Maastricht Convention Bureau

09/07/2024

𝗘𝗨𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗖 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗗 𝗔𝗧 𝗠𝗘𝗖𝗖 𝗠𝗔𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗛𝗧 𝗜𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 | Maastricht as European hub for 2,600 environmental professionals

MECC Maastricht will be hosting the 36th edition of the annual European conference of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) from 16-21 May 2026. The conference offers a forum for collaboration and knowledge exchange between environmental professionals. In the past, the European event has been held in cities such as Copenhagen, Dublin and Seville, and in 2025 it will take place in Vienna.

No less than 2,600 participants are expected to attend the event in Maastricht in May 2026. The SETAC conference will cover topics that align with the expertise of the Brightlands campuses in Maastricht, Geleen, and Venlo and research institutes such as the cross-border Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM).

Last week, the contract was signed by Bart Bosveld, Global Executive Director of SETAC and Frank Mimpen, MECC Maastricht Commercial Director.
Read the full press release here⏩ https://lnkd.in/ec85BG34

Image (from left to right): Bart Bosveld - Global Executive Director SETAC, Ingrid Grimbergen – Marketing & Communications Manager Maastricht Convention Bureau, Frank Mimpen – Commercial Director MECC Maastricht, Sandra van den Berk– Business Development Manager MECC Maastricht, Barbara Koelman – Meeting Manager SETAC Europe and Jurgen Moors – Managing Director Maastricht Convention Bureau.

Gemeente Maastricht Provincie Limburg Brightlands Maastricht Health Campus Brightlands Chemelot Campus Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo

25/06/2024

🔄🌿 Maastricht Goes Green: Partner spotlight on Spauwen Travel Group!

Proud to present the latest video in our "Maastricht Goes Green" series, showcasing how our community partners are contributing to sustainability in the region.

🎥 In this video, we highlight Spauwen Travel, a pioneer in reducing transportation movements to and from Maastricht, making our city more sustainable (SDG 11).

Here's how Spauwen Travel is making a difference:
🚍 Providing airport shuttle services, complemented by the user-friendly
Go to Maastricht Booking Tool (co-created with MECC Maastricht and Maastricht Convention Bureau)
🚌 Operating buses with Euro 6 engines, ensuring lower emissions.
🌍 Connecting Maastricht with major European cities through eco-friendly Flix buses for 5-6 hour journeys.

Join us in sharing these green initiatives and see how Maastricht is paving the way towards a sustainable future!

🌱💚 Gemeente Maastricht Provincie Limburg Brightlands Zuid-Limburg Bereikbaar

20/06/2024

🏥 Next week, the 28th edition of the MOSA Conference is taking place on June 25th and 26th in the heart of the Brightlands Maastricht Health Campus.

The MOSA Conference is an international event organized by students, for students, focusing on the broad and impactful themes of (bio)medical sciences. This year, they are diving into the fascinating world of “Big Data & Artificial Intelligence (AI) in (Bio)medicine”. 💡

This conference is a testament to the collaborative spirit between Maastricht University (NL) and the Universiteit Hasselt (BE). It's powered by esteemed organizations like dsm-firmenich, Clinical Trial Center Maastricht (CTCM), MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), and Brightlands.

Take part in this opportunity to be at the forefront of (bio)medical sciences!
For more details, visit ⏩ https://lnkd.in/egGtmHBv


Gemeente Maastricht Provincie Limburg Expat Centre Maastricht Region

11/06/2024

✨Last week, we had the pleasure of collaborating on an inspiring networking dinner at the Residence of the Dutch Ambassador in Brussels.

Together with Maastricht University Brussels Hub and scientific associations from Brussels, we discussed opportunities for Belgian-Dutch cooperation and Maastricht's role as a conference location. A special highlight was the keynote by Dr. Katleen Gabriels from Universiteit Maastricht on the impact of AI on the job market and the challenges that come with it.

A heartfelt thank you to the Nederlandse ambassade in België for their warm hospitality and to Maastricht University Brussels Hub for the cross-border collaboration!

