Mechelen: innovation in a historic setting
Few cities are as steeped in history as Mechelen. Magnificent city palaces, historic churches and the Great Beguinage all help to shape its urban landscape. But while Mechelen cherishes its rich history, the city is by no means stuck in the past.
In recent years, Mechelen has developed strongly as a breeding ground for creativity and innovation. Former industrial sites have been given new purposes, and creative entrepreneurs have found a (temporary) home there. Think of initiatives such as Artenova, Impact Factory and the former library, among others. The circular economy is also thriving.
In numerous European subsidy projects, the city is committed to taking a leading role in various areas and sharing knowledge with other cities: from projects on renewable energy and sustainable urban logistics to experiments with sensors and data infrastructure to improve urban policy. Mechelen thus succeeds in effortlessly connecting heritage and the future. The result is an inspiring place for innovators, creative minds and knowledge sharers.
Thomas More: the professionals of tomorrow …
Collaboration between the city, education and business is in Mechelen’s DNA. One of the strongest examples of this innovative ecosystem is Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, a key partner for Meet in Mechelen and a leader in future-oriented education and research. There is a strong focus on technological innovation (AI, VR/AR, 3D printing, wearables, data), circular and sustainable entrepreneurship, and health and wellbeing.
'The Mediaschool' is internationally renowned as a training and knowledge centre for media, journalism and digital storytelling. It is not only a place where the professionals of tomorrow are educated, but also where new ideas, formats and insights are developed that help drive the sector forward. This strong international anchoring is reflected in an active network of partners, researchers and professionals from both Belgium and abroad.
… and modern conference venues
The renovated campus De Vest of Thomas More is more than just an educational environment. Modern lecture halls, flexible seminar rooms, a green roof and views of the water and the city provide an inspiring setting for tailor-made conferences, symposia and international meetings.
For example, Data Harvest, a leading international conference on data journalism, is held annually in Mechelen. The congress of the European Journalism Training Association (EJTA) has also taken place in the city several times. In March, Thomas More will host the VNOJ (Flemish–Dutch Journalism Education Network), and in 2013 Mechelen was the host city for the World Journalism Education Congress (WJEC), a global event that brought together hundreds of participants. Looking ahead, the 19th AAATE (Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe) conference is already scheduled for 2027.
