Brussels, 7 - 10 September, 2026

Celebrating the contribution of the spirits sector in Europe.

Spirit of Life Week brings together the voices shaping the future of Europe's spirits sector.

Explore the programme
Practical information

About
Spirit of Life Week 

Spirit of Life Week brings together policymakers, producers, hospitality professionals, and industry leaders to explore the role of spirits in Europe's culture, communities, agriculture, and economy. Through a series of discussions, networking events, and experiences, the week highlights the craftsmanship, heritage, innovation, and responsibility that define the sector today.

01
Celebrating Europe’s Spirits Traditions

02
Shaping the Future of the Sector

03
Experiencing the Spirit we Share

Programme

Explore four days of discussions, networking events, and experiences celebrating the role of spirits in Europe's culture, communities, agriculture, hospitality, and economy.

Explore the sessions

Discover the topics, speakers, and experiences that celebrate the spirit we share. Registration is required for each individual session and attendance is subject to approval.

Monday 7 September

Fostering Conviviality:
The Spirits sector in Europe’s social DNA

17:00 - 18:45

  • Explore how the practice of day to day conviviality, often practiced in Europe’s bars, cafés, and local meeting places, shapes social cohesion and everyday community life. Speakers will discuss the important role of every day conviviality and structures, that offer people to get together - and we will explore what happens to local communities and every day life when they disappear. In the context of this discussion we will develop a better understanding of how the spirits sector helps keeping Europe’s social fabric vibrant.

    • Frédéric Molina - French chef behind Le Moulin de Léré in the Brevon Valley

    • Alain Fontaine -

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Opening Reception

18:45 - 20:30

  • Join us for an immersive opening reception celebrating the Spirit of Europe through the flavours, craftsmanship and heritage of our host country, Belgium. Meet Belgian distillers, explore our sensory aroma lab and discover a curated selection of distinctive Belgian spirits in an evening dedicated to exchange, discovery and European connection.

    • Mark Titterington - DG spiritsEUROPE

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Tuesday 8 September

Alcohol & Health:
Balancing Pleasure and Responsibility

17:00 - 18:45

  • A sharp, timely discussion on evolving alcohol‑and‑health narratives, from moderation to “no safe level” debates. Experts will examine evidence, risk communication, and the role of policymakers, media, and industry in supporting informed adult choices.

    • Peter de Wolf, Director of STIVA, the Foundation for Responsible Alcohol Consumption in the Netherlands

    • Keynote speaker: Robert Pfaller, renowed Professor of Philosophy and Cultural Theory at the University of Art and Industrial Design in Linz (Austria) and founding member of the Viennese psychoanalytic research group “stuzzicadenti”.

    • Felicity Carter, a journalist who specialises in the business of wine & spirits; becoming an acknowledged expert on health and alcohol policy, having interviewed several of the key figures in the sector on her Drinks Insider podcast.

    • Julian Braithwaite, CEO of IARD, in charge of promoting responsibility and moderation on a global scale.

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Wednesday 9 September

Agriculture and the Decarbonization of the Supply Chain

14:30 - 17:00

  • Explore how spirits, deeply rooted in European agriculture, enables sustainability from farm to bottle whilst contributing substantively to Europe's world leading, export driven agrifood sector. Join Commissioner Christophe Hansen, as he delivers the Week's Keynote Address, and Esther Herranz-García MEP before our panelists including Gijs Schilthuis and Miroslaw Izdebski, discuss the sector's contribution and next steps in securing its long-term economic, social and environmental sustainability.

    • Christophe Hansen, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food

    • Esther Herranz-García MEP, Co-Chair of the Wine & Spirits Intergroup

    • Gijs Schilthuis, Director of Sustainability, DG AGRI, European Commission

    • Miroslaw Izdebski, General Manager of Belvedere distillery

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The Spirit of Fine Pairing

18:45 - 20:30

  • This exclusive evening invites you on a culinary stroll through Europe, showcasing the perfect harmony between our finest spirits and regional food treasures covered by European Geographical Indication protection.

    • Mark Titterington - DG spiritsEUROPE

    • Massimo Vittori - managing director of Origin

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Thursday 10 September

A European Champion and Strategic Asset

11:30 - 14:30

  • Join us for a vital discussion on the European spirits sector’s role in driving economic growth and competitiveness. Discover how we can secure the future of this "Made in Europe" success story through strategic policy and global leadership.

    • Frédéric Molina - French chef behind Le Moulin de Léré in the Brevon Valley

    • Alain Fontaine -

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Spirits, Tourism and Europe’s Hospitality Strength

18:45 - 20:30

  • This session showcases how distilleries, museums, and cocktail culture fuel tourism and local vitality. Industry and tourism leaders will explore how spirits‑driven experiences support tourism innovation and keep Europe’s hospitality sector dynamic.

    • Thomas Breathnach, Journalist, travel writer in Ireland

    • Eduardo Santander, Director General of the European Tourism Council

    • Serge Guillou, Vice-President of the International Bartenders Association, a global movement funded in 1951 that transformed bartending from a trade into a respected international profession

    • Camille DELPOUX, Secrétaire Générale / Global Executive Officer - MAISON FERRAND

    • Edward Martin, Master distiller & brewer, and the fourth-generation entrepreneur behind the craft distillery and brewery at the historic Ferme de Mont-Saint-Jean in Waterloo, Belgium.

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Closing Reception

18:45 - 20:30

  • Join us for the Closing Reception as we bring Spirit of Life Week to a close. This informal networking event offers an opportunity to reflect on the conversations and insights shared throughout the week, reconnect with fellow participants, and continue discussions in a relaxed setting. Together, we will celebrate the spirit we share — a spirit of craftsmanship, hospitality, community, and connection that has long been part of Europe's cultural fabric.

    • Mark Titterington - DG spiritsEUROPE

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Speakers

  • Felicity Carter

    LIFESTYLE JOURNALIST

  • Frédéric Molina

    CHEF LE MOULIN DE LERE

  • Eleanor Parks

    MARKETING DIRECTOR

    Creative and strategic in equal measure, our marketing director brings fresh ideas to every campaign. They turn insights into action and help our message resonate with the right audience.

  • Karl Holland

    CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER

    Friendly, attentive, and always ready to help, our customer service manager ensures every interaction is a positive one. They keep communication clear, timely, and human.

Practical information

Everything you need to know

Find key details about the venue, dates, registration and more to help you plan your Spirit of Life Week experience in Brussels

 

Venue

Bump Experience Center

Place du Luxembourg, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Located in the heart of the European Quarter, directly opposite the European Parliament and a short walk from Brussels - Luxembourg Station.

  • Registration

    Registration

    Attendance is by invitation and subject to approval. Participants must register separately for each session they wish to attend.

    Confirmation will be sent by email once your registration has been approved.

  • Arrival

    Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of each session. This will allow time for check-in and to get seated before we begin.




  • Language

    All sessions, materials and discussions will be in English.




  • Dates

    September 7 - 10, 2026

    Four days of discussions, networking and evening receptions, celebrating the role of spirits in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.

  • Yes, you can. Please note that each session requires an individual registration.

  • No. All registrations are reviewed and approved by the organisers.

  • You will receive an email once your registration has been reviewed. You can expect to receive an answer within 7 business days.

  • If you have any questions, please reach out to spiritsEUROPE on info@spirits.eu.