BEFuture
Acceleration Programme

A leg-up for forward-thinkers: objectives of the programme 

The development and scaling of innovative products, processes, services, and business models is essential for the business events sector. They will play an important role in helping actors across the industry become greener, more inclusive, and more resilient. 

The BEFuture Acceleration Programme has been launched to boost progress on three key aspects: 

• Innovation and development of minimum viable products (MVPs): Transforming innovative ideas into functional prototypes or MVPs using advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, sustainable materials, and more. 
• Scaling and commercialisation of proven innovative solutions: Assisting solutions that have demonstrated potential in initial stages to scale up, enter the market, and develop robust business models that ensure their sustainability. 
• Collaboration within the ecosystem: Encouraging cooperation and joint initiatives that spur innovation within the industry and between the business events sector and related sectors. 

Funding and hands-on support: scope of assistance on offer 

We will select at least 80 projects driven by SMEs. Successful applicants will receive the following support under the programme: 

• Funding per project ranging from €20 000 to €30 000 (total budget of the Call: €2.4 million). The funding amount will depend on the category of innovation (radical, disruptive, substantial or incremental) and will be made available for activities such as hiring experts, training staff, purchasing software, and obtaining certifications.
• Training sessions designed to educate, stimulate, inspire, and support digital and sustainable transitions.
• Access to expertise in the form of mentorship and guidance from industry experts.
• Networking opportunities between business event professionals and related sectors.
• Visibility and recognition for supported solutions on a global stage.

Profile of funded projects: topics and types of innovation 

Supported innovations should help tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges, namely:  

• Climate change and circularity: contributing to carbon neutrality, the circular economy and sustainable mobility.
• Talent and inclusion: upskilling and future capabilities, more accessible events and diverse participation.
• Customer experience: hybrid and digital integration, immersive technologies and interaction, personalisation and community building.
• Governance and impact: regenerative business models with lasting impact, cross-sector and local communities’ platforms, profitability and tech access.  

We offer support for four categories of innovative projects, based on their impact and novelty: radical innovation (creating new markets or transforming existing ones), disruptive innovation (leveraging cutting-edge technology to push boundaries), substantial innovation (significantly improving an existing offering) and incremental innovation (upgrades to products, services, or processes that boost efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness).

Practical details 

Who can apply

Is your organisation committed to fostering change within the business events sector? Do you have an idea for driving the sustainable transition? We’d love to hear about it.  

Projects can be submitted by SMEs based in Belgium (Flanders), France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain (Catalonia), or Italy active in the European business events sector. Partnerships of maximum four participants, including minimum one SME are welcome, as long as 70 % of the grant is dedicated to the SME(s).  The programme also seeks to foster synergies with other sectors impacting business events, such as the digital, audiovisual, construction, energy, catering, mobility, and technology sectors.

Timeline

*These dates are subject to change

All the details on the application process

You can find more information here: 

• Guidelines for applicants (including full eligibility criteria) COMING SOON 
• Tips and tricks for applicants (including a step-by-step guide to the application procedure) COMING SOON 
• Sample application and estimated budget form COMING SOON 
• Frequently asked questions 

Several information sessions will be organised: 

• 18 November 2024 during the Global Innovation Forum in Barcelona – find out more and register here
• 10 December 2024, 10:00 CET, online – register here
• November/December 2024 (dates TBC): local webinars in partnering countries – details will be announced soon