Monday 16 November 2026
Ice-breaker reception
Kick off your WCMB 2026 experience with a glass of Bruges' finest beers!
We are delighted to invite all conference participants to our icebreaker reception at Brewery De Halve Maan, a historic and iconic family-run brewery nestled in the heart of Bruges.
This informal networking event is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow attendees in a relaxed atmosphere, while enjoying a taste of authentic local culture.
The choice of venue is no coincidence. Brewery De Halve Maan stands as a proud example of local anchoring, tradition, and innovation. Brewing beer in Bruges since 1856, it remains a vital part of the city's cultural and economic fabric.
At WCMB 2026, we are committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship — values that align perfectly with the sustainability ethos of De Halve Maan. The brewery has made significant efforts to reduce its environmental footprint, most notably with the installation of a beer pipeline to reduce transport emissions and the implementation of energy-saving and water-efficient technologies.
What-where-when-who?
- Monday 16 November 2026 - time to be announced
- The ice-breaker reception is free for WCMB 2026 participants.
- Registration is mandatory as places are limited.
- If you want to join the ice-breaker reception, select this event in the WCMB 2026 registration form.
- Brewery De Halve Maan, Walplein 26, 8000 Bruges.
Images by jcomp (beer bottles) and Brewery De Halve Maan
Wednesday 18 November 2026
Public Event - Film "How Deep is Your Love"
Take a dive with us to the mysterious deep sea, the last wilderness on Earth.
How Deep is Your Love is a feature documentary that takes you into a shadowed world where sunlight never reaches and life takes forms so strange they seem from another planet. Here, scientists explore the abyss, discovering and naming species never before seen by human eyes.
In these isolated ecosystems, life thrives in astonishing ways, yet a new threat looms: mining companies are preparing to harvest the ocean floor, putting fragile, ancient worlds at risk. For the scientists, the battle against the elements has become a race against time.
This film is both an adventure into the unknown and a meditation on humanity's place in nature. It invites us to marvel at the resilience of life in the deep - and to ask: how deep is our love for the world we have yet to truly know?
What-where-when-who?
- Wednesday 18 November 2026 at the conference venue. Doors open at 19h30.
- The public event "How Deep is Your Love" is not included in the standard conference registration fee.
- Registration is mandatory as places are limited.
- Registration will be with an external ticketing service; more information will follow later.
Image by Eleanor Mortimer, director of "How Deep is Your Love"
Thursday 19 November 2026
Conference dinner at the Pier of Blankenberge
Join us for an exclusive dining experience at the Belgium Pier in Blankenberge, where fine cuisine meets the wonders of the ocean.
Step onto the iconic Belgium Pier in Blankenberge and embark on a culinary journey like no other. With its rich history dating back to 1933, this stunning structure extends 350 meters into the North Sea, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable dining experience.
A unique setting, originally designed as a cultural hub, the Belgium Pier has stood the test of time, witnessing the ebb and flow of history while remaining a beloved landmark. Its distinctive architecture and ocean-front positioning make it the perfect place to savor exquisite seafood, local specialties, and seasonal delights.
No need to worry around transport, we will arrange that. We are going all together with the bus to Blankenberge.
Are you interested? Then be sure to sign up! Available places are limited.
What-where-when-who?
- Thursday 18 November 2026. Dinner will start at 20:00.
- The conference dinner is not included in the standard conference registration fee.
- Registration is mandatory as places are limited.
- If you want to join the conference dinner, select this event in the WCMB 2026 registration form.
- Pier Blankenberge - bus transport will be organised, leaving close to the conference venue.
Image by Belgium Pier Blankenberge
Friday 20 November 2026
Guided tour - Step Into the Magic of Bruges
Wander through cobbled streets, past medieval facades, and along quiet canals. Bruges is a city made for walking.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a lifelong local, each step reveals something new: hidden courtyards, artisan chocolate shops, and the soft chime of the Belfry echoing through the historic heart of the city.
Walking in Bruges isn’t just sightseeing—it’s an experience. Watch the swans glide beneath arched stone bridges, stroll past centuries-old guild houses, or simply enjoy the rhythm of life in a timeless setting. With no need to rush, the city invites you to slow down, take in the details, and let your curiosity lead the way.
So lace up your shoes, grab a coffee or waffle to go, and head out on foot. Join us on the last day with the historic walking tour of Bruges.
What-where-when-who?
- Friday 19 November 2026. Starts at 15h30 from the conference venue, after the closing session.
- The guided walking tour through Bruges is not included in the standard conference fee.
- Registration is mandatory as places are limited.
- If you want to join the guided walking tour, select this event in the WCMB 2026 registration form.
Images by Mateus Andre (cobble stones) and Domingo Leiva (alley in Bruges)
