Ghent, Belgium
20-22 Aug 2026
Market: BENELUX/SCANDIC & EU/UK BUYERS

Ghent is a medieval masterpiece with a modern pulse. Winding canals, Gothic cathedrals, and the majestic Castle of the Counts set the scene, while a lively arts and culinary scene brings the city to life. Less touristy than Bruges, Ghent offers authenticity with a twist.
Experience August with us at the elegant Courtyard by Marriott Ghent, nestled along the river in the heart of the old town, a perfect blend of past and present.
Host Hotel
SCALA Event Center & Courtyard by Marriott Ghent
SCALA EVENT CENTER: THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR CONNECTED BUSINESS
Experience a new standard for modern business gatherings in Ghent’s most dynamic event hub. SCALA event center combines contemporary architecture with modular flexibility to provide a high-impact stage for your most ambitious corporate goals.
THE ULTIMATE VENUE FOR STRATEGIC INNOVATION
Host your event in an environment engineered for seamless execution. We offer over 750 m² of multi-purpose, high-tech facilities including the Schelde Lounge, our signature 309 m² plenary space filled with natural light and accommodating up to 350 guests, ideal for large-scale seminars and networking summits. In addition, 9 modular event rooms named after iconic Belgian rivers support smooth transitions between keynote sessions and focused workshops. An advanced audiovisual ecosystem with integrated projection, professional sound systems and high-speed fiber connectivity ensures crystal-clear delivery, while our in-house team coordinates every technical detail from room configurations to transition logistics.
SIGNATURE CATERING AND NETWORKING POSSIBILITIES
Corporate dining is treated as an essential part of the experience, with high-quality culinary solutions that support productivity. Gourmet dining at ARNO ristorante allows you to impress partners with refined Tuscan cuisine led by Michelin-level Chef Louis Verstrepen, ideal for executive and celebratory dinners. Brasserie STROOM offers a contemporary setting for Belgian classics with an international touch, perfect for team breaks and informal networking. The Schelde Lounge also transforms into a versatile banquet space for evening events, from award ceremonies to corporate milestones, enhanced by professional staging, immersive lighting and curated menus.
EFFORTLESS ACCESSIBILITY AND LOCAL COMFORT
Minimize logistics and maximize focus with our strategically located facilities. Situated at the Akkerhage site near the E17 and E40, SCALA ensures easy access for national and international guests. Surrounded by leading hotel partners, including Courtyard by Marriott Ghent in the same building, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ghent and Residence Inn by Marriott Ghent on the same site, it offers over 400 rooms within walking distance for multi-day conferences. Extensive on-site parking with electric charging guarantees a seamless arrival and departure.
Transform your business gathering into an extraordinary experience: https://scala-events.be/en/organise/corporate-events/
A short & effective stay
Forum Schedule
We offer you a commitment. With Break the Ice, it only takes 2 nights & 1 day to create strong bonds and new lasting business relationships. Plus good food (= good mood) and good drinks (= lots of fun). You will be back home Saturday afternoon, tired (maybe) but surely happy and motivated to start a new week at work.
Thursday
✈ Arrival day
- 15:00 - 19:00 Check-in
- 18:00 - 19:00 Site inspections of the hotel
- 19:00 - 20:00 Welcome reception and speeches
- 20:00 - 23:00 Networking Dinner at the host hotel
Friday
The big day 🥳
- 06:30 - 08:00 Breakfast
- 08:00 - 08:15 Briefing & welcome coffee
- 08:15 - 10:30 One to one meetings
- 10:30 - 11:00 Networking Coffee break
- 11:00 - 13:00 One to one meetings
- 13:00 - 14:30 Networking Lunch
- 14:30 - 17:00 Team Building activities & experiencing the destination
- 19:00 - 01:30 External Gala dinner & Closing party
Saturday
Check out ✈
- As from 7:00 Breakfast
- Free time Brunch Networking
- 10:30 - 11:30 Check-out
- 12:00 Departure
"Since 2015, our forums has hosted over 40 premier events, blending professional growth with a family-like atmosphere. Now, with Break The Ice Connect, suppliers can engage with top UK and EU buyers, enhancing visibility and maximizing ROI, whether attending the forums or subscribing monthly."





