From past to future: how JCI shapes lives
JCI Day 2026 takes place on Sunday 13 December, 12:30–15:30, at Van der Valk Hotel Brussels Airport in Diegem. Former JCI members who are now entrepreneurs, politicians and civic leaders share how JCI shaped their careers, in a panel discussion that alternates with a three-course seated lunch — JCI’s annual founding anniversary, celebrated by JCI Belgium every December for members, alumni and young entrepreneurs.
What is this year’s JCI Day about?
This year’s theme, “From past to future: how JCI shapes lives,” puts JCI alumni centre stage. Rather than a single keynote, the afternoon runs as a two-part panel discussion, each part followed by a course of the seated lunch — a direct answer, from people who lived it, to what JCI membership can lead to for a young entrepreneur.
Event details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday 13 December 2026 |
| Time | 12:30 – 15:30 |
| Location | Van der Valk Hotel Brussels Airport, Culliganlaan 4b, 1831 Diegem (Zaventem) |
| Registration deadline | Tuesday 8 December 2026, 23:55 |
| Organiser | Simon Meurs, JCI Belgium — simon.meurs@jci.be |
Programme at a glance
| Time | Programme item |
|---|---|
| 12:30 | Welcome and reception drink |
| 13:00 | First course |
| 13:30 | Panel discussion / keynote |
| 14:00 | Second course |
| 14:30 | Panel discussion / keynote |
| 15:00 | Third course and coffee |
Included: a seated three-course menu, a welcome drink, and wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea and water throughout the afternoon.
Not to confuse with: the 90th anniversary of JCI Bruxelles
This year’s JCI Day falls the day after JCI Bruxelles’ 90th anniversary as the first JCI Local Organisation founded in Europe, celebrated Saturday 12 December at La Bellone in Brussels with “Meet Me in 1936 – The First Chapter.” The two are separate events — that one is a JCI Bruxelles chapter celebration, JCI Day is JCI Belgium’s national event — but members in Brussels for the weekend can attend both. See the 90th anniversary JCI Bruxelles page for Saturday’s programme.
Last year’s edition, JCI Day 2025, took a different shape: an interactive “Unity Bingo” networking game in Brussels, followed by dressing Manneken Pis in JCI colours. Every edition gets a new format; the goal — one last national, convivial moment before the year closes — stays the same.
How to register
Registration is open via JCI Belgium’s EasySignup page, deadline Tuesday 8 December 2026, 23:55. Not yet a JCI member? Become a JCI member — JCI Belgium’s network for young entrepreneurs and professionals aged 18–40 — or browse the full events calendar.
Frequently asked questions
What is JCI Day?
JCI Day marks the anniversary of JCI’s founding. JCI and the United Nations organised it together at UN Headquarters throughout the 1990s to educate young people on global challenges; JCI Belgium continues the tradition every December.
When and where does JCI Day 2026 take place?
Sunday 13 December 2026, 12:30–15:30, at Van der Valk Hotel Brussels Airport, Culliganlaan 4b, 1831 Diegem.
How do I register?
Registration is open via the EasySignup registration page, deadline 8 December 2026, 23:55.
Is this the same event as the 90th anniversary of JCI Bruxelles?
No. That is a separate, chapter-level celebration for JCI Bruxelles 90th anniversary on Saturday 12 December at La Bellone in Brussels. JCI Day, on Sunday 13 December, is JCI Belgium’s national event in Diegem.
Start your own JCI journey and join us this December.
