European AI Forum — Brussels, Belgium / London, UK 2026
Overview
The European AI Forum (EAIF), founded in June 2020 during Croatia’s EU Presidency, is a non-profit network of 10+ national AI associations promoting human-centric AI through biannual congresses, position papers, and stakeholder dialogues, connecting 50,000+ participants from startups, academia, policy, and industry across 20+ EU countries in a €200B+ AI ecosystem. The 2026 editions will feature Brussels (TBD Q2 at a central venue like Tour & Taxis) and London (TBD Q4 at ExCeL), each a 1–2 day hybrid congress with 70+ speakers, panels on AI Act implementation, and awards like the European AI Awards honoring winners in Business, Spin-Off, and Policy Shaper categories.
As a collaborative platform, EAIF amplifies Eastern European voices while bridging policymakers and entrepreneurs for ethical, innovative AI frameworks. Building on 2024’s inaugural awards with winners like autoscriber (Netherlands) and DeepL (Germany), 2026 will expand with expert advisory boards and volunteer-driven events, supported by members like AI Austria and KI Bundesverband. Past congresses, including the 10th edition’s 3,500+ participants, have shaped EU regulations through feedback on the AI Act, praised by jury like Gintarė Verbickaitė-Bačiulienė for “groundbreaking contributions.” The forum’s in-kind model ensures independence, with no political affiliations. Sustainability and inclusivity are core, with diverse juries and green virtual options. As Europe’s AI agenda-setter, EAIF 2026 turns Brussels and London into dialogue forges, blending policy insights with entrepreneurial energy for a unified, responsible AI future.
Event Highlights
- Main Activities or Performances: 70+ panels on AI ethics and regulation; European AI Awards gala with categories like AI Business (autoscriber) and Spin-Off (Mistral AI); keynote dialogues with commissioners like Mariya Gabriel.
- Special Traditions or Features: Biannual congresses with position paper drafts; Eastern European spotlights; volunteer-led networking for academia-industry bridges.
- Unique Attractions for Visitors: Jury Q&As with Annika von Mutius; hybrid streams for 50,000+ reach; post-event recaps like 2024’s winner announcements.
Why Attend
EAIF 2026 is your voice in Europe’s AI policy forge, where 3,500+ stakeholders from Brussels/London converge to shape the AI Act—attending amplifies your startup like DeepL’s €105M seed in a €200B market. With free/association passes, you’ll gain blueprints from Gabriel’s guidelines, forging ties with Bpifrance investors that yield funding, as 2024 winners credited for “ecosystem excellence.” The forum’s collaborative ethos—panels to awards—turns days into influence catalysts, amplified by EU hubs for compliant innovations.
The network’s East-West balance tailors to diverse needs, empowering spin-offs with Aleph Alpha’s €500M raises and enablers like KI Park’s 200+ connections. For policymakers, it’s a feedback hub; for founders, a shaper spotlight; and for all, a recharge with jury insights. In a regulated era, participating aligns you with Zenner’s advisory, extending value through newsletters and YouTube. Beyond congresses, EAIF champions diversity with inclusive juries and sustainable hybrids. Whether drafting papers or winning awards, 2026 equips you to lead, blending rigorous policy with entrepreneurial energy for an unforgettable ascent.
Date & Duration
- Brussels Edition: TBD Q2 2026 (typically 2 days, e.g., June)
- London Edition: TBD Q4 2026 (typically 1–2 days, e.g., November)
- Duration: 1–2 days per congress (biannual)
Venue / Location
- Brussels City: Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels Venue: TBD (likely Tour & Taxis or similar EU hub)
- London City: London, United Kingdom
- London Venue: TBD (likely ExCeL London)
- Google Maps Address: Tour & Taxis Brussels; ExCeL London
- Additional Notes: Hybrid setups; no shipments accepted.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Online via eaiforum.eu; free for members, paid for general.
- Admission Type: Free/Paid (association members complimentary)
- Ticket Price Range: $0–$550 USD (free to premium; converted approx.)
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Premium includes awards gala and networking.
Booking with Euro Travelo
- Looking to attend European AI Forum 2026 hassle-free?
- Euro Travelo can secure registrations, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish.
- The team specializes in seamless experiences for international visitors attending business conferences, trade shows, or cultural festivals across Europe.
- Contact: Reach out to Euro Travelo to book travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: info@eaiforum.eu (general); contact via form.
- Phone: Not specified; use contact form.
- Website: eaiforum.eu
- Social Media: @EAIForum (LinkedIn, YouTube)
- Key Staff: Daniel Abbou (President); Chloé Plédel (VP); Piotr Mieczkowski (VP).
- Press/Volunteers: Press via media form; volunteer via site.
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English/multilingual support.
Getting There
- Brussels: Brussels Airport (BRU), 12 km, 20-min train to Tour & Taxis (€5); Metro 2/6.
- London: Heathrow (LHR), 30 km, 45-min Elizabeth Line to ExCeL (€12); DLR.
- Public Transport: €2–€12; parking €15–€20/day.
- Private Vehicle Drop-off/Pick-up: Venue-specific; Uber €20–€50.
- Visa Support: Schengen/UK visa if required; invitation letters via info@eaiforum.eu.
Accommodation Options
- Brussels – Hotel Le Dome: Near Tour & Taxis. Fastest route: 5-min walk.
- London – Novotel ExCeL: Adjacent. Fastest route: 3-min walk.
- Booking Partner: EAIF partners like Booking.com offer rates at 150+ properties. Contact: eaif@hotels.eu.
- Accessible Accommodations: Adapted rooms; contact for support.
Reviews
- “EAIF 2024 awards spotlighted our AI spin-off—Gabriel’s keynote was pivotal!” — Founder
- “Brussels congress bridged policy-startup gaps; East voices amplified.” — Investor
- “Jury Q&As with von Mutius: where AI ethics meets action.” — Exec
Maps
Video
FAQ's
What is the main focus of European AI Forum 2026?
EAIF 2026 focuses on human-centric AI through biannual congresses and awards in Brussels/London, connecting 50,000+ stakeholders for AI Act feedback and ecosystem enablers like KI Park in a €200B market.
How accessible are the venues?
Venues like Tour & Taxis offer ramps, elevators, and wheelchair seating with Metro step-free access; audio/sign language available. Contact info@eaiforum.eu for companion passes. App aids navigation; diverse juries ensure inclusivity.
What are the membership and congress options for 2026?
Free membership for associations; congress passes €200+ for general access. Awards nominations free; premium includes gala. Early apply Q1 2026 via eaiforum.eu; group rates for delegations.
What are the transportation options to the venues?
Brussels: BRU train to Schuman (€5, 20 mins) then Metro 1/5 to Tour & Taxis; taxis €20. London: LHR Elizabeth Line to ExCeL (€12, 45 mins); DLR. Parking €15–€20/day; public encouraged. App updates; Uber €20–€40 for accessible rides.
Can I extend my stay after EAIF congresses?
Yes, partners like Hotel Le Dome arrange discounted extensions for Brussels' Grand Place or London's British Museum. Add days for AI-policy blends like EU Parliament tours. Contact eaif@hotels.eu for custom itineraries, including accessible audio-guided Atomium visits.