Programme
09:30 – Welcome & coffee – Get your badge. Select your networking stickets. Get your first introductions. Start the day with coffee, check the Freelance Victory Board where freelancers share recent wins and milestones, and add yours! Create your card for the Service Swap Board where attendees can exchange skills, support and freelance services with one another.
10:00
– Auditorium welcome session – Katrina Sichel, Event Moderator – Opening of the day and introduction to the theme “better clients”
10:10 – Better Clients by Design – Piet Saegeman, Messaging Strategist – Better clients are rarely accidental. Learn how to select the right people, shape the relationship, and walk away when you have to.
10:30 – The freelancer’s guide to LinkedIn outreach: comments, DMs & semantic search – Mic Adam, LinkedIn Expert – No need to post constantly: discover how LinkedIn’s new search features, algorithm-friendly DMs and meaningful comments can create visibility and opportunities
10:50 – How to leverage customer interviews as a growth tool for freelancers – Thibo Christiaens, Founder of Proov’d – Discover how customer conversations can become powerful marketing and sales assets
11:10 – Closing better clients: live sales coaching on stage – Jean-François Bodart, Business Development & Sales Expert – Practical sales coaching on finding & signing better clients
11:30 – How companies hire freelancers (and what makes you stand out) – Panel discussion with companies hiring freelancers featuring Katie Baes, Category Buyer, Sibelga, Leila Maidane, Founder of InterSkillar & Femmes Fières, and Peter De Buck, HR Tech Entrepreneur (Connecting Expertise, Dibbs, Lancr)– Learn what companies actually look for when selecting freelance talent
12:15 – Business Clinic spotlight – Meet the organisations supporting freelancers with tools, services and opportunities. Learn which questions they can help answer.
Featuring:
Freelancers in Belgium Jobs: Job matching platform
ING Belgium: Banking services
LV Agency: Insurance
Monizze, Meal vouchers
T-Shaped Academy, Digital marketing
12:35 – Extra-long networking lunch – Enjoy an extended lunch break filled with great food, meaningful networking and interactive experiences:
– Visit the Business Clinic for practical advice,
– get your personal LinkedIn profile audit with Mic Adam
– Professional headshots (at extra cost). Update your profile with a high-quality photo you can immediately use on LinkedIn and your website. Learn more and book yours: here. At previous events these sessions were quickly booked out. This offer is only for event attendees of Freelancers in Belgium Festival Day 2026.
14:00 – 14:30 Freelance Tribes: Connect with fellow freelancers in smaller focused groups to exchange experiences, discuss challenges specific to your role and industry. Each tribe will have a dedicated leader who facilitates introductions and discussions.
Join the tribe that fits your expertise:
- Marketing & Communications – with Tara Reid (Fractional CMO with a focus on data-driven marketing & RevOps | Founder of OYAMOTO – High-end childcare for companies)
- IT, Tech & Digital — with Ignacio Rondini (Software Developer & Tech Lead)
- Coaches, Trainers & Facilitators – with Judith Escalier-Revollo (Leadership Trainer & Executive Coach)
- Creative & Design — with Zoë van Kuyk (Motion & Visual Design Expert)
- Pharma, Biotech & Life Sciences — with Gregory Maes (Life Sciences Entrepreneur & Business Consultant)
- Virtual assistants, management assistants & admin freelancers – with Amy Gille (Entrepreneur, Trainer for freelancers and virtual assistants, Author, Keynote speaker, Community builder)
Prefer to keep networking more open or not sure which tribe fits you yet? No problem. Participation is completely optional, and you’re welcome to continue with other activities or informal conversations instead.
14:30 – Getting more referrals – Katrina Sichel, Event Moderator – Interactive session drawing on Katrina’s 25+ years across international trade, media, broadcast production and communications, exploring how freelancers can build trust, credibility and referrals through rigour, reliability, personality and strong client relationships Includes practical observations and audience insights gathered throughout the day.
14:50 – Multiple identities without feeling like a fraud – Cilou Annys, Freelance Model, Marketing & Content Manager – Explore how to navigate multiple professional identities with confidence
15:10 – Freelancer hot seat: Ask your questions live to 3 established freelancers about positioning, visibility, finding clients, personal branding, pricing and growth.
Featuring:
– Delphine Van Belleghem, Communication Consultant & Trainer for nonprofits, government, schools and sustainable businesses. Delphine has a focused niche positioning combined with an ambitious and highly professional freelance approach. And she wrote a book for communication professionals.
– Sammy Dierickx, Sammy Dierickx, founder of Foodpics, a studio for food and beverage visuals, and SURAI, his creative AI studio. Sammy combines photography, video and AI-driven visual creation, and helps freelancers put AI to work without losing their creative voice. He also trains companies in AI marketing, bringing a creative take on niche positioning, pricing and visibility.
– Steven Wynants, Strategic Sourcing Consultant. Steven combines expertise in business, IT and procurement, helping organisations manage complex supplier relationships, technology investments and sourcing decisions. He can offer perspective of working with larger, corporate clients and getting international assignments.
15:40 – Better clients: crowdsourced freelancer insights – Interactive audience session exploring what freelancers really mean by “better clients”, what is currently blocking them from attracting those clients, and practical ideas around pricing, positioning, visibility, referrals, AI and client acquisition. Includes live audience input, registration insights, polls and open discussion.
16:00 – Prize draw & closing – Jenny Bjorklof, Community Leader of Freelancers in Belgium – Closing reflections, community appreciation and giveaways, including:
– A free annual subscription to Freelancers in Belgium PRO worth €250.
– Book: Personal Branding like a PRO by Clo Willaerts worth €34.99
16:20 – The art of engaging presentations: lessons from stand-up comedy – Kym Nelson, Comedian & Comedy Coach – Discover what comedians can teach freelancers about communication, storytelling and audience engagement
16:40 – … Drinks & apero – End the day with informal networking, drinks and friendly freelance vibes. We will celebrate together with the companies of Upoffiz at their Good Vibes Festival.
Catch the vibes from a previous Freelancers in Belgium event
Some quotes from happy attendees at other Freelancers in Belgium events
“It is the best freelancer event you can find in Belgium!”
“Great event which was superbly organised to create a positive, vibrant and safe atmosphere for the participants in order to grow, learn and connect”
“Talking with kindred spirits, getting to know their line of work and sharing experiences.”
Discover coworking communities
Looking for a place to work, meet other freelancers and grow your network?
These coworking communities support Freelancers in Belgium Festival Day and may be worth exploring if you’re looking for a productive workspace to share with fellow independent professionals.
Flordi
A coworking community for freelancers, entrepreneurs and professionals who want to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Website: https://flordi.be/coworking/
Dokwerkers
Creative coworking space
Website: https://www.dokwerkers.gent/
Boldhouse
A coworking clubhouse for Bold entrepreneurs. Coworking – Community – Lifestyle
Website: https://www.boldhouse.space/
LikeBirds is a coworking space and community in Ghent for freelancers, consultants and creative entrepreneurs.
Website: https://likebirds.be/membership-pricing
De Punt offers flexible and affordable coworking spaces, offices and meeting rooms in a vibrant community of especially social impact and sustainability in Ghent. Website: https://www.depunt.be/ruimte-om-te-groeien/werkplek-te-huur-in-gent/
FAQ
Will this event be in English?
Yes. All sessions will be in English.
Will there be a recording?
No. This is a live, in-person experience and sessions will not be recorded.
What if I can’t attend or the event gets cancelled?
Cancellation & refund policy
When purchasing a ticket, you agree to the following terms:
- If you cancel your attendance at least 14 days before the event, your ticket will be refunded in full.
- If you cancel less than 14 days before the event, no refund is provided.
- You can transfer your ticket to someone else at any time, free of charge.
The organiser is not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from substitution, alteration, cancellation or postponement of the event.
In the case of unforeseen circumstances (such as extreme weather, strike, emergency, or other events beyond our control), the event may be cancelled, postponed or rescheduled. In such cases, the organiser assumes no liability.
Please note that while speakers and topics are confirmed at the time of publishing, changes may occur. The organiser reserves the right to update or replace speakers and sessions if needed. Any updates will be communicated on the event page.
What does the ticket include?
Your ticket gives you access to a full day experience:
- All live sessions and talks
- Networking opportunities with other freelancers
- Partner expo and business clinic access
- Activities & Experiences. Please note that the photo shoot needs to be booked separately in advance at an extra cost.
- Materials or resources shared by speakers
- Food & Drinks (coffee, sandwich lunch with dessert, afternoon appetizers and drinks)
Can I join as a starter?
Yes, absolutely, as long as you are serious about freelancing and actively exploring or preparing the transition.
The event is designed for freelancers at different stages, from people preparing their first steps to experienced freelancers looking for better clients and more freedom in their business.
Please note:
- We require a VAT number during registration for invoicing purposes.
- If you do not yet have a VAT number, you can fill in a placeholder/random number to complete the registration. 21% VAT will be added to the ticket price and is not deductible in your case.
Is networking a big part of the event?
Yes.
We’ve built in multiple moments to connect with other freelancers, exchange ideas and meet partners.
The goal is not just to learn, but to leave with new connections.
Yes. Most participants come alone.
The event is designed to make it easy to meet others through both structured and informal networking activities.
Is the venue easily accessible?
Yes. The venue is easily accessible both by public transport and car. We will share detailed directions and practical information with all participants before the event.
Is the venue accessible for people with reduced mobility?
We aim to host the event in a venue that is accessible to everyone. If you have specific accessibility needs, feel free to reach out to jenny.bjorklof@freelancersinbelgium.be so we can support you as best as possible.
Who is organising this event?
This event is organised by Freelancers in Belgium
A community where freelancers:
- Connect and support each other on topics from admin to sales to mindset
- Share best practices, opportunities and insights
- Learn how to start and grow their business through events and training
You can discover more and join the community at:
www.freelancersinbelgium.be
Questions about the event?
Email: info@freelancersinbelgium.be
“It’s a great place to meet other freelancers and learn about opportunities waiting to be seized.”
