'We're great nature ambassadors'

While there are countless well-organised ­conference and event venues around the world, A Room with a ZOO truly stands out as something unique. Chief Commercial Officer Anja Stas explains how nature is truly part of the organisation’s DNA.

Hosting a convention centre here feels natural, as Antwerp ZOO – established in 1843 –  has long served as a vibrant social hub. In 1897, at this location next to Antwerp Central Station, a concert hall with a banquet hall was opened, where business networking took place during the Belle ­Époque. After an extensive renovation, the site now seamlessly blends its historic and modern wings with the rebuilt Queen Elisabeth Hall, offering a total of 25,000 square metres of meeting and convention space. Since then, the venue has aimed to become Antwerp’s premier destination for events. “Visitors can enjoy views of the butter­fly garden and flamingos, which inspired the name ‘A Room with a ZOO’,” explains Anja Stas, who leads business development at this exceptional venue. “There are at least four good reasons why this is such an interesting location for international event planners.”

Green location

The striking, contemporary building sits right next to one of the world’s most beautiful train stations, making travel quick and convenient. After stepping off the train, you can walk straight into the venue. This not only reduces the event’s ecological footprint, but also offers visitors the convenience of having everything close at hand,” Stas notes. “They no longer need to walk far to immerse themselves in nature.”

 

Personal well-being is often overlooked in the event industry

 

“Personal well-being is often overlooked in the event industry. Access to natural light and the ability to step outside during breaks – perhaps for a stroll around the zoo - offers a refreshing alternative to the typical industrial setting. Science shows that nature truly helps people recharge.”

Walking among the animals creates the perfect setting for meaningful conversations. “During the pandemic, we realised how enjoyable it is to connect with others while walking. We prioritise well-being by circulating fresh outdoor air into our spaces four times an hour, making our connection to nature tangible,” Stas adds.

Supporting nature conservation

By hosting an event at A Room with a ZOO, you automatically support the Antwerp ZOO Society and its wide range of breeding and conservation initiatives. Stas explains, “All profits are reinvested in visitor education. We conduct extensive research into optimal animal care and run international conservation programmes, where we proudly serve as ambassadors.”

The money goes to various projects, such as the endangered bonobos in Congo and the cinereous vultures in southern Europe. In Brazil, the foundation supports projects for the golden-headed lion tamarin. The Antwerp ZOO Society also manages the second largest and oldest nature reserve in Belgium, De Zegge in Geel.

Sustainable food

Stas believes that the agricultural industry puts a lot of pressure on nature, which is why A Room with a ZOO has reconsidered its event catering. After all, you have such a direct connection with nature conservation that you also want to extend that to food. “Since we all need to eat more sustainably, we have a no-waste strategy where we reuse waste created during food rocessing as much as possible.” 

We’ve developed an entirely new food book, featu­ring 80 percent vegetarian dishes and 20 percent poultry, meat and fish. “We colla­borate with local suppliers and incorporate ­lesser-known fish and bycatch into our menu. While we encourage sustainable choices, we also respect guests’ preferences for meat and fish – each meat dish ordered contributes extra funds to our conser­vation projects.” 

Reflecting our commitment to sustainability, we recently introduced reusable water bottles made from sugarcane-based bioplastic. Guests can refill these bottles at seven stations ­throughout the venue, with one euro from each bottle suppor­ting De Zegge – a protected Belgian nature reserve battling drought.

Ambassador Matadi

A Room with a ZOO’s ambassador was the impressive silverback gorilla Matadi, who lived at the zoo until his passing in October 2023. His role was far from symbolic – previous events raised 25,000 euro for Virunga National Park, Matadi’s natural habitat. “We wanted an ambassador who would truly resonate with people and spark their imagination. Matadi did exactly that,” Stas explains. “He was a powerful presence, and he continues to inspire. His legacy lives on in our conference halls, and in the way we tell our story, often with a life-sized version of him by our side.”

In short, visitors value the venue’s deep connection to both nature and the zoo itself. Combining a historic monument, a vibrant zoo, and a strong conservation mission – right next to Antwerp Central Station – makes this location truly exceptional,” Stas concludes.

www.aroomwithazoo.com