Open Knowledge Belgium to host The Second Edition of Open Belgium in Namur on Feb 23rd, 2015! Register Today!

On 23 February, Open Knowledge Belgium is hosting the second edition of Open Belgium, an event expected to attract over 200 people, coming together to learn and discuss the growing open knowledge movement in Belgium. This year Open Knowledge Belgium is hosting the conference, together with our Walloon colleagues and partners, at the Palais des Congrès in Namur.

OpenBelgium 2015 Teaser from Open Knowledge Belgium on Vimeo.

The jam-packed programme is not to be missed! With over 35 speakers, the objective of the day is unpack challenges, explore opportunities and learn about technological developments as they relate to Open Data and Open Knowledge. The event presents an ideal opportunity to exchange best practices with national and international experts.

The conference program includes:

The conference will open with a panel discussion on the state-of-play of open data and open knowledge in Belgium, followed by a series of keynote talks and eight participatory workshops!

State-of-play Session

A panel discussion on Open data in Belgium, with representatives from the federal and regional governments.

A Series of Keynotes

Jörgen Gren of DG Connect on the future of Open Data in Europe
Dimitri Brosens of the institute of Nature and Forests (INBO) becoming an open research institut
Thomas Hermine (Nextride) and Antoine Patris (TEC) on how opening up Walloon public transport data offers new opportunities and economic value.

Eight Participatory Workshops:

Following the keynotes, participants will have the opportunity to participate in eight workshops focused on specific themes and organised by national and international experts.

Open Transport, from data source to journey planner (moderated by
Pieter Colpaert)
Open Culture, tackling barriers with benefits (Barbara Dierickx)
Open Tools, using tools to release the full Open Data potential (Philippe Duchesne)
Open Tourism, the importance of framing the scheme online efforts (Raf Buyle)
OpenStreetMap, the importance of working with communities (Ben Abelshausen)
Open Science, going beyond open access (Gwen Franck)
Local Open Data efforts in Belgium (Wouter Degadt)
Emerging Open Data business models (Tanguy De LESTRE).

Open Knowledge Belgium will close the day with networking drinks on a rooftop terrace overlooking the city of Namur.

View the full programme and all the speakers on the website.

Practical information and registration

Date and Location: Monday, February 23, 2015 in [Namur Palais des Congrès](http://2015.openbelgium.be/practical/)
Admission: € 130 – [Register online](http://2015.openbelgium.be/registrations/)
Contact the organisers: pieter-jan.pauwels@okfn.org