📸 Tineke De Vos - Brussels

Gemeente Maastricht Provincie Limburg Visit Netherlands Brightlands
Maastricht University Maastricht University Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Nederlandse Ambassade in België

10/06/2024

🏙 Celebrating sustainable urban development in Maastricht! 🌿

In the week of the National Construction Day celebration in the Netherlands, MECC's Operations Director Sven Wiertz offers you a behind-the-scenes look of the revamped MECC Maastricht conference centre. On a mission to become one of the most sustainable buildings in the city of Maastricht, MECC aims for net zero by 2050. Heating and cooling systems have already been completely transformed from gas to electricity generated by rooftop solar panels. The full renovation has even been awarded with the prestigious BREEAM-NL certification, one of the highest certifications for sustainable buildings globally. Enjoy a short tour in the video below ⏬

Discover more local initiatives in the Maastricht Goes Green documentary
⏩ https://bit.ly/3V2uItW

🌱 hashtag
Gemeente Maastricht Brightlands Brightlands Maastricht Health Campus Bar Bistro SAAM Maastricht UMC+ SDG House Maastricht

05/06/2024

🎥 Take a look behind the scenes at Hotel van der Valk Maastricht and watch local entrepreneur Frans Willem Cox explain how his hotel's sustainable activities contribute to making Maastricht a premier sustainable conference destination 🌿🏨

As of tomorrow, Frans Willem welcomes the 3-day Atrial Signals Congress to Van der Valk Hotel Maastricht, hosting 250 distinguished participants. Discover how his sustainable initiatives like live cooking and advanced waste management help to reduce our local environmental footprint and enhance the overall guest experience of our congress participants.

Watch more examples of local entrepreneurs going green in the full documentary Maastricht Goes Green⏩https://bit.ly/3V2uItW

Maastricht University Maastricht UMC+ Brightlands Maastricht Health Campus Brightlands SDG House Maastricht Gemeente Maastricht Visit Netherlands

23/05/2024

RECAP IMEX FRANKFURT

✨ IMEX Frankfurt was a perfect blend of exciting exchanges, inspiring sessions, spontaneous encounters, new connections, and lots of fun! Proud to represent the Maastricht region at this global fair.

A special thank you to our fantastic stand partners Meet in Netherlands 🙌 and to NBTC | Nederlands Bureau voor Toerisme & Congressen for the wonderful hospitality vibe.

🎥 Watch all of our highlights in this video. See you all at the next IMEX!

MECC Maastricht Gemeente Maastricht

14/05/2024

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE DUTCH AT IMEX 2024! 🌷

Maastricht Convention Bureau and MECC Maastricht are ready to make a mark! 🙌 Meet our cultural enthusiasts, Tom Swaen and Sandra van den Berk, who will be your guides in the Maastricht conference region.

Pick up your free postcard to send to your loved ones, while having a drink with us at the Holland Happy Hour at 4 pm. See you at booth E100!

IMEX Visit Netherlands

08/05/2024

📯 PRESS RELEASE- JURGEN MOORS NEW BOARD MEMBER CITY-DNA

We're excited to share that at the recent elections at CityDNA’s General Assembly in Bologna, Jurgen Moors has been elected as Board Member of City Destinations Alliance | CityDNA. As member of the board, Jurgen will continue his involvement in advancing the interests of city destinations across Europe. Prior to this election, he had the honour of serving as the chairman of the CityDNA Meeting Industry Steering Group.

Via CityDNA, Maastricht Convention Bureau partners up with tourist boards, convention bureaus, and city marketing organizations throughout Europe.
Together, we are dedicated to enhancing national business by fostering strong connections and partnerships.

View the full press release here: https://bit.ly/4aYEy6R


Gemeente Maastricht Provincie Limburg Visit Netherlands

Maastricht, the Netherlands, 7th May 2024 – The City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA) recently elected new leadership during their International Conference & General Assembly in Bologna, Italy. CityDNA, the European knowledge sharing network for cities and urban regions, gathered an international a...

