The organizers of Labelexpo Europe have confirmed that the 2017 edition is set to remain at Brussels Expo in Belgium. Home to the biennial event since 1985, the decision was taken following a year-long venue research project.

The results of this were presented to the Labelexpo Advisory Board along with the findings of a consultation of key stakeholders on a potential location change. As well as reviewing Brussels, other shortlisted destinations evaluated by site visits included Barcelona, Amsterdam and Stuttgart. Further venue options in Geneva, Madrid, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt were also researched having already discounted other locations based on their immediate suitability.

Lisa Milburn, managing director of the Labelexpo Global Series, explains: “This is an important exercise for us and we routinely review the cities and venues we call home to ensure they offer the best value, facilities and experience for exhibitors and visitors alike. We carried out extensive analysis and considered each location’s individual merits based on transport, logistics, accommodation, hall layout and space requirements, infrastructure, venue services, timing and cost.

“Feedback was received and reviewed from over 1,000 exhibitors and visitors and Brussels and Barcelona emerged as the two main contenders for 2017’s show. While an interest in moving to Barcelona was clear, there was more opposition to a location change expressed by those who preferred Brussels and it would have affected footfall. Brussels is also set to undergo a major regeneration project (called NEO Brussels) with the Heyzel Plateau site, where Brussels Expo is based, being redeveloped and its metro and tramway lines being further improved and extended.

“Brussels is an excellent, flexible and accessible place to do business. With these redevelopment plans now in place, we will continue to work closely with our partners at Brussels Expo and Visit Brussels to facilitate our exhibitors and visitors’ needs to ensure they get the best possible experience at Labelexpo Europe,” says Millburn.