Brussels 2025 TGS Regional Conference: Prepare to Transform, Expand, Embrace

Your guide to maximizing value and connections

As we approach our Brussels Regional Conference on May 15-16, 2025, the TGS team is excited to welcome you to this event focused on regional advocacy and development. This conference will strengthen our network, exchange expertise, and create valuable connections that will drive your business growth.

Why this conference matters

The Brussels Regional Conference stands as one of just two physical gatherings for TGS network members this year. Under our 2025 theme of “Transform, Expand, Embrace,” we’ve designed a program that balances strategic insights, practical knowledge, and networking opportunities.

Day-by-Day Breakdown: Session Value and Key Takeaways

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

12:00 – Networking Lunch 01

This opening networking opportunity sets the tone for the entire conference. First connections made here often develop throughout the event, creating foundations for future collaborations.

13:30 – Welcome by New TGS President, Jonathan Franks: Quality and Quantity at the Core of New TGS Governance

Jonathan will outline the strategic vision guiding TGS through this transformative period. His focus on quality and quantity signals a commitment to both growing the network and elevating our service standards—a dual approach that directly impacts every member firm’s market position.

13:45 – Understanding the ‘Brussels Bubble’ with Alex Braley: Explore Engagement Strategies with EU Bodies

Brussels represents the regulatory and policy heart of Europe. Alex Braley’s insights will help member firms navigate the landscape of EU institutions, providing practical strategies to engage with regulatory bodies that influence cross-border business operations. This knowledge is crucial for firms advising clients on EU compliance matters.

14:45 – Coffee Networking Session 02

Following two intensive information sessions, this break offers the perfect opportunity to discuss implications of the new governance approach and EU engagement strategies with peers who share similar challenges or complementary expertise.

15:15 – Benefiting from the ‘Brussels Bubble’: TGS Expertise Workgroups

This collaborative session explores how member firms can position their specialized knowledge within the Brussels ecosystem. By identifying partnership opportunities and cross-border synergies, members can develop concrete business development strategies that leverage the unique TGS network advantage in the European capital.

19:00 – Networking Dinner 03

The day’s more formal discussions transition to relationship-building in a relaxed setting. This dinner provides the space for deeper connections that often lead to referral partnerships and knowledge exchange that extends well beyond the conference itself.

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Friday, May 16th, 2025

09:00 – Opening Remarks: TGS President, Jonathan Franks

President Franks’ characteristic blend of strategic insight and humor creates an energizing start to our second day, reinforcing key themes while preparing members for a day focused on practical implementation.

09:15 – Conference Overview: TGS CEO, Andrew Menzies

New CEO Andrew Menzies will connect our transformation strategy to specific business growth initiatives. His overview will highlight how the day’s sessions translate TGS’s strategic vision into actionable business development opportunities for member firms.

09:30 – TGS Quality with Silvia Letang and Tony Sjölund

Quality standards differentiate TGS member firms in competitive markets. This session presents emerging trends and proven methodologies in advisory services, offering practical approaches to enhance service delivery and client satisfaction—directly impacting retention and profitability.

09:45 – Doing Business In Brussels: TGS Member Firms CFG, MyFid, dnf

Learning directly from member firms with established Brussels operations provides invaluable market-specific insights. Their experiences offer a blueprint for navigating local business culture, regulatory requirements, and sector-specific opportunities that other members can adapt to their own expansion or referral strategies.

10:15 – Coffee Networking Session 04

This mid-morning break provides an ideal moment to connect with the presenting member firms for more detailed discussions about Brussels business practices or to explore potential collaboration opportunities with firms interested in the Brussels market.

10:45 – TGS France Brand Refresh with Laurie Marzin

The TGS France brand refresh case study demonstrates how regional networks can effectively position themselves while maintaining alignment with global TGS values. Laurie’s practical example offers a replicable framework for other regional groups considering similar initiatives.

