The Hotel Management departments of AP and ERASMUS Universities of Applied Sciences invite you to the NXTGen HOTEL SYMPOSIUM – BELGIUM, a brand-new annual Hotel event bringing together the brightest minds in hospitality. Cutting-edge insights, inspiring keynotes, and valuable connections converge in one dynamic forum. Held alternately on our Antwerp and Brussels campuses, the symposium unites academia and industry, providing hotel professionals, stakeholders, and today’s and tomorrow’s hospitality leaders with the knowledge and inspiration to thrive in a fast-changing market.
Registration opens at 08:45
Welcome coffee and networking, hosted by Belgian Hospitality Club | 09:00–10:00
Opening Remarks by Matthias De Caluwé – CEO Horeca Vlaanderen
The Belgian Chapter
Sylvain Floriant — Account Director, CoStar | STR (London)
Overview of worldwide hotel performance, highlighting key trends in occupancy, revenue, and guest behavior, before focusing on the specific dynamics shaping the Belgian market. Market forecasts, emerging opportunities and potential challenges, providing actionable insights to guide strategic decisions for independent hotels.
Hotel Transactions in Europe and Belgium 2025–2026
Chris Martin — Senior Director, HVS Hodges Ward Elliott (London)
Analysis of recent trends and developments in
hotel investments and transactions in Europe and Belgium.
Presentation of the recent HOTREC study on taxation in the hospitality sector,
with particular relevance given recent fiscal developments in some Member States
Marie Audren — Director General, HOTREC
Bradford Rohmer — Founding Partner, Syntesia – Policy & Economics
Key findings on how current tax policies, in particular VAT and tourism taxes, affect businesses, competitiveness, and investment across the industry. The discussion will highlight policy considerations to support a sustainable and resilient hospitality sector.
Events as a Catalyst for Hotel Demand and Revenue Growth
tbc, Lighthouse
How do festivals (such as Tomorrowland), concerts, trade fairs, and other events drive hotel demand and increase revenue? Using key facts and figures, Lighthouse highlights their impact on occupancy, pricing, and overall hotel performance.
Congresses as a Driver of Economic Impact, Development and City Positioning
Tadeja Pivc Coudyser, CEO | Antwerp Convention Bureau
Evelyne Bardyn, Head of Congresses & Events | Tourism Flanders
Elisabeth Vaningelgem, Director Strategy & International Development | visit.brussels
This session provides a brief overview of the direct and indirect impact of congresses, based on recent research on congresses in Flanders and Brussels. The panel will explore how congresses contribute to the economic development of cities and how congresses can be a catalyst for broader/societal impact.
Casual networking over bits, bites & drinks | 12:30-13:30
Hoteliers and professionals in the hospitality sector. Hotel Management students.
The symposium will be held in English.
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In partnership with
