Civil Engineering Eventos en Belgium

IABSE Congress

IABSE Congress Ghent: Exploring the Role of Structural Engineering in Building a Better Society

As the world navigates the complexities of urbanization, climate change, and evolving infrastructure needs, the IABSE Congress in Ghent, Belgium takes center stage with a timely and impactful theme: “The Essence of Structural Engineering for Society.” This prestigious global event, hosted by the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE), brings together professionals, academics, and innovators to explore how structural engineering can—and must—rise to meet the pressing demands of our time.

Held in the historic city of Ghent, the Congress promises a stimulating environment where engineering excellence meets social responsibility. More than just a technical conference, it is a platform for collaboration, inspiration, and progress, emphasizing the human and environmental impacts of structural decisions.

The Purpose Behind the Theme: Engineering for a Greater Good

The chosen theme, “The Essence of Structural Engineering for Society,” captures the evolving expectations placed on structural engineers in the 21st century. No longer confined to calculations and blueprints alone, today’s engineers are active agents of sustainable development, safety, and innovation.

The Congress will address key questions such as:

   How can structural engineering solutions improve quality of life?

   What responsibilities do engineers hold in mitigating climate risks?

   How can global collaboration lead to more resilient infrastructure?

   What ethical considerations should guide the structural engineering profession?

These discussions are more relevant than ever, as the built environment intersects with social equity, environmental stewardship, and economic development across the globe.

A Global Forum for Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration

The IABSE Congress in Ghent is more than a meeting—it's a convergence of thought leaders from across continents and disciplines. Participants from academia, industry, and government sectors will come together to share breakthroughs, case studies, and best practices that reflect the future of structural engineering.

Congress features include:

   Plenary sessions with globally recognized keynote speakers

   Technical parallel sessions exploring a wide range of subtopics

   Workshops and panels on innovation, sustainability, and resilience

   Poster sessions highlighting emerging research

   Exhibition booths showcasing new technologies and services

With a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, the Congress aims to bridge gaps between design, research, policy, and real-world application.

Key Focus Areas at IABSE Congress Ghent

To promote meaningful and actionable dialogue, the Congress covers an extensive range of topics that reflect the evolving scope of structural engineering. These sessions are curated to appeal to both seasoned experts and emerging professionals.

Topics include:

   Sustainability in Structural Design

       Life cycle assessments

       Low-carbon materials

       Circular economy applications in construction

   Resilience and Disaster Preparedness

       Seismic design innovations

       Flood-resistant structures

       Structural safety in extreme environments

   Smart Infrastructure and Digital Tools

       BIM integration in structural systems

       IoT-enabled monitoring

       AI applications in structural diagnostics

   Heritage Structures and Adaptive Reuse

       Restoration of historic bridges and buildings

       Integrating modern functions into old infrastructure

   Structural Engineering and Society

       Socially inclusive design principles

       Public safety and accessibility

       Ethical practice in engineering

By focusing on both technical rigor and societal impact, the IABSE Congress redefines what it means to be a structural engineer in today’s world.

Why Attend: The Value for Every Engineering Professional

Whether you're a senior engineer, university researcher, city planner, or student, the IABSE Congress in Ghent offers immense value.

Benefits of attending:

   Stay ahead of global engineering trends and research

   Build professional networks with international experts

   Earn continuing education credits or certifications

   Share your own research or case studies with a high-impact audience

   Explore the latest materials, methods, and tools in structural design

   Engage in critical dialogue on how engineering can meet global societal needs

By participating, you not only enrich your own expertise—you also contribute to shaping the profession’s role in building a better future.

A Unique Setting: Ghent as the Host City

The selection of Ghent as the host city adds cultural richness and symbolic depth to the event. A city that blends medieval architecture with modern infrastructure, Ghent mirrors the theme of the Congress—preserving the past while building for the future.

The venue will offer state-of-the-art conference facilities, with convenient access to accommodations, public transit, and historic landmarks. Attendees will have opportunities to:

   Participate in technical tours of local infrastructure projects

   Visit architectural heritage sites

   Experience Belgian hospitality, cuisine, and history

This inspiring setting fosters both professional focus and cultural immersion, enhancing the overall experience.

Engage, Present, and Influence: Your Role in the Congress

In the spirit of global exchange and peer learning, the IABSE Congress welcomes contributions from professionals at all career stages. Engineers, architects, urban planners, and researchers are invited to submit papers, lead workshops, or moderate panels.

Submission categories include:

   Original research papers

   Case study presentations

   Conceptual proposals

   Educational initiatives

   Technical innovations in design or materials

Accepted presenters will have the opportunity to publish their work in the official proceedings, gain international recognition, and build lasting professional connections.

Engineering That Serves People and the Planet

The IABSE Congress in Ghent is not just about engineering—it’s about engineering with purpose. At a time when infrastructure decisions impact everything from climate resilience to urban equity, this event empowers professionals to lead with intention, ethics, and innovation.

By exploring the theme “The Essence of Structural Engineering for Society,” the Congress invites all participants to reflect on their role not only as engineers, but as stewards of global well-being.

If you believe in the power of engineering to transform society, mark your calendar for the IABSE Congress in Ghent—and be part of shaping the structural world of tomorrow.

