Conferences

Hot topics in the beer world, from brewing technologies, brewing skills, consumers’ expectations, trade, trends etc...

Coming soon

23/02/26 - Monday

11:00

State of the Belgian Brewing Industry

Alain De Laet

CEO Huyghe Brewery / Grand Master of the Knighthood of the Belgian Brewers’ Mash Staff

Krishan Maudgal

Director Belgian Brewers

Alain and Krishan will share their unique take on the challenges, trends, and opportunities shaping the future of Belgian beer. From global competition to sustainability and innovation, They will highlight the key factors impacting our cherished brewing tradition today.

This is more than just a speech - it’s a rare chance to hear from two experts who have worked to preserve and promote the reputation of Belgian beer around the world. cherished brewing tradition today.

13:00

Coming soon

14:00

Make Your Choice for Sour Beers

Lauren Torres

Regional Sales Manager BeNeScan

Sour beers are complex and flavour-driven styles that can be produced in a controlled and reproducible way through kettle souring. This process uses lactic acid bacteria to acidify the wort before fermentation, followed by a second boil and standard alcoholic fermentation. By combining different LAB strains with various yeast types, brewers can achieve a wide range of sour beer profiles, with the LAB strain having a clear impact on flavour.

15:00

Shaping the Future of Belgian Hops

Lies Willaert

Hop researcher at Inagro, research and advisory center for agriculture and horticulture

Inagro is at the forefront of the sustainable transformation of agriculture, combining multidisciplinary research with active knowledge sharing.

From the very start, hop has been a cornerstone of Inagro’s research program, built on three strong pillars: hands-on crop research, targeted agronomic advice, and dedicated sector support.

Today, forward-looking projects such as HopBel 2.0 and TOMORR’HOP are shaping the future of Belgian hops by developing region-specific varieties and showcasing innovative cultivation techniques that respond to climate challenges and evolving market needs.

Through close collaboration with farmers and brewers, Inagro helps strengthen resilience, enhance quality, and secure a sustainable future for Belgian hop production.

16:00

Quiet Branding: The Marketing Power of Trappist Beers

Manu Pauwels

Head of Marketing, Westmalle

Bart Wellens

Commercial Director, Westmalle
Philippe Henroz

Philippe Henroz

Managing Director, Brasserie d’Orval

Trappist beers are among the most respected and recognisable beers in the world. Not because they reject marketing, but because they apply it in a very deliberate and distinctive way. This session explores the specific marketing approach behind Trappist beers, focusing on how values, restraint and long-term vision shape their communication and positioning.

Rather than loud campaigns, Trappist breweries rely on consistency, clarity and credibility. The session highlights marketing strategies applied by Westmalle and Orval.

17:00

A Perfect Pairing: Beer, Food & Craftsmanship

Sam Nagels

Beer Sommelier

Sven De Kleermaeker

Master Brewer, Duvel Moortgat

Discover how the beers of Duvel Moortgat pair perfectly with a selection of artisanal delights crafted by The Bakery, Only Cheese, JITSK, and Butcher’s Store. Character in the glass meets craftsmanship on the plate.

Sam and Sven will be your guides, leading you through a flavourful journey where beer and food truly enhance each other.