Brussels Maintains Its Position as the World Leader in International Association Congresses in the 2024 UIA Report
SQUARE Brussels Convention Centre, operated by GL events in Belgium, continues to play a key role in the region's strong event-driven dynamic. In 2024, Brussels once again holds the top spot in the UIA (Union of International Associations) ranking for hosting international association congresses.
This ranking, published in the 66th edition of the International Meetings Statistics Report, is based on the analysis of 8,859 conferences held worldwide by non-profit associations. Of these, 388 took place in Brussels—representing 7% of the total—placing the city ahead of Vienna (239 meetings), Seoul (180), Barcelona (159), and Tokyo (148).
This marks the fourth consecutive year that Brussels ranks first. According to UIA data, the Belgian capital is also the top performer over the long term (2005–2024).
AN INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORTING ASSOCIATION VISIBILITY
Located in the heart of Brussels, just steps from the European institutions, SQUARE Brussels Convention Centre is regularly chosen to host European and international events organized by professional networks, NGOs, and scientific communities.
In 2024, the venue notably hosted:
- The European Week of Regions and Cities, organized by the European Committee of the Regions and the European Commission, bringing together thousands of participants to discuss cohesion policies
- ETHCC (Ethereum Community Conference), a key gathering of the European blockchain community
- AMI Plastics World, which brings together stakeholders in plastics processing
- The 16th European Space Conference...
These events require specific hosting conditions: flexible space configurations, simultaneous translation solutions, high-speed connectivity, data security, accessibility, and tailored support.
They reflect both Brussels’ international outlook and GL events’ ability to meet a wide range of technical and organizational requirements within a busy institutional calendar.
This momentum also extended internationally through the Group’s PCO agency, Live.eu!, which was appointed for several institutional projects outside of Belgium.
A LASTING TERRITORIAL IMPACT
Brussels' performance is also underpinned by a favorable ecosystem. The city is home to approximately 2,470 international association headquarters and benefits from the support of the Convention and Association Bureau of visit.brussels, in collaboration with event venues, European institutions, and higher education institutions.
This supportive context also translates into strong tourism dynamics. In 2024, nearly 10 million overnight stays were recorded in Brussels—a 4.8% increase compared to 2023—with an average hotel occupancy rate of 72.7%. Activity is now more evenly distributed throughout the year, including historically quieter periods.
In 2025, new projects will reinforce this momentum, notably with the goal of obtaining ISO 20121 certification for SQUARE—a formal recognition of the team’s commitment to responsible and sustainable event management.