24/04/2024

📍 Discover why Maastricht is the perfect location for the upcoming ICT&health World Conference, taking place from May 14th to 16th 2024.

⚕In addition to providing a platform for showcasing the latest technologies, innovations, and applications in healthcare, the conference will feature captivating keynote sessions from renowned speakers like Conny Helder, Minister of Health and Helen Mertens, CEO of Maastricht University Medical Centre (Maastricht UMC+).

📹In this video, Helen shares insights into healthcare innovation at Maastricht UMC+, emphasizes the human aspect of digitization, and previews her keynote at the ICT&health World Conference in MECC Maastricht.

Interested to join? Register now ⏩https://bit.ly/4baUL8N
(free access for healthcare professionals)
Gemeente Maastricht Provincie Limburg Brightlands Maastricht Health Campus Brightlands Brightlands Smart Services Campus

23/04/2024

🎪Only three more weeks until IMEX Frankfurt! We, Tom Swaen and Sandra van den Berk, look forward to meeting you in person! Are you ready to explore Maastricht, the city where heart meets matter? Visit us in Hall 8 at the Netherlands stand (E100) and immerse yourself in our virtual Maastricht 360 experience!

If you are a registered buyer, please book your appointment with us here
⏩ https://bit.ly/44bGOoC

We hope to see you in Frankfurt! IMEX MECC Maastricht


Gemeente Maastricht

19/02/2024

👩🏻‍⚕️💉Open invitation for ICT&Health World Conference in Maastricht

From May 14th to May 16th, the ICT&health World Conference will take place in MECC Maastricht for the very first time.

At this international conference on digitization and healthcare innovation John Halamka, President of the Mayo Clinic is one of the keynote speakers. In this video, John Halamka personally invites professionals in Health and ICT to join him at the World Conference in Maastricht.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAo6_4Z3Bu4


Gemeente Maastricht Provincie Limburg Maastricht UMC+

17/01/2024

🌟 OPENING NEW SUSTAINABLE HOTSPOT IN MAASTRICHT

Exciting News! Join us in celebrating the grand opening of the newest eco-friendly hub in Maastricht and its surroundings! On Friday, January 19, witness the vibrant inauguration of the SDG House Maastricht Front Office at the SNS Expertisecentrum Maastricht.

🎙️ Our very own Ingrid Grimbergen will take the stage to showcase how our local meeting industry is playing a crucial role in achieving global goals. Using our captivating documentary 'Maastricht Goes Green,' Ingrid will delve into the incredible impact our community is making.

🌍🌱 Honored to have esteemed guests in attendance, including Mayor Wim Hillenaar of the Municipality of Maastricht, Bartel Van de Walle, Director of United Nations University-MERIT, and Sebastiaan De Kroon from SNS Bank

Interested to engage in our shared commitment to a sustainable future? Join us and sign up ⏩ https://lnkd.in/egqj3CRQ
🌟🌈

27/11/2023

✨MAGICAL MAASTRICHT ✨ - RECAP

✈ Together with MECC Maastricht we succeeded in organizing a magical event for American conference organizers who flew in before visiting the global IBTM fair in Barcelona, Spain. These organizers are associated with a range of 20 diverse conferences potentially landing in Maastricht from 2024 to 2031.

We are most grateful to our strong community of partners in hospitality, event management, travel and science who turned this journey into an unforgettable event.

⭐Château St. Gerlach ⭐Eden Hotels Maastricht ⭐ Spauwen Travel ⭐Boekhandel Dominicanen ⭐Rebelle ⭐Merln Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine ⭐Château Neercanne ⭐ Kruisherenhotel Maastricht
⭐Marl Cave Berg & Terblijt ⭐Pieke Potloed⭐ Artichoque Art
⭐Bar Bistro SAAM ⭐Maastricht Underground en Explore Maastricht ⭐Francine Recca

Thanks to your efforts many of these organizers will have Maastricht 'top of mind' as a destination for their international congresses and events. Special thanks as well to our American business partner Arena Destination Marketing for powering this program with us.


