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Corporate Social Responsibility Belgium Europe’s Modern Melting Pot Is Made for Meetings
BelgiumisarareblendofnewandoldEurope, with centuries-old cities that are home to one of the world’s most forward-thinking cultures. Nowhere is thismore apparent than in Brussels, where visitors will find UNESCOWorld Heritage sites like La Grand-Place alongside headquarters of international organizations and companies includingNATOand Estee Lauder.And since Brus- sels is an epicenter of international activity, Eng- lish is widely spoken throughout the city. Belgiumoffers a wide range of historic meet-
ing facilities for groups of up to 10,000 attendees, one of the best examples being the Atomium. Built for the 1958World’s Fair, theAtomium’s nine spheres represent a molecule’s nine atoms.The venue also features some of the city’s best panoramic views. Other unusual venues include the Belgian Comic Strip Center, the world’s only comic-strip museum; Brussels Town Hall,which features stunning views of La Grand-Place; and the historic Tour & Taxis, home to Europe’s first postal service. Just beyond Brussels city limits, a wide vari-
ety of relaxing hotels, chateaus,and meeting ven- ues lie hidden away in the rolling hills of the verdant Belgian countryside. When it’s time for play, recreational options in Belgium will meet every interest and appetite, especially when it comes to dining. Visitors can’t leave Belgium without sampling some of its famous chocolate confections or 650 kinds of beer. Any way you slice it, in Belgium, everyone leaves the table sat- isfied.
According to the Ecology Global Network, “Belgium doesn’t waffle on environmentalism—its size makes conservation of resources a must.”
86 pcma convene April 2012
At a Glance Meetingfacilities:The largest facilities include the 1.2-million-square-foot Brussels Expo, the 187,400-square-foot Tour & Taxis, and the 140,000-square-foot SQUARE Brussels Meeting Centre.
HOPS TO IT: Beer is no casual affair in
Belgium—the coun-
try has its own version of wine country, dubbed “the Beer
Route,” offering more than 650 varieties.
ROYAL WELCOME:
There are more castles per square mile in Belgium than any- where else in the
world. Perched on a 200-foot-high rock overlooking the Hoyoux river, the
Château de Modave in the Liege province
dates back to the 13th century.
Accommodations: From five-star, city-center hotels to affordable three-star properties, Bel- gium offers accommodation options at every price point. Attractions: Arts, culture,and dining in Brussels, the capital of Europe; castles and chateaus in the French-speaking region ofWallonia; Durbuy, the smallest city in the world; historic museums and architectural sites in Liege; world-renowned beer, chocolate, and other gastronomic delights in every part of the country; and much more
For More Information Veronique Boyens, Meetings & Conventions Manager; Belgian Tourist Office; (212) 758-8130 ext. 17; veronique@visitbelgium.com; www.VisitBelgium.com