Heerlen joins regional convention bureau

Heerlen wants to bring in more conferences. Especially in the areas of data science, AI and urban transformation because that fits with the knowledge present in the city. Consider the Brightlands Smart Services Campus, where a community of entrepreneurs, researchers and students are jointly developing new smart digital services to improve the quality of life. 

Its central location in Europe, proximity to Belgium and Germany and strong knowledge clusters make Limburg an attractive region for congresses. This is why the municipality of Heerlen, together with Maastricht, Sittard-Geleen, Venlo, the Brightlands campuses and the Province of Limburg, has entered into a partnership with Maastricht Convention bureau.

Conference partner Nieuwe Nor 

Pop podium Nieuwe Nor has become the first partner outside Maastricht to join the Maastricht Convention bureau's network of convention partners. Since its expansion in 2022, the pop venue in the center of Heerlen has two modern venues. These have space for more than a thousand visitors, an attractive café and extensive technical facilities. The Nieuwe Nor not only offers a vibrant place for music and culture, but is also an inspiring venue for conferences and business events. For example, the Nieuwe Nor already co-hosted the three-day National Platform for Neighborhood-oriented Work (LPB) conference and the network conference 'Spil in de Wijk'.

Good for city and region

Congresses generate additional spending in the region. Congress visitors spend an average of almost 400 euros per day in Limburg, especially during the week. Congresses also contribute to the (international) visibility of Limburg scientists and research facilities and attract new talent and companies. In cooperation with the Brightlands campuses, the regional congress bureau is focusing on congresses with strong content. They can combine these with company visits, matchmaking and other activities to connect knowledge and the economy.

Learn more: www.maastrichtconventionbureau.com/regional-convention-bureau.