During the annual connect@be-MINE networking event, held on Thursday morning at be-MINE, the city of Beringen brought together around 100 tourism partners. The focus was on positioning the site as a healthy destination for companies and groups. This theme was literally translated with interviews conducted while rowing and the announcement of an upcoming fitness studio.
Connect@be-MINE, a collaboration project between the city of Beringen and be-MINE Management, organizes group and corporate packages such as team buildings, corporate events, and meetings. Mayor Thomas Vints emphasized the deliberate choice for health: "Beringen consciously opts for health: as a city, as an employer of over 500 employees, and as a co-initiator of connect@be-MINE." He added that while heritage, like the mining museum, remains a foundation, growth today lies in movement, experience, and interaction. The project, which started as a pilot three years ago, is now the fastest-growing segment on the site, with an expected 20,000 booked activities this year.
During the seminar in the Turbien, interviews were conducted, including while rowing. Lennert Schots announced the opening of ‘Hybrid Movement & Fitness’ at Kolenwasserij 4, which will open its doors next year (2027). Participants noted their personal energy sources and ideas for the future on post-its, which were collected on an energy and ideas board.
Alderman for Visit and Local Economy Ornella Schreurs shared the interim figures for connect@be-MINE after August 2026. Recreation activities (such as snorkeling, climbing, orienteering games, cycling, and the Adventure Mountain) had 6,193 bookings, more than half of the total and almost double that of 2024. Meeting activities (Meet) have tripled in two years to 1,122. The heritage segment, with the mining museum (3,013) and city guides (1,247), remains a stable anchor, accounting for over a third of activities. Schreurs emphasized that companies choose this location for a day of movement, experience, and interaction, which doubles the economic return for local entrepreneurs.
The day was opened by Lieven Vanlommel, CEO of Foodmaker, who spoke about healthy nutrition. Prof. dr. Koen Kas highlighted health, experience, and movement for individuals and organizations. A reflection panel, including Mayor Thomas Vints, Ann Simons (Lecturer in applied psychology, coach, and judo medalist), Ruben Van Praet (Director of cyclocross at Golazo), and Ann De Schutter (Owner of accommodation The Waterfront Tower & Just be Mine), translated these insights into practice.
Jan Larosse, chairman of be-MINE Management, outlined future plans. In addition to the fitness studio, new attractions are planned: the Experience Center by Heleven Experience Concepts (featuring an escape experience and interactive games) will open next year (2027). Investments are also being made in additional hospitality, including the future grand café Charbonnages de Beerringen, opening in 2027. Furthermore, the new mining experience center MINESET (2028), the vertical garden be-NATURE (also for 2028), and the first phase of the residential area Willow Park are scheduled.
Jan Larosse concluded that be-MINE offers the ingredients for a successful corporate event or a day out, with the unique formula of connect@be-MINE providing a healthy overall experience.
