OFFICIAL SOCIAL PROGRAMME



OPENING CEREMONY & WELCOME RECEPTION

Sunday, May 16, 2010, 18:00 – 20:00 h

The official Opening Ceremony of the Congress for registered participants, accompanying persons and exhibitors will take place at SQUARE’s Plenary Hall, with introductory speeches and an amazing live performance. Then, toast to the success of the Congress at the Welcome Reception in the Exhibition Area, where drinks and snacks are offered with the sound of live Flemish folklore music. The remainder of the evening is at your disposal, to offer you an opportunity to explore Brussels and its many (culinary) highlights.


OFFICIAL CONGRESS EVENT – BELGIAN EVENING

Monday, May 17, 2010, 18:00 – approx. 23:30 h

An exceptional evening awaits you!
First, you are taken by bus from SQUARE to the lush countryside near Brussels, to Groenhoven Estate, the manor of business entrepreneur Hendrik Seghers and his wife Mabel Leung. The mansion, originally built in the 15th and rebuilt in the 17th century, was extensively renovated in 1998, combining tradition and modern design. Called the first ‘Eco—kasteel’ in Europe, it generates power with giant solar panels and recycles rain water. It lies in a lovely park, which itself is surrounded by a bird reserve.
Relax, fill your lungs with fresh air and have fun with your colleagues and friends at a typical Belgian street party, with fresh waffles and fries, artists and (surprise) performances. Participants with musical talent are welcome to play the piano, thus adding a very personal touch to this special evening. Afterwards, busses take you back to the city.

Dress code: casual, come as you are
Contribution per person: EUR 40,–



AWARDS & CLOSING CEREMONY

Tuesday, May 18, 2010, 17:30 – 18:30 h

The Closing Ceremony of the Congress will take place in the Plenary Hall of SQUARE Brussels.


FAREWELL DINNER

Tuesday, May 18, 2010, 20:00 – 23:00 h

This evening promises to be a truly memorable one, taking you to one of the most astonishing buildings in the world — the Atomium.

Designed by the engineer André Waterkeyn for the 1958 World Exhibition, the
102 metre high Atomium is a structure that is half way between sculpture and architecture, symbolising an iron crystal, magnified 165 billion times. The structure, made entirely of steel clad with aluminium, embodies the audacity of an epoch that sought to confront the destiny of man with scientific discovery. Originally not intended to survive the Exhibition of 1958, its popularity ensured its place as one of Brussel’s major landmarks, easily accessible via metro.
All in all, the Atomium will serve as a most memorable backdrop for celebrating the congress over dinner, and for saying good-bye to your colleagues and friends, both old and new — all the while offering a breathtaking view of Brussels city.

Dress code: formal
Limited number of tickets available
Price per Person: EUR 80,–