The member’s guide to the TGS EMEA Brussels Conference 2025

The Brussels EMEA conference is approaching. Amid the packed agenda, one quiet truth holds steady: the value you get from a conference is largely determined before it even begins…

To help you get ready for the event, TGS has put together seven straightforward preparation tips!

Come with purpose, leave with impact

Conference attendees know that walking in with intention changes everything. Clarifying what you hope to gain from the event—whether it’s building new relationships, strengthening existing ones, gathering insights to grow your business, or simply finding inspiration—provides a north star for your time in Brussels. It turns idle small talk into meaningful dialogue, and introductions into opportunities.

Writing down just two or three personal goals before arrival can turn a good event into a game-changing one.

Know who you want to meet

A scan of the agenda, a glance at social media updates and the delegate list can help you identify key individuals you would like to meet. Arriving with even a short list of target contacts allows for more focused energy and more intentional engagement. Whether it’s brushing up on a speaker’s work or preparing a thoughtful question for a panelist, that preparation can differentiate you in a room full of professionals.

Being intentional might just be the smarter bet.

Study the speakers, not just the sessions

With a dynamic roster of sessions on offer, it’s easy to assume every topic will be a hit. Watching brief video clips of speakers before the event, like those of Jacqui Macdonald can offer critical context and help determine what to expect from their session. This small act of research can prepare you to ask better questions, connect more meaningfully during Q&As, and retain more during the sessions themselves.

To find out more about the speakers, we have prepared an article just for you!

Perfect the pitch

At every conference, the inevitable question arises: “What do you specialise in?” Most professionals have a default answer, but too often that answer fails to spark curiosity. A truly effective elevator pitch goes beyond titles and jargon. Before arriving in Brussels, take time to refine your introduction. A pitch that’s clear, personable, and memorable doesn’t just convey information—it opens doors.

Use this event to test variations, and see what resonates.

Document the experience in real time

In today’s digital-first business environment, content is currency, and events are fertile ground. One simple action can extend the life of your experience beyond the conference walls: take photos with the people you meet. Share content by people, include a short story or an interesting detail, and repost official TGS updates.

These small moments drive engagement, foster visibility, and signal participation.

Don’t just network—Follow up

We’ve all had energising chats that go nowhere after the final handshake. That’s why follow-up is the true linchpin of relationship-building. A brief thank-you message, a relevant article, or even a suggestion for a short virtual meeting can make all the difference. Whether your aim is a future collaboration or simply to stay in touch, the effort you put in after the event often matters more than the first meeting itself.

Bring the conference home

The impact of a great conference shouldn’t stop at the departure gate. One of the most effective ways to solidify your insights—and multiply their value—is to share them with your team. A 15-minute debrief, a few slides highlighting trends or tools, or even an informal discussion over coffee can turn personal takeaways into collective intelligence. It also reinforces your position as a connector and thought leader within your organisation, reminding colleagues that networks like TGS are not just abstract affiliations, but real sources of value.

The TGS Regional Conference in Brussels offers a rare opportunity of exceptional guests, but the true return on investment lies not in the agenda itself, but in how each member chooses to engage with it. With just a bit of forethought—clear goals, targeted preparation, and a willingness to follow through—the experience can yield results that last far beyond two days in May.