Gemeente Maastricht Provincie Limburg Brightlands

22/11/2023

✨NEW PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENT

Starting January 1, 2024, we're welcoming La Caverne as our new partner! Nestled in a stunning marl quarry near Maastricht, La Caverne is a unique event venue, perfect for celebrations with up to 1000 guests.

As part of the Van Melick Groep and alongside Landgoed Kasteel de Hoogenweerth, it's the second venue within the Van Melick Groep that partners up with Maastricht Convention Bureau by joining the partner network of over 70 business partners.

🥂We look forward to working with Marcel Leenders and his team at many future social events!
Learn more about this unique location here⏩ https://lnkd.in/eN6xknFv


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20/11/2023

🎙 It's podcast time!

Today our marketing manager Ingrid Grimbergen features in a podcast of Conferli - The conference matchmaking platform. Tune in as she takes us through the fascinating journey of incorporating the into destination Maastricht!

Discover why she found it necessary and crucial to embrace sustainability and how the Maastricht Convention Bureau team seamlessly collaborates with local partners to make a positive impact. 🌍

Listen here and get inspired:
🎧 https://buff.ly/46miwrB

🌿 Gemeente Maastricht Brightlands SDG House Maastricht Expat Centre Maastricht Region

Sustainability isn't just a buzzword—it's a driving force behind meaningful change in the events industry. As more and more event organizers are asking us about each cities sustainability policies we wanted to speak to Maastricht Convention bureau how they incorporated the SDG's into their city an...

14/11/2023

🍀MAASTRICHT GOES GREEN

👩🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏻 Watch how local entrepreneurs, together with the Mayor of Maastricht, step up to create meaningful change in the 'Maastricht Goes Green' documentary 🎥

The Maastricht Convention Bureau studied on which sustainability practices have been embraced by local entrepreneurs within the meeting industry in Maastricht. We found out which 4 Sustainable Developoment Goals are particularly relevant in Maastricht and we’d love to share our industry members' sustainable initiatives!

Local entrepreneurs like Château St. Gerlach, MECC Maastricht, Eden Hotels Maastricht and Hotel van der Valk Maastricht engaged in this enlightening short video. They opened doors that normally remain closed and gave a glimpse behind the scenes, where it comes to local sourcing, waste management, energy reduction, decent work and community building.

Witness the best sustainable practices in action through this captivating documentary 👇🏻



Gemeente Maastricht Brightlands SDG House Maastricht Expat Centre Maastricht Region Provincie Limburg

09/11/2023

✨NEW PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENT

We are happy to welcome Peter van Kempen and Nancy Deusings to our partner network as from January 1, 2024. The new partnership has been announced at our partner meeting at The International Butler Academy where Jurgen Moors officially introduced all of the new community partners.

🎵 With stylish performances and a mix of easy listening, smooth jazz and up-tempo music, these musicians always know how to create the right atmosphere for any event. From a small and intimate setting with singer Nancy and pianist Peter to a sparkling party with a complete band, their company 'Nancy Grooves' turns every event into an unforgettable happening.

We look forward to working with them at many future social events! Nancy Grooves

31/10/2023

🌍✨ COMING UP: IBTM WORLD EVENT IN BARCELONA

The Maastricht Convention Bureau and MECC Maastricht are gearing up for the IBTM World event in Barcelona, happening from November 28 to 30! This year's theme is "Culture Creators," and we can't wait to be a part of it. Meet our team members, Tom Swaen and Sandra van den Berk, who will be representing Maastricht.

Book your meeting with Tom and Sandra now⏩ https://lnkd.in/egaR6TUM

Stay tuned for updates and live coverage as we prepare to bring a touch of Maastricht's culture to Barcelona!


