Event Details
The CIOforum Belgian Business network is pleased to invite you for the first 2026 event, the “Business Speaker’s Corner” with keynotes of:
-
- Inge Opreel, CIO of the Year 2025, CIO Farys ,
- Tamara Lievens, CIO MPET, winner of the DataNews “ICT Project of the Year 2025”,
- Erwin Verstraelen, VP Innovation, Port of Antwerp-Bruges,
- Peter Vermeylen, Chairman CIOforum
These digital and business leaders will provide insights how their companies could accelerate their business and transformation journey and will elaborate on their game changers and innovative drive resulting into smart solutions. Peter welcomes the new member CxO’s as well as the new partners and will take us through the “State of the Union”. After the keynote sessions we will have time to meet, exchange experiences and for sure inspire each other!
Let us have a great kick-off! We thank our co-partner of this event Gumption for their contribution!
AGENDA
17.00 Welcome & Registration Business Speaker’s Corner
17.30 State of the Union by Peter Vermeylen, Chairman CIOforum
17.45 MPET Private 5G: Scaling & Securing Business Value by Tamara Lievens, CIO MPET, winner of the “ICT Project of the Year” (DataNews)
Covering 247 hectares and supporting the daily movement of 30,000 – 35,000 containers, our private 5G network has become a secure, site-wide communication backbone.
It enables seamless and secure connectivity for people, devices, and systems, driving safety, efficiency, and innovation in our critical 24/7 supply chain operations. The project was delivered through a proven tandem of business and IT project managers, with cross-functional teams from both internal partners and external partners working together.
18.00 “CIO of the Year” keynote with Inge Opreel, CIO Farys
Farys’ continuous transformation journey shows that the public sector can be a pioneer in digital transformation and innovation. Repositioning the IT department as a value driver, very close to the business, made Farys a leader and trustworthy partner in the utilities sector. The clear IT vision and strategy in combination with a holistic approach enabled Farys to grow and create extra successful activities and collaborations. It not only leaves us with a future ready platform, but more important, with an organisation open for adoption and passionate about innovation.
18.45 Break
19.00 Port of the future: innovation in action by Erwin Verstraelen, VP Innovation, Port of Antwerp-Bruges
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the result of a merger between the Ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge in 2022, is transforming itself into a smart port. This evolution provides answers to numerous societal challenges related to mobility, sustainability, the energy transition, and the security of critical infrastructure. The role of digitalization and artificial intelligence is crucial in this regard. The port, positioning itself as an open innovation platform, is a catalyst towards market-ready solutions such as autonomous drones and remote piloted shipping. Erwin takes us on a fascinating journey of discovery and innovation. The perception of what a port is and what it does will never be the same again.
20.00 Closing of the event by Peter Vermeylen, Chairman CIOforum
20.10 Networking opportunity accompanied by food and drinks
21.30 End of Event
ABOUT THE EVENT PARTNER
 |
Gumption supports driven entrepreneurs and starters who offer innovative solutions and services for digital transformation and process improvement. Through financial, strategic and operational support, Gumption gives them space to focus on essential matters: people, customers, services and business development. As a business group, Gumption wants to be the sparring partner and source of inspiration for business and IT executives. https://www.gumption.eu/nl |
Havenhuis,
Zaha Hadidplein 1
Antwerpen, Antwerp 2030 Belgium
Antwerpen, Antwerp 2030 Belgium
Venue
Havenhuis
Zaha Hadidplein 1, Antwerpen
Other events
Tue
17
Mar
Wed
29
Apr
Wed
29
Apr
Mon
08
Jun
Thu
17
Sep
The CIOforum Belgian Business network is pleased to invite you for the first 2026 event, the “Business Speaker’s Corner” with keynotes of:
-
- Inge Opreel, CIO of the Year 2025, CIO Farys ,
- Tamara Lievens, CIO MPET, winner of the DataNews “ICT Project of the Year 2025”,
- Erwin Verstraelen, VP Innovation, Port of Antwerp-Bruges,
- Peter Vermeylen, Chairman CIOforum
These digital and business leaders will provide insights how their companies could accelerate their business and transformation journey and will elaborate on their game changers and innovative drive resulting into smart solutions. Peter welcomes the new member CxO’s as well as the new partners and will take us through the “State of the Union”. After the keynote sessions we will have time to meet, exchange experiences and for sure inspire each other!
Let us have a great kick-off! We thank our co-partner of this event Gumption for their contribution!
AGENDA
17.00 Welcome & Registration Business Speaker’s Corner
17.30 State of the Union by Peter Vermeylen, Chairman CIOforum
17.45 MPET Private 5G: Scaling & Securing Business Value by Tamara Lievens, CIO MPET, winner of the “ICT Project of the Year” (DataNews)
Covering 247 hectares and supporting the daily movement of 30,000 – 35,000 containers, our private 5G network has become a secure, site-wide communication backbone.
It enables seamless and secure connectivity for people, devices, and systems, driving safety, efficiency, and innovation in our critical 24/7 supply chain operations. The project was delivered through a proven tandem of business and IT project managers, with cross-functional teams from both internal partners and external partners working together.
18.00 “CIO of the Year” keynote with Inge Opreel, CIO Farys
Farys’ continuous transformation journey shows that the public sector can be a pioneer in digital transformation and innovation. Repositioning the IT department as a value driver, very close to the business, made Farys a leader and trustworthy partner in the utilities sector. The clear IT vision and strategy in combination with a holistic approach enabled Farys to grow and create extra successful activities and collaborations. It not only leaves us with a future ready platform, but more important, with an organisation open for adoption and passionate about innovation.
18.45 Break
19.00 Port of the future: innovation in action by Erwin Verstraelen, VP Innovation, Port of Antwerp-Bruges
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the result of a merger between the Ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge in 2022, is transforming itself into a smart port. This evolution provides answers to numerous societal challenges related to mobility, sustainability, the energy transition, and the security of critical infrastructure. The role of digitalization and artificial intelligence is crucial in this regard. The port, positioning itself as an open innovation platform, is a catalyst towards market-ready solutions such as autonomous drones and remote piloted shipping. Erwin takes us on a fascinating journey of discovery and innovation. The perception of what a port is and what it does will never be the same again.
20.00 Closing of the event by Peter Vermeylen, Chairman CIOforum
20.10 Networking opportunity accompanied by food and drinks
21.30 End of Event
ABOUT THE EVENT PARTNER
|
Gumption supports driven entrepreneurs and starters who offer innovative solutions and services for digital transformation and process improvement. Through financial, strategic and operational support, Gumption gives them space to focus on essential matters: people, customers, services and business development. As a business group, Gumption wants to be the sparring partner and source of inspiration for business and IT executives. https://www.gumption.eu/nl |