The EU CVB Network successfully hosted another networking lunch with European and international associations on 5 February 2026 at Entropy Restaurant in Brussels. The event brought together 25 representatives from associations and representatives from the 8 EU CVB Network destinations to exchange insights, strengthen collaboration, and discuss sustainable approaches to the future of the meetings and events industry.
The gathering reflected the EU CVB Network’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible destination development. Participants engaged in meaningful dialogue about the evolving role of destinations in supporting associations through environmentally and socially conscious practices.
The lunch was held at Entropy Restaurant, a fully plant-based restaurant led by Chef Elliott Van de Velde, Young Chef of the Year 2025 in Brussels, and chemist Adeline Barras. Entropy also serves as the gastronomic side and financial support of the non-profit Hearth Project, dedicated to fighting food waste and cooking for people in need. Guests enjoyed a seasonal, thoughtfully designed menu that reflected both the sustainable philosophy of the restaurant and the EU CVB Network’s shared commitment to responsible event practices.
Representatives from the EU CVB Network’s member destinations – Florence, Gothenburg, Ljubljana, Lyon, Porto, Rotterdam, Salzburg, and Valencia – participated in the lunch, offering association leaders a unique opportunity to connect with multiple destinations in a single setting. Discussions highlighted shared ambitions for greener events, innovative partnerships, and long-term legacy creation.
“What I really valued about the EU CVB Network lunch was the opportunity to meet several destinations at the same time, in a relaxed and informal setting. It was a time efficient way to be introduced to potential destinations for upcoming conferences.’’
Dagmar de Graef, European Scientific Working Group on Influenza and other Respiratory Viruses
“The EU CVB lunch was a great opportunity to connect with association peers and learn about what the group of convention bureaux can help associations with.’’
Nadège Mandie, Eurelectric
Commenting on the event, Maaike Hamann, on behalf of the EU CVB Network, said:
“Our annual events are an opportunity to build relationships and have open conversations with our association partners. Hosting this year’s lunch in Brussels at Entropy allowed us to pair meaningful dialogue with a celebration of sustainability and innovation, values that resonate across our network and with our association partners.”
Through this event, the EU CVB Network once again demonstrated the power of collaboration between EU CVB destinations and associations, building connections that foster progress toward a more sustainable and inclusive meetings industry.
We invite you to share your experience of the EU CVB Network event on LinkedIn and help us spread the word! You can access and download the official photographs here. Feel free to use them in your posts, just remember to credit the photographer, Simon Blackley, and use the hashtag #eucvbnetwork
Thank you all for joining us! We hope you had a good and productive meeting, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
EU CVB team
