For this 2024 edition of the Sports Tech Research & Innovation Summit, we’re excited to be welcoming you in Ghent (Belgium). More specifically in the Wintercircus, a historical landmark in the heart of the city. This will be (y)our place to be, offering 2 days full of inspiring content and enjoyable interactions.
Wintercircus address: Lammerstraat 13, 9000 Ghent (Belgium).
The Wintercircus is a former indoor circus that has recently been renovated and reopened to the public. We're among the first to organize an event in this architectural gem, so we feel very honoured! The Wintercircus is located in the heart of the city, has great public transport accessibility and is also easily reached by car. Please note that the Wintercircus had more than one entrance! We will be using the main entrance on Lammerstraat 13.
Built in 1885, the “New Circus” was built with the purpose of entertainment: several circus companies gave year-round performances in the building, even during winter.
In 1920 the building was heavily damaged due to a fire, and was reconstructed thereafter. After World War II the circus interior was altered for good, as car mechanic Ghislain Mahy bought and transformed the building into a car workshop.
The workshop continued its activities until 1978, after which the Wintercircus was used as a depot for vintage cars.
Fast forward to 2024: the building reopens again to the public after 5 years of intensive renovations.
Innovating start-ups and scale-ups will breathe new life into the former workshops and share their knowledge in the meeting rooms or the auditorium during lectures and presentations.
The underground level houses a concert hall seating 500 spectators. A perfectly grand and unique setting for the STRN Summit!
There won't be any circus shows during the Summit. What you can expect, is a mix of plenary sessions and breakout sessions. The Summit offers the opportunity to step (a little) out of your comfort zone and meet that person from a totally different discipline, sport, sector, or otherwise.
Ghent, Europe’s best kept secret according to Lonely Planet, offers a fascinating cultural cocktail brimming with trendy, modern urban life. It’s a historically rebellious city with a very warm, authentic and friendly atmosphere.
And so we welcome anyone (from any background) who wants to learn more about science-based sports technologies and their role within this exciting ecosystem.
The Sports Tech Research Network is an initiative of the sports innovation consortium at Ghent University (Belgium) called Victoris, in collaboration with the non-profit organization SportaMundi.