breughel, and Rubens just to name a few.
The Belgian Cuisine is legendary. There are over 800 different beers. And don’t
leave the country without buying some of the best chocolates in the world!
Brussels in particular is known for several mainstream art movements: the Surrealists
(Magritte, Delvaux, Ensor,.. to more recent artists such as Folon, or COBRA Icon
Alechinsky. More popular is the art of Comic Strips: Hergé’s Tintin, Fanquin, Jijé,
Tibet, Peyo, Vandersteen, Morris, Will, Roba, Sleen … a feast for the eye which
can also be discovered during a stroll in Brussels whilst discovering painted façades
with Tintin, Smurfs, Lucky Luke, Marsupilami, Gaston or Natacha.
Song and music in Brussels are very much related to the franch culture with icons
such as Maurane, Adamo, Axelle Red, Arno, Helmut Lotti, Lara Fabian and so many
more.
The Belgians elected Eddy Merckx as the greatest Belgian ever but there are other
well known sports figures such as Jacky Ickx, Stefan Everts, Kim Klijsters and Justine
Hénin-Dardenne that call Belgium home!
Example Programmes
DAY 1 - BRUSSELS
Meet & greet on arrival at Airport or Eurostar Terminal. Guided city
tour by deluxe coach ending at the Grand Place. Pub lunch in a 17th
century tavern overlooking this beautiful Square.
Check in at your hotel and relax.
Start the evening with an exciting and original diamond cocktail party. "A Sparkling
Event"
Welcome dinner at the hotel or restaurant of your choice.
DAY 2 - MEDIEVAL BRUGES
Buffet breakfast before departing by deluxe coach to Bruges one of Europe
's most beautiful cities for a full day excursion.
Guided walking tour in the old town complemented by a horse drawn carriage or canal
cruiser followed by lunch at the restaurant Maximiliaan Van Oostenrijk.
Free time for shopping, or visiting the Memling museum or hunting for antiques.
Late afternoon return to Brussels .
European Night dinner party in the hotel of your choice. Decorated Market Stalls
each featuring traditional dishes or drinks from all member counties of the European
Union. Entertainment provided by a dance quartet who continue the European theme.
DAY 3 - WATERLOO
Buffet breakfast and morning sightseeing to Waterloo followed by transfer
to the Airport or Eurostar Terminal.
Suggested Sightseeing
BRUSSELS CITY TOUR
Highlights include the magnificent Cathedral of St. Michel, the Royal Palace,
Palais des Nations, the E.U. Headquarters and the amazing Atomium, then on to the
world famous Grand Place and the Manneken Pis!
WATERLOO/GAASBEEK
A half day tour to the famed battlefields of Waterloo . Visit the panorama
museum which vividly displays scenes from the battle. Then to the beautiful Castle
of Gaasbeek .
BRUSSELS - CITY OF ART NOUVEAU
Accompanied by an art expert visits are made to "Horta House" former home
of Victor Horta, originator of Art Nouveau to relive the thinking which went towards
marrying architecture and art into one. Then to the David and Alice Van Buuren Museum,
the most spectacular example of Art Deco in Belgium .
GHENT/BRUGES - THE MEDIEVAL CITIES
Historic Gent, rich in art and history followed by the Venice of the North,
the city of Bruges . A delightful little city full of the most wonderful architecture
and criss-crossed by romantic canals.
ANTWERP - CITY OF ART & DIAMONDS
City of Peter Paul Rubens , Diamond Capital of the World , one of Europe
’s largest Ports. All contribute to making Antwerp one of Belgium ’s most fascinating
cities.
Theme Party Ideas for Incentives
DIAMOND COCKTAIL
Unique cocktail venue in one of Belgium 's most popular cities - ANTWERP
. Antwerp has long been one of Belgium 's most popular Incentive and Meeting destinations.
MCI Brussels has added a new yet very old venue combining the city's tradition of
Art & Diamonds - Rubens' House and Studios. Today your clients can enjoy an
exclusive cocktail reception in the original workshop where one of the world's greatest
artists created his masterpieces! To add even more sparkle we can organize a 'diamond
cocktail' . Just imagine the excitement as you guests eagerly seek the real diamond
locked in an ice cube in one of the cocktails.
BRUSSELS 1900 DINNER PARTY
A buffet dinner with period costumed waiters. Groups of traditional craftsmen
help create the atmosphere of yesteryear for your guests. Belle-époque music, buffet,
dinner and dancing.
NIGHTS OF ROYAL SPLENDOUR
Exclusive use of the Chateau de Beloeil one of the great Châteaux of Belgium
and residence of the Prince de Ligne. Waiters in court livery, outstanding cuisine,
dinner served in the exquisitely decorated Grand Salon. 50 - 120 persons.
ROARING TWENTIES NIGHT
Stand by for the FBI raid on "Big Al’s" place. Set in the Brussels Cartoon
Museum , a night of immense fun awaits your clients. Drinks served from Tea Pots,
buffet dinner, wanted posters, jazz music. Minimum 100 - max 300.
RENT YOUR OWN TRAIN
You can now rent for your own private train either modern train or for something
really special a VINTAGE train with Diesel engine and wagons dating back to the
1940's. complete with train staff dressed in period outfits. Catering on board of
the trains is possible. With the Antique Train the maximum number of wagons available
is 7 that will comfortably take up to 400 persons. With the modern trains we can
go up to higher number of participants. The private train can have a personalised
name given by your client or yourself and will be announced and sign posted in each
station where the train will stop.
Welcome Gifts
- Lace Handkerchiefs
- Richly illustrated book of Brussels, Bruges or Belgium
- Crystal zodiacs
- Framed old etched engravings
- Basket of Belgian cheese
- Beer mug with client's logo
- Wood carving
- Crystal desk paper weight
- Old engraved maps of Belgium basket of Belgian food specialities
- Bottles of artisan Belgian beer
- Video of Brussels or Bruges
Convention Centres
PALAIS DES CONGRES ( Central Brussels )
36.076 sq. ft / 16 meeting rooms - 15 to 250 persons
Auditorium: Capacity 1200 persons
(re opening in Fall of 2008 after complete renovation)
BRUSSELS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE
341.883 sq. ft / 12 meeting rooms: 20 to 250 persons
2 Auditoriums: Capacity 500 & 2500 persons.
14 Exhibition halls: 10,000 to 140,000 sq.ft.
A Few Extra Touches
TRUMPETEERS - Hunter-costumed musicians playing hunting horns or
medieval dressed soldiers.
FLAG THROWERS - Medieval folklore's with huge banners performing
exercises of skill, rhythm, and co-ordination.
SHOW TIME - Shows à la carte. Creative productions with international
themes
Specialist Groups
- Will research into any specialist Group.