Matexpo

Matexpo: A Premier Platform for the Future of Construction Equipment and Innovation

Matexpo, the prestigious biennial international trade fair for building equipment, continues to serve as one of the most vital events on the calendar for the construction and civil engineering sectors. Held every two years, this renowned event brings together a global community of manufacturers, suppliers, industry professionals, and innovators under one roof to explore the latest trends in construction machinery, vehicles, and materials.

As one of Europe’s largest trade fairs focused exclusively on building equipment, Matexpo is more than just a showcase—it is a dynamic hub for technology exchange, practical demonstrations, and professional collaboration. The fair acts as both a marketplace and a knowledge-sharing platform, attracting thousands of visitors who are eager to engage with cutting-edge equipment and explore business opportunities across national and international borders.

A Broad Industry Spectrum: Who Attends Matexpo?

At the core of Matexpo’s success is its wide-reaching appeal. The event draws participants from various subsectors of the construction industry, ensuring a comprehensive experience for attendees. From small-scale contractors to international developers, the diversity of professionals attending the fair reflects the versatility and scale of modern construction demands.

Key groups represented at Matexpo include:

Construction contractors and subcontractors

Equipment rental companies

Civil engineers and infrastructure planners

Site managers and project coordinators

Equipment manufacturers and distributors

Municipal and government procurement officers

This range ensures that the exhibition remains highly relevant to both decision-makers and frontline operators. It is not unusual to see company executives networking alongside crane operators and logistics experts—each finding unique value in the event's offerings.

Showcasing Innovation: Construction Machines, Materials, and More

One of the biggest draws of Matexpo is its expansive exhibition of construction machines, materials, and vehicles. The event spans several halls and outdoor demonstration zones, providing ample space for both static displays and live action demonstrations.

Visitors can expect to see:

Earthmoving equipment (excavators, loaders, bulldozers)

Concrete and asphalt machinery

Road building and paving equipment

Heavy-duty construction vehicles and trucks

Drilling and lifting machinery (cranes, booms)

Modular construction and formwork systems

Sustainable building materials and insulation technologies

The emphasis on sustainability and efficiency is clear. With environmental regulations becoming more stringent across the EU and beyond, exhibitors increasingly highlight machines that are electric, hybrid, or emissions-reduced. These innovations reflect the industry’s growing commitment to climate-conscious construction practices.

Beyond the Exhibition: Demonstrations, Seminars, and Technical Learning

What truly elevates Matexpo beyond a standard trade fair is its commitment to education and hands-on learning. Professionals attending the event are not merely passive viewers—they are active participants. The show includes a wide array of technical workshops, live machinery demonstrations, and specialist seminars that provide deeper insights into equipment functionality and best practices.

Some of the educational features include:

Live machinery demos – Real-time operation of earthmoving and lifting equipment in designated demo zones.

Technical seminars – Covering topics such as machine maintenance, safety protocols, and sustainable construction practices.

Innovation forums – Discussions around digital construction tools, AI-driven site management, and emerging green technologies.

These interactive sessions are especially valuable for professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve in terms of skills and product knowledge. They also serve as excellent networking venues, encouraging peer-to-peer learning and cross-company dialogue.

Key Reasons to Attend Matexpo

Whether you're a contractor, supplier, or public sector decision-maker, Matexpo offers an unmatched opportunity to connect with the latest in construction technology and industry thinking.

Top reasons professionals attend include:

Discovering innovative equipment and comparing performance across brands

Networking with manufacturers and forming strategic partnerships

Learning from experts through technical presentations and workshops

Exploring purchasing options for large-scale equipment and tools

Evaluating sustainability trends and compliance requirements

The fair’s focus on both large-scale infrastructure and smaller residential equipment ensures that everyone—from multinational firms to niche service providers—can benefit from the event.

A Strategic Location and Exceptional Organization

Matexpo is typically hosted in Belgium, at a venue chosen for its logistical accessibility and professional facilities. The event’s layout is intuitively organized, with clearly marked zones for equipment categories and thematic clusters. Outdoor areas allow for large-scale demonstrations and hands-on testing, while indoor pavilions accommodate smaller machinery, digital tools, and product showcases.

Organized by a team with deep industry roots, the fair prioritizes the experience of both exhibitors and visitors. This professionalism contributes to a high rate of returning participants and increasing international interest with each edition.

Future Outlook: Matexpo’s Growing Relevance in a Changing Industry

As the construction industry faces new challenges—from labor shortages to environmental mandates—the role of innovation is becoming more critical than ever. Matexpo is well-positioned to serve as the place where these innovations are launched, tested, and adopted at scale.

Future editions of the trade fair are likely to place even more emphasis on:

Automation and robotics in construction

Data-driven site management tools

Carbon-neutral building processes

Circular economy practices in materials sourcing

This evolving focus ensures that Matexpo remains not just relevant, but essential, for professionals navigating an increasingly complex and competitive market landscape.

Matexpo as a Pillar of Progress in Construction Equipment

In summary, Matexpo stands as a beacon for technological advancement and professional growth in the construction industry. Its ability to combine exhibition, education, and networking into a single impactful event is what makes it a must-attend fair for anyone involved in building and infrastructure.

Whether you're seeking to upgrade your fleet, scout for sustainable materials, or simply stay informed on the latest industry trends, Matexpo delivers a complete experience that equips you for success. With its balanced mix of local insight and global participation, the event continues to shape the future of construction—one innovation at a time.