OPENING RECEPTION & WALKING DINNER

The opening reception will take place in the Castle of the Counts in Ghent, Belgium on the first day of the International Symposium – 6 JULY, 2022.

The Castle of the Counts is a medieval fortress in the city center with charming corridors, narrow tower stairs, high rooms, and real battlements. No one has lived in the building for centuries, yet it is neither empty nor abandoned!

The current castle dates from 1180 and was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. It was subsequently re-purposed as a court, prison, mint, and even as a cotton factory. It was restored over 1893–1903 and is now a museum and a major landmark in the city.

This social event is not included in the full conference fee, please register your attendance on the registration platform. A ticket to the Opening Reception costs €50,00.

CONFERENCE GALA DINNER
About the event

Peter Paul Rubens, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Jan van Eyck... For over 250 years, from the 15th to long into the 17th century, Flanders was a figurehead for fine arts in Western Europe and the source of inspiration for well-known art movements of the time, such as the Baroque, Renaissance and the Flemish primitives. Many works by these Flemish Masters can be admired all over the world, although our Flemish Masters are best experienced in the place they were created, in the unique setting of Flanders.

That’s why we find it very important to indulge our international audience with this important heritage. During the conference gala dinner in the Old Fish Market (‘Oude Vismijn’), you will get to discover or rediscover the Flemish Masters in a new and creative way.

The gala dinner will be followed by a party for all attendees.

CONFERENCE GALA DINNER
About the venue

Opposite the Castle of the Counts lies the monumental gateway to the Old Fish Market, where Neptune keeps watch over the Scheldt (male) and the Lys (female).

The Old Fish Market is located at the confluence of the Lieve canal and the river Lys. Fishmongers sold their goods here from the late Middle Ages until the 1960s. It’s one of Ghent’s oldest markets and was originally located on Groentenmarkt square, but it moved to Sint-Veerleplein square at the end of the 17th century.

The now completely renovated complex has various spaces for small and large events.

Don’t miss out on this amazing, inspiring and culinary evening! Register now and enhance your experience during the 28th International Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus, Flaviviruses, and Related Viruses.