22.06.2026

Discover Ostend as a versatile conference and seminar destination with Manu Van Acker

Ostend is positioning itself more strongly than ever as the ultimate destination for business events, conferences and seminars. None other than presenter and true-born Ostend native Manu Van Acker will be taking professionals on a guided tour through his home town. This unique familiarisation trip (fam trip) will take place on Monday, 12 October. At the same time, the spotlight will be on all current and future projects in the city, giving participants an exclusive look at the MICE infrastructure of tomorrow.

Register here:

Anyone professionally involved in organising seminars and conferences can register from today to discover the city through the eyes of a true insider. Please note: this is currently a 'Save the Date' and not a final registration. Everyone who registers now will be the first to receive the official registration form in their inbox in early September!

Programme overview – Monday, 12 October

  • 09:30 – 10:45 | Welcome & visit to De Grote Post
    Welcome by Manu Van Acker and Mayor John Crombez, followed by a presentation of the MICE opportunities in Ostend and a guided tour of De Grote Post.

  • 10:45 – 11:50 | Walking route & city centre hotel visits
    An inspiring route within walking distance past the James Ensor House and various hotels, ranging from the heritage gem Hotel Du Parc to the modern Hotel Andromeda.

  • 11:50 – 14:00 | Lunch & keynote at Kursaal Ostend
    Site visit focusing on the new Lounge of Kursaal Ostend and the auditorium, which will reopen mid-December, followed by a walking lunch and the exclusive keynote 'Fight the Average' by Dries & Yuri (The Brand Guys).

  • 14:10 – 15:00 | Journey to the ACEG Wellington Hippodrome
    A fun go-kart ride through Ostend with intermediate stops at unique locations across the city, finishing at the historic Hippodrome.

  • 15:00 – 16:00 | Shrimp Croquette Festival at the ACEG Wellington Hippodrome
    Exclusive VIP closing and networking event at the completely sold-out culinary festival.

Highlights: From cultural centre to Kursaal

The fam trip offers a well-balanced programme showcasing the perfect synergy between premium meeting and conference infrastructure and a unique seaside experience. The absolute highlights of the day are two of Ostend’s most iconic and multi-functional premier venues:

  • De Grote Post: A beautiful historic post office building transformed into a vibrant, creative meeting hub, featuring various multi-purpose rooms and a unique rooftop terrace.
  • Kursaal Ostend: The visit will focus on the reopening in mid-December, which will transform the Kursaal into a state-of-the-art conference centre. Thanks to an innovative lift system, the venue will soon boast an impressive and highly versatile auditorium.

The route guides participants through the city centre of Ostend, immediately demonstrating that absolutely everything in this city is within walking distance. None other than the mayor and Manu Van Acker will personally welcome the guests, after which a deep dive will be taken into the brand-new and future MICE projects across the city. Along the way, participants will pass the James Ensor House and several leading hotels, ranging from the modern Hotel Andromeda to cherished heritage gems like Hotel Du Parc.

Inspiring keynote and gourmet networking

During the walking lunch, you will discover the completely renovated Lounge of Kursaal Ostend, whilst also getting a first sneak peek at the brand-new auditorium ahead of its reopening in mid-December. A unique opportunity!

This will be followed by an exclusive keynote session by Dries Henau and Yuri Vandenbogaerde, better known as The Brand Guys. This successful entrepreneurial duo, the masterminds behind Wasbar and proud winners of the prestigious BAM Marketing Award 2025, will speak about why Ostend is "not your average" city.

The day continues in a fun way by go-kart towards the ACEG Wellington Hippodrome. There, participants will enjoy exclusive access to the completely sold-out Shrimp Croquette Festival. Immersed in the authentic atmosphere of the Hippodrome, they will be able to taste the culinary pride of the city and bring this inspiring day to a festive close.

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