11:30 – TGS Brand Use Legal Reminders with Sophie Everarts

Though brief, this critical update ensures member firms maximize the value of the TGS brand while avoiding common compliance pitfalls. Proper brand utilization strengthens both individual firm positioning and the collective TGS network value.

11:35 – The Unexpected Business Benefits of Nature with Jacqui Macdonald

This innovative session explores how environmental engagement creates measurable business advantages. Jacqui’s research-backed presentation will offer practical strategies for incorporating nature-based approaches that enhance workplace productivity, client relationships, and ultimately, financial performance.

13:00 – Networking Lunch 05

This midday networking opportunity allows for reflection on the morning’s diverse topics. The timing is particularly valuable for forming connections around brand strategy, environmental initiatives, or general business development approaches before the afternoon’s focused sessions.

14:30 – Client-first Approach to Business Development with John Paul Flintoff

John Paul’s methodology for client-centric business development offers a distinctive approach that aligns perfectly with TGS values. This session provides actionable frameworks for deepening client relationships and positioning advisory services as high-value solutions rather than commodities and all from the client perspective. We know you are an expert but what about your clients? Where do they see themselves? 

15:45 – Coffee Networking Session 06

Following JPF’s client-first approach session, this networking break creates space for members to exchange their own client development successes and challenges, fostering peer learning that enhances everyone’s business development capabilities and high impact story-telling.

15:15 – ESG Business Boost with Laurent Lahaye

ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) has evolved from compliance requirement to business driver. Professor Laurent’s evidence-based presentation demonstrates how integrating ESG principles generates tangible business benefits through enhanced reputation, access to new markets, and strategic differentiation.

17:00 – Networking Session 07 and Networking Dinner 08

The conference concludes with extended networking opportunities that allow members to consolidate connections and crystallize action plans. These final interactions often determine which relationships continue to flourish after the event, making this dual networking opportunity particularly valuable.

Preparing for Effective Networking: The 8 Key Opportunities

The Brussels conference features 8 distinct networking sessions, each offering unique connection opportunities. To help you maximize these valuable interactions, TGSU will offer a dedicated training session and preparation podcast prior to the event.

Pre-Conference Networking Preparation

1. Define Your Objectives: Identify 3-5 specific goals for each networking session (e.g., finding expertise in a particular area, exploring specific cross-border opportunities)
2. Research Participants: Review the attendee list (available on the TGS Conference Booklet two weeks before the conference) to identify priority connections
3. Prepare Your Value Proposition: Craft a clear, concise description of your firm’s unique expertise and how it might benefit other TGS members
4. Develop Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate genuine interest in other members’ businesses and challenges

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Networking Session Strategies

Networking Lunches (01 & 05)

• Approach: These longer format sessions allow for both introductory conversations and deeper discussions
• Preparation: Bring business cards and prepare a 30-second introduction highlighting your firm’s specialties
• Follow-up: Note key points from conversations to reference in later interactions

Coffee Networking Sessions (02, 04 & 06)

• Approach: These brief sessions work best for targeted conversations and quick connections
• Preparation: Prioritize 2-3 people you want to connect with during each break
• Follow-up: Schedule longer conversations during meals or evening networking for promising connections

Networking Dinner (03)

• Approach: The relaxed evening format encourages relationship-building beyond business topics
• Preparation: Research common interests or discussion points with likely dinner companions
• Follow-up: Use shared experiences as touchpoints in subsequent interactions

Final Networking Session (07) and Dinner (08)

• Approach: Focus on consolidating relationships and establishing concrete next steps
• Preparation: Review notes from previous interactions to reference specific discussion points
• Follow-up: Commit to specific post-conference actions with your most valuable new connections

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The Brussels 2025 Regional Conference is an opportunity to strengthen your firm’s position within the TGS network and the broader European market. 

By preparing for both the keynote sessions and the networking opportunities, you’ll maximize the return on your investment in this event.

We look forward to welcoming you to Brussels for two days of transformation, expansion, and embracing new possibilities together.

For more information about conference logistics, accommodation options, or registration assistance, please contact the TGS Events Team at events@tgs-global.com