BEL is a conference center in Brussels where an organizer can hold a conference, general assembly, seminar, product launch or reception for up to 415 people in one auditorium, with an atrium for drinks and meals. It stands on the Tour & Taxis site, in a passive building that also houses the Brussels environment agency, and its offer is built around events with a low environmental footprint.
Seminars and company events
The auditorium is the main room. It covers 460 m² and holds 415 seats, with daylight when you want it and blackout systems when you do not. The technical set-up includes a sound system with handheld microphones and headsets, a giant screen with an HD projector, desks with video return, and three interpreter booths (two for two interpreters, one for a single interpreter) with 100 interpreter headsets. Internet access is included throughout the center. The team gives technical support on the day, and a full equipment list and furniture list are available as PDFs from the venue. The site lists press conferences, product launches, general assemblies, congresses, workshops and conventions among the formats it hosts.
Rooms and capacities
Three smaller rooms complete the auditorium. Sylva is the largest and takes about 40 people. Terra and Aqua take 20 each and are separated by a movable wall, so they can be joined as one room for 40. All three have a projector and screen and suit small or mid-sized meetings and breakout sessions. These rooms are rented only together with the auditorium. The atrium, at the center of the building, is the cocktail and reception space: once set up with catering it holds at most 300 people, and its hire normally comes with the auditorium, apart from exceptions listed in the venue's price grid.
Catering
The venue works with a pool of caterers who serve organic, sustainable products and seasonal produce from local growers. The organizer contacts one or several of them for a tailored proposal, and the team can send the list of sustainable caterers on request. The atrium suits receptions, walking dinners, cocktail evenings and networking drinks. A restaurant also operates in the building, serving organic food.
History and setting
The building has a floor area of about 16,700 m² and is described as one of the largest passive office and activity buildings in Europe. A black, curved roof carries photovoltaic panels, large triple-glazed windows bring in daylight, and the project reuses rainwater collected on the roof. It is the administrative seat of Brussels Environment. The Tour & Taxis site around it, with the Royal Warehouse, the Gare Maritime and the Sheds, is a historic district that is being redeveloped.
Getting there
BEL is at Avenue du Port 86C in Brussels, near Gare du Nord, the Yser metro stop (lines 2 and 6), the Sainctelette tram stop (line 51) and several bus lines, including line 14. The site also mentions a shuttle service and bicycle parking. The venue offers favorable conditions to associations and partner organizations, which the team details on request.
