Festivak proved once again that a trade show is much more than booths and products. "I just love a good conversation, much better than an email.That's why I visit Festivak: to catch up with our partners, meet new people and just see what's out there," says Luna Kosolosky of Keep on Running. She is at Festivak to get new inspiration for their sports events. It's all about meetings, ideas and the energy created when the right people find each other.
An entrance to say hello
Entering this year was no mean feat. Visitors literally stepped through the imposing Slide Barn of All Events, a real eye-catcher as entrance that immediately set the tone for two days of Festivak. Once inside, Fissafiets (DJ Bakfiets) provided the right vibe with his feel-good beats. The bright pink Festivak floor then led visitors smoothly across the fair.
The event sector is buzzing
Anyone who walked through the Nekkerhal could feel it right away: the event sector is alive, vibrant, and full of surprises, across its entire spectrum. From innovative tools for planning and logistics to creative concepts for décor, experience and technology. At Festivak, everything and everyone from the event industry came together.
Exhibitors also felt that Festivak is the place to show what they have to offer. "We can present our new products here as well as make contacts. You can postpone a whole year of talks, because here they automatically drop by for an information chat," said Jeroen Meermans, CEO of Total-e.
Playing shuffleboard at software company Monday, catching bananas at attraction rental Kendor or immersing yourself in American diner style at Sfeerlab, it was all possible. The spectacular laser show at LSR drew a lot of attention, but Dragonbreath's nitrogen balls were also a big hit. Smoke coming out of your mouth (or nose) and laughing colleagues around you, that was the atmosphere of Festivak. And for those who still had some competition left: a game of camel race brought out the child in everyone.
Inspiration and insights that stick
With 40 keynotes spread over two days, there was a robust content program ready for visitors. Current themes were amply covered. For example, payment systems were addressed in the lecture 'Sell smarter, refinance faster' and during 'Towards a safe(r) night out' figures and insights were shared about sexually transgressive behavior in nightlife, a topic that is receiving increasing attention in the sector. And of course there were also big names like Ivan Saerens of the Gentse Feesten and Marijn Venmans, Dare to Dream, on stage.
But there was also room for surprising angles. Tom Stijven took the audience into the world of breathing techniques. Health is not just about nutrition or exercise. By breathing consciously, we can better deal with stress, peak moments and the pressure that comes with organizing events.
Sustainability is no longer extra
Sustainability was also given a prominent place at Festivak 2025. And honestly, you just couldn't ignore it. Reusable cups were everywhere, with their corresponding clickers, trays and hangers for easy transport. So reuse and efficiency were clearly buzzwords of this edition.
Ecofest took an enthusiastic group of visitors on a sustainability tour of five exhibitors on both days, where visitors discovered biodegradable coins made from potato peels and learned more about sustainable bus transportation and zero-emisson light and camera masts.
The message is clear: sustainability is no longer "something extra," but a fixture in the event industry.
Energy bubbling at Food, Fun & Entertainment
One of the liveliest parts of the fair was without a doubt the Food, Fun & Entertainment Area. Among the artist agencies, performers, game concepts and venues, every event organizer could indulge. Visitors walked between the stilt walkers of Raaf Theater and Stelzen Tans Theater Leonhard, which added some spice to the atmosphere.
"I come to the fair to network, but I have already seen a few people walking around here on stilts. I didn't expect those to pass through here."
Lindsay Desmit, Arena Group
JeJe Magic also attracted a lot of curious people with its magic shows and interactive illusions. One visitor enthusiastically recounted, "I was allowed to participate in a magic show just now. I was touched, but someone else felt that touch. Really crazy!". On one side of the area, cheers rang out at Kickerprofs' XXL soccer table, while on the other side, Mermaid Lily provided a touch of magic with her mermaid performance. The Food, Fun & Entertainment Area proved that business and fun can go perfectly hand in hand. Because who says networking has to be boring... 😉
Networking Evening
After the first exhibition day, it was time for the annual Festivak Networking Event. The central fair terrace, attractively decorated by partner Total-e, was transformed into a cozy meeting place in the afternoon. Exhibitors and visitors enjoyed BoozeStop cocktails and a smashing lineup featuring DJ Cluts, Luke & Chérine and Katherine & The DJ.
"Festivak is familiar to everyone in the event world. You see a lot of old faces back here. It really is a meeting place for the sector, where the right people come together in the right place."
Pieter Luypaert, owner All Events
It was not only a successful end to the day, but also a good time to talk to existing relations and make new contacts in a laid-back atmosphere.
See you next year!
At Festivak it became clear: the Belgian event sector is bursting with creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. But above all eager to build on the future of events. Everything and everyone who plays a role in the world of events found their place there, and that makes Festivak unique every year.
Next year we will be back in the Netherlands. We'll see you on November 18 and 19, 2026 in the Brabanthallen in 's Hertogenbosch.
And for those who prefer to stay in their own country: In 2027 we simply return to Belgium. On December 1 and 2, Festivak 2027 will again take place at the Nekkerhal in Mechelen. So whether you're a fan of Belgian fries or Dutch stroopwafels ... we'll see you at Festivak anyway!