AION Forum 2025 - Leadership & Growth

In a world marked by turbulence and transformation, unity is not merely a choice but a necessity. As geopolitical landscapes shift, economic paradigms evolve, and societal expectations surge, the imperative to bridge the divides between business, institutions, and academia has never been clearer.

The AION Forum 2025, scheduled for Thursday, April 24, at The Mix in Brussels, stands as a beacon of collaboration and forward-thinking, inviting leaders from all corners of Europe and beyond to gather and chart a shared path forward.

A Forum for Visionaries

Now in its third edition, the AION Forum has firmly established itself as a cornerstone event for those at the vanguard of leadership, innovation, and growth. This year’s theme, "Which Leaders for Tomorrow?", is both a question and a call to action. In an era of complexity and rapid change, the event seeks to inspire dialogue on the qualities, values, and strategies that will define the leaders who can guide us toward a more resilient, innovative, and unified Europe.

Co-organised with prestigious partners—BECI (Brussels Chamber of Commerce) and the Enterprise Europe Network—the forum promises to deliver an unparalleled blend of expertise, insight, and inspiration. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to fostering dialogue and building bridges across sectors and borders.

Building on Success

Last year’s edition was a resounding success, bringing together over 300 distinguished leaders and featuring keynote speakers such as Crispin Waymouth (Head of DG Grow, EU), Hugues Bultot (CEO of Univercells), and Pascal Juery (CEO of Agfa Gevaert). 

This year, the forum’s agenda is set to surpass expectations once more, drawing a stellar lineup of speakers whose expertise spans industries and disciplines. These thought leaders will share their insights across a series of dynamic and thought-provoking panels, each tailored to address the critical challenges and opportunities shaping Europe’s future.

The first speakers have already been revealed:
- Chris Peeters, CEO, Bpost Group
- Hamilton Mann, Group VP Digital, Thalès
- Nathalie Errard, VP and Head of Europe & NATO, Airbus
- Olivier Rousseaux, Director Venture Development, IMEC
- Thierry Geerts, Former Country Director at Google and CEO, BECI
- Patrick Van der Pijl, CEO, Business Models Inc.
- Valentino Megale, Professor at Rome Business School and Entrepreneur
- Marijke Schroos, General Manager, Microsoft
- Isaac Getz, Researcher, Professor at ESCP Business School and Author
- Peter Vermeiren, Partner at Private CFO
- Diane Faynsztein, Head of Communication & Market Intelligence at Nestle
- Alain Heureux, General Manager at Virtuology
... and many others to be announced soon!

Shaping the Dialogue

The AION Forum 2025 will feature three cornerstone panels:

1. Reinventing Organisations in an Era of Digital Transformation (16:15–17:00): This session will delve into how companies can embrace digital transformation while staying true to their core values and identities.

2. Innovative Management as a Catalyst for Growth (17:00–17:55): This discussion will explore how transformative management practices and a culture of innovation can drive sustainable growth and performance.

3. Creating Competitive European Champions: Idealism or True Ambition? (17:55–18:40): A bold conversation on Europe’s potential to foster innovation, scale its champions globally, and maintain competitiveness in an increasingly interconnected world.

Each panel will be moderated with precision and designed to maximise engagement and insight. Attendees can expect not only robust discussions but also actionable takeaways that resonate across sectors and geographies.

A Catalyst for Change

The AION Forum is more than an event; it is a catalyst. It is a space where ideas ignite, collaborations form, and visions crystallise. By bringing together C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, academics, and policymakers, the forum underscores the power of collective intelligence and shared purpose in addressing the complex challenges of our time.

In a rapidly changing world, the AION Forum 2025 offers a much-needed platform for dialogue and action. It is an invitation to reflect, to connect, and to lead