IBTM MECC Maastricht Visit Netherlands

18/10/2023

🌷 GET IN TOUCH WITH THE DUTCH AT IMEX AMERICA 🤝🏻

Great 1st day at the IMEX trade fair in Las Vegas! Proudly representing the Netherlands as a perfect conference destination. The Maastricht team - Jurgen Moors and Charles Beckers - is all set to welcome scientific associations and event planners at the Netherlands booth E2216 Bayside. Let's meet!
IMEX MECC Maastricht
Gemeente Maastricht Brightlands Provincie Limburg

10/10/2023

🤝🏻 BUILDING BUSINESS CONNECTIONS IN LAS VEGAS 🎡

One more week to go till IMEX America kicks off! Jurgen Moors and Charles Beckers look forward to re-connect and build new connections. Will you be attending as well?
Book a meeting with Jurgen or Charles: https://lnkd.in/eVf6_dv5
Let’s meet in Vegas! IMEX MECC Maastricht

03/10/2023

🧱Welcoming participants of the congress 2023 in Maastricht! Because of Maastricht's rich heritage on fortifications multiple locations will be visited during this event from 2-5 October.

Gemeente Maastricht

26/09/2023

🚲 Maastricht initiative for Sustainable Transport goes national! 🚆
September has been named national -month by the NS (Dutch railways). 'Posifiets' stands for positive + cycling (bike = fiets in Dutch)

The campaign was developed by the Gemeente Maastricht and Zuid-Limburg Bereikbaar and focuses on cycling more often, safe cycling and safe parking. Maastricht University, entrepreneurs, housing corporations and neighborhood networks are already participating.

💪Maastricht Convention Bureau is partnering as well and will promote transport by bike even more among international conference guests, for instance by offering cycling lessons and city tours.

Mayor Wim Hillenaar: ''Proud that campaign is already moving so many partners in Maastricht and beyond. Even prouder of the fact that now our international guests are also taking their bikes more often. is therefore more than an awareness campaign, it is a movement of all of us.'

NS now challenges all Dutch municipalities to follow Maastricht's example. Together we can ride our way to a greener future! Find more info here:
⏩https://lnkd.in/eFnMudmM SDG House Maastricht

26/09/2023

🚲 Embrace Sustainable Transport in Maastricht! 🌍

Greetings from Maastricht, the heart of sustainability and innovation! At Maastricht Convention Bureau, we're thrilled to celebrate a Sustainable Bike Day as part of our commitment to eco-friendly transportation options – together with our partner Zuid-Limburg Bereikbaar.

The Netherlands is renowned for its cycling culture, and we invite all our international congress attendees to immerse themselves in this truly Dutch experience. 🚴‍♂️🌷
Why choose biking?
🌿 Environmentally Friendly: Reduce your carbon footprint while exploring the beautiful streets of Maastricht.
🏞️ Scenic Routes: Discover our charming city, lush parks, and picturesque river views at your own pace.
🤝 Community Engagement: Engage with locals and experience our warm Dutch hospitality.
🌞 Healthy Lifestyle: Stay active and energized during your stay.

Join us in promoting sustainable transportation and make a positive impact on both your health and the environment. Share your pre/post conference biking adventures in Maastricht with us just like the delegates of UFI - The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry and our ambassador Sina Bünte did and let's inspire others to hop on their bikes too!

Remember, when in Maastricht, do as the locals do—ride your way to a greener future! 🌿🚲



Gemeente Maastricht MECC Maastricht SDG Nederland SDG House Maastricht

21/09/2023

🏃🏼‍♂️ AFTERMOVIE CONFERENCE OF THE EUROPEAN SOCIETY OF BIOMECHANICS 2023

Eindhoven University of Technology, together with the universities of Leuven and Liège, recently organized the 28th edition of the international conference of the European Society of Biomechanics. Maastricht was chosen as the destination for the conference as it is ideally positioned in the cross border area of Belgium and the Netherlands. In July 2023, the MECC Maastricht conference centre became the place to be for scientists and companies in biomechanics.

🎥Watch the aftermovie with Professor Keita Ito (Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (TU/e), keynote speaker Grace O'Connell, PhD (University of California, Berkeley) and Aurélie Carlier (Maastricht University)
KU Leuven Université de Liège Brightlands Maastricht Health Campus

07/09/2023

☕ SECRETARY EVENT MAASTRICHT - While enjoying a wonderful tea and coffee tasting at Blanche Dael secretaries of multiple health institutes at the Brightlands Maastricht Health Campus learned more about the Maastricht Convention Bureau's services today.

Tom Swaen, our Business Development Manager Health explained how we recruit international conferences in Health and how we are able to support the local scientific community in organizing events and congresses.

Cooperation with the scientific (health) community is pivotal for us to achieve success. Thanks to all these lovely community members for their enthusiastic responses and ideas! 💪 Hope to see you again next time!

Maastricht UMC+ Maastricht University Maastro

Special thanks to Blanche Dael's Raymond Bergmans for having us!

27/07/2023

💎Discover the hidden green pearl in Maastricht

One of the best kept secrets in Maastricht is the Tapijntuin, a green pearl right in the heart of the city centre. Tucked away at the side of what was a military base, but is now a public park and space, is this lovely project, a community-focused organic vegetable and cottage garden. Aside from lovingly tending the crops and the plants all year round, the Tapijn team of volunteers run outreach work, including talks and demonstrations, supporting asylum seekers and projects with the elderly.

🐝To thank our association partners who attended the André Rieu program last week we handed them a jar of honey made by Maastricht bees from the Tapijntuin.

Honey, vegetables and herbs are for sale at the garden during opening hours from Wednesday – Sunday from 12 till 16 (closed on Saturdays).
Location: Sint Hubertuslaan 12 (Access via the city park right next to the Jeker river). You are also welcome to stroll down the parc and just relax.

*Tapijntuin is one of our partners in the SDG House Maastricht, the Sustainable Development Goals community of Maastricht
Gemeente Maastricht


Check out more at https://tapijntuin.nl/

20/07/2023

MAASTRICHT UNIVERSITY HOSTS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON NEW BUSINESS MODELS 2023

With keynote speaker John Elkington, creator of the world-famous "triple bottom line" People-Planet-Profit, the New Business Models International Conference 2023 brought in a world-class speaker. The Maastricht University School of Business and Economics was privileged to organize and host the 8th edition of this international conference in the city of Maastricht, supported by the Maastricht Convention Bureau and Gemeente Maastricht. Together we have been creating a meaningful partnership by showcasing how our city is a well suited location for this type of international events.

Special thanks goes out to alderman Johan Pas and chairman of the conference Abel Diaz Gonzalez of Maastricht University Provincie Limburg

08/06/2023

A WORD FROM THE EXPERT - JULES HARINGS

🧪'What I get excited from? Translating the demands of the industrial sector into molecular formulations for materials.'

Scientist Jules Harings has been playing a major role in starting up activities at the promising Maastricht University - Faculty of Science and Engineering. Especially in the field of (macro)molecular physics and renewable materials Jules gives meaning to teaching and research programs. He also works as group leader at research institute Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM) based at Brightlands Chemelot Campus. As an expert in his field of work Jules visits conferences all over the world.

🎥Watch Jules at work in this video in which he explains why Maastricht serves as an excellent conference destination for him and his peers.

Gemeente Maastricht Provincie Limburg Brightlands Chemelot Campus

23/05/2023

🌷 GET IN TOUCH WITH THE DUTCH AT IMEX

We have arrived at IMEX Frankfurt! You are very welcome to drop by for a drink during Happy Hour (4-6 pm) at the Netherlands booth in Hall 8, stand E100. Or, even better, get your wildcard for our exclusive 🍸cocktail party tonight at Bar Marmion at the Lindley Lindenberg hotel!

Check out the details here 👉 https://bit.ly/3L35syB
MECC Maastricht