Maastricht (NL), 13 September 2024 – On Thursday 5 September, Maastricht Convention Bureau (MCB) celebrated its 40th anniversary. Around 100 guests, including government officials, partners in hospitality and representatives from the scientific community, gathered at Château St. Gerlach in the scenic surroundings of Maastricht. This milestone marks a pivotal moment for MCB, as it evolves from a ‘city ambassador’ to a broader regional role as a key player in business tourism across the Limburg region.
Since becoming an independent organisation ten years ago, MCB, in collaboration with MECC Maastricht, has successfully secured around 200 international congresses for the Maastricht region, submitting over 400 bid books. These congresses have become a cornerstone of the regional economy, generating nearly €30 million annually. Founded by the Municipality of Maastricht, MCB now boasts a network of over 60 congress industry partners. Since 2019, the Province of Limburg has also joined forces with MCB, further strengthening its regional influence.
A strong alliance for the regional knowledge economy
During the anniversary celebration, Stephan Satijn, Deputy at the Provincial Executive of Limburg, highlighted MCB’s vital role in reinforcing the knowledge economy, enhancing the four regional Brightlands knowledge hubs, and boosting business tourism in Limburg.
Satijn stated: “Limburg greatly benefits from the international promotion of our innovative region. MCB travels the globe to attract leading congresses, strengthening our knowledge base and driving multi-day business tourism. This benefits not only Maastricht both the entire region. The Province values MCB’s expanding role in attracting sector based congresses focused on Chemistry (Geleen), Food (Venlo), and Data Science (Heerlen). These events offer valuable opportunities to connect local expertise with international professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors, enhancing our region’s innovation and appeal.”
The city of Maastricht is a hotspot for medical congresses
MCB’s focus on attracting scientific congresses, in close collaboration with partners such as MECC Maastricht, local SMEs, Maastricht University, the academic hospital, and other knowledge institutions, draws tens of thousands of congress attendees to the region each year. In the city of Maastricht, these events are primarily centred on the medical field, accounting for 20% of all hotel bookings. These business visitors contribute significantly more to the local economy than day visitors, providing a substantial boost to the region.
John Aarts, Alderman of the Municipality of Maastricht, has long been working closely with MCB: “MCB’s primary goal is to bring as many congresses as possible to Maastricht and facilitate existing ones. This benefits the economy, hotel stays, the hospitality and retail sector, and creates a significant number of jobs. I’m pleased that MCB has been intensifying its collaboration with Brightlands Maastricht (Health Campus) to attract more medical congresses, further strengthening the campus, MECC Maastricht, and the city. I hope this partnership continues for another 400 years.”
Photo at the top of the page, from left to right:
Maastricht Convention Bureau team at the jubilee celebration, from left to right Nathalie Poelmans – Office Manager/ Anna Dushyna – Business Development Manager Chemistry/ Jurgen Moors – Managing Director/ Ingrid Grimbergen – Marketing Manager/ Anaelle Tamene – Business Development Manager Food & Data Science/ Tom Swaen – Business Development Manager Medical
