Futurebuild 2026 unites construction and real estate professionals at Brussels Expo

Brussels, 6 February 2026 – On 27 and 28 January, Brussels Expo hosted the second edition of Futurebuild, the leading construction and real estate trade fair organised by Easyfairs. With more than 2,500 professionals and thought leaders, together with 139 exhibitors, Hall 5 became a focal point for innovation, knowledge sharing and networking. “This is where the future of our construction sector is taking shape,” says Lien Van Vynckt, Head of Event at Easyfairs.

Futurebuild 2026 welcomed 2,507 visitors, marking a 16% increase compared to 2025. The number of exhibitors also grew significantly to 139 participating companies, representing a 30% increase. A reinforced focus on the real estate sector proved successful, reflected in a more diverse visitor profile. In addition to traders and contractors (42%), architects (21%), engineers (17%) and public-sector stakeholders (8%), real estate professionals accounted for a substantial 12% of attendees.

Lien Van Vynckt, Head of Event at Easyfairs, reflects positively: “This second edition exceeded expectations; both exhibitors and visitors responded very positively. From exchanging ideas to shaping sustainable partnerships: by bringing the sector together and building the knowledge platform of tomorrow, Futurebuild once again accelerated the transition towards climate neutrality.”

Inspiring keynotes and panel discussions

The networking event kicked off on Tuesday morning with an opening address by Jo Brouns. In his speech, the Flemish Minister of Agriculture and Environment stressed the importance of ambition and innovation:

“We must set ambitious goals and give innovation every opportunity, so that circular construction and a sustainable future for the next generation can become a reality.”

Keynotes and panel discussions that followed offered in-depth insights into topics such as affordability, collaboration, sustainability and technological innovation. The diverse programme sparked lively debates, both on stage and on the exhibition floor. In addition, the Futurebuild Networking Hours gave visitors and exhibitors the opportunity to connect and explore collaborations in an informal setting.

Thought leaders share their visions

A strong line-up of prominent speakers shared their perspective on the future of the sector. Marianne Verhaert (Anders, formerly Open VLD) advocated for regulations that encourage innovation and scalability, while Laurence Gacoin (Cordeel Group) called on all stakeholders to remain engaged and visible.

Julie Willem (Archilab–Atenor) also captivated the audience with her keynote, offering a broader societal reflection:

“We are reaching the end of the mass consumption era; high prices are forcing us to rethink our business models. As we evolve towards a solidarity-based society, the way we build, innovate and reorganise will also change profoundly.”

SCOPR and Yuco (By Nelissen) win Futurebuild Innovation Awards

With a strong focus on sustainability, efficiency and societal relevance, the Futurebuild Innovation Awards recognised groundbreaking products, services and technologies. An expert jury recognised exhibitors whose solutions make a tangible contribution to the future of the construction, real estate and architecture sectors.

Software company SCOPR was named Best Start-up for its platform that calculates renovation costs within minutes. The Best Established Company award went to Yuco (By Nelissen), which manufactures bricks without the traditional, energy-intensive production process.

“Futurebuild Belgium once again demonstrates that the construction and real estate sector is ready for change. The growth in attendance, the fully booked conference sessions and the high-quality conversations on the exhibition floor confirm the strong demand for this meeting platform. We are proud of this second edition and are already looking ahead to 2027, determined to raise the bar even higher,” concludes Lien Van Vynckt, Head of Event at Easyfairs.

^{About Easyfairs}

^{Easyfairs organises and hosts events with the aim of bringing communities together under the motto ‘Visit the future’.}

^{Today, Easyfairs organises around 110 leading events in 14 countries (Algeria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States). The company also manages eight event venues in Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden (Antwerp, Ghent, Mechelen, Namur, Gorinchem, Hardenberg, Malmö and Stockholm).}

^{Easyfairs strives to make life easier for its customers by increasing not only return on investment, but also return on time invested for professional communities. This is achieved through all-in formulas, advanced technologies and a customer-centric approach. Its forward-looking digital mindset enables these communities to network and do business throughout the year.}

^{The Easyfairs Group employs 870 dedicated staff members, uses best-in-class marketing and technology tools, and develops strong brands that resonate with its stakeholder communities.}

^{In 2024, for the sixth consecutive year, Deloitte awarded Easyfairs the Best Managed Company label.}

^{Visit the future with Easyfairs and discover more at www.easyfairs.com}