COVID-19 measures
Your safety and health remain our top priority
In accordance with the applicable COVID-19 guidelines, we organise plenary and thematic G-STIC conference sessions at Tour & Taxis in Brussels, Belgium with a limited live audience. On-site participants can join by invitation only. We keep monitoring recommendations regarding COVID-19 and keep all on-site participants informed about the impact on the G-STIC conference.
We work closely with Tour & Taxis, who have reorganised how they host conferences. Tour & Taxis have established a new organisation of their spaces. Strict hygiene measures and innovative solutions are implemented for the organisation of post-lockdown conferences such as the G-STIC conference.
A true model of circular construction
Gare Maritime
Built between 1902 and 1907, the Tour & Taxis’ Gare Maritime was one of the world’s first multi-modal freight transport platforms – incorporating water, road and rail. It soon became the port of Brussels’ key railway junction and the hub of a thriving economy. Now that the redevelopment of this former freight station and the surrounding warehouses is nearing its completion, Tour & Taxis has become home to a lively city quarter. This covered neighbourhood offers plenty of facilities for shopping, work, leisure activities, eating and drinking, and public events.
The renovation of the Gare Maritime, ongoing since 2016, will be completed in the summer of 2020. The three central spans of this model of circular construction will remain free, creating generous space for people. The 2020 G-STIC conference is one of the very first events to be hosted in the renovated Gare Maritime and the adjacent Maison de la Poste, which will be the venue for all deep dives and workshops.
Sustainable at heart
Using the latest renewable energy technologies
Infographic courtesy of Extensa
Energy neutral
The Gare Maritime is energy neutral, as it uses the latest renewable energy technologies. 10,000 photovoltaic panels, covering a surface area of 17,000 m2, and building-integrated photovoltaic cells (BIPV) power the entire station. Geothermal wells provide heating and cooling, maintaining a temperate climate in both winter and summer.
Recycling & re-use
Wood and paving stones from the original construction were re-used in the Gare Maritime redevelopment, as were the historic steel columns. This avoids materials waste and ensures the integration of the site’s history into its future. Rainwater is collected and recycled for plumbing and adiabatic cooling, evaporating water to cool the ambient air.
Avoiding CO2 emissions
The office and retail spaces in the station’s side facades were built using responsibly sourced wood. As wood is lighter than the cement used for this kind of buildings, 3,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions were avoided in the construction process. Finally, 3000 m2 of indoor gardens provide a green lung and a climate buffer for the Gare Maritime.
Brussels, the centre of the European Union
The key decision centre for the European Green Deal
Brussels is one of the most international and cosmopolitan cities in the world. As the European Union has its main base of operation in Brussels, Brussels is the factual capital of the European Union. Many organisations therefore have a representation based in Brussels to take advantage of proximity to the European Union institutions.
With the recent launch of the European Green Deal, Brussels is now also the key decision centre for the implementation of Europe’s roadmap for a green transition. This Green Deal is to cut CO2 emissions and open up opportunities for economic growth, business and technological development while ensuring no one is left behind.
Traveling to Brussels
Easy to reach from anywhere in the world
Several high-speed trains enable more than 60 million Europeans to reach Brussels in less than two hours in an environmentally-friendly way: Thalys, Eurostar, TGV, ICE. The main point of arrival is the Brussels-Midi/Zuid Station.
To head for Tour & Taxis, take a local train to the Brussels North railway station and join the regular shuttle service to Tour & Taxis.
The Brussels Region is a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Before driving into the Brussels Region, you should therefore find out if your car is affected.
If your car does not comply with the LEZ access criteria, you can either buy a day pass to drive in the LEZ or use one of the available alternatives to travel in the LEZ.
If your car is registered abroad, you have to register it before travelling in the LEZ. Registration is free of charge.
Brussels Airport connects to 200 European and international destinations in more than 65 countries.
From Brussels Airport, Tour & Taxis can be reached by taxi in 25 minutes. Using the local trains leaving from Brussels Airport’s railway station, it takes 12 minutes to the Brussels North railway station where you can join the shuttle service to Tour & Taxis.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport, located at a 1-hour drive from Tour & Taxis, adds 100 destinations to the ones already offered from Brussels Airport.
Traveling in Brussels
The fastest way to Tour & Taxis
Moving around Brussels is easier than you'd think! At any time of the day, especially during the rush hour, the fastest way to get to Tour & Taxis is to do it on foot, by bike or public transport. Brussels’ excellent public transport network includes metro lines, trams and buses operating between 6:00 in the morning and midnight. A great many metro lines offer above-ground bus and tram connections, making it easy to switch between alternative means of transport.
All entrances are accessible on foot and by bike. Bicycle parking is available. Upon arrival at Tour & Taxis, enter the site at Rue Picard / Picardstraat 3.
Don’t forget to check out Villo!, Brussels' latest system of self-service bikes for hire within 180 stations.
A Tour & Taxis shuttle leaves from Brussels North railway station. Upon arrival at Tour & Taxis, enter the site at Rue Picard / Picardstraat 3.
Thanks to the extensive public transport network (tram, bus and underground train), Tour & Taxis is easily accessible from anywhere in the city.
Upon arrival at Tour & Taxis, enter the site at Rue Picard / Picardstraat 3.
An underground car park is accessible from Havenlaan / Avenue du Port 88.
The Brussels Region is a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Check the lez.brussels website to find out if your car is affected.
If your car does not comply with the LEZ access criteria, you can either buy a day pass to drive in the LEZ or use one of the available alternatives to travel in the LEZ.
If your car is registered abroad, you have to register it before travelling in the LEZ. Registration is free of charge.
All entrances are accessible on foot and by bike. Bicycle parking is available. Upon arrival at Tour & Taxis, enter the site at Rue Picard / Picardstraat 3.
Don’t forget to check out Villo!, Brussels' latest system of self-service bikes for hire within 180 stations.
A Tour & Taxis shuttle leaves from Brussels North railway station. Upon arrival at Tour & Taxis, enter the site at Rue Picard / Picardstraat 3.
Thanks to the extensive public transport network (tram, bus and underground train), Tour & Taxis is easily accessible from anywhere in the city.
Upon arrival at Tour & Taxis, enter the site at Rue Picard / Picardstraat 3.
An underground car park is accessible from Havenlaan / Avenue du Port 88.
The Brussels Region is a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Check the lez.brussels website to find out if your car is affected.
If your car does not comply with the LEZ access criteria, you can either buy a day pass to drive in the LEZ or use one of the available alternatives to travel in the LEZ.
If your car is registered abroad, you have to register it before travelling in the LEZ. Registration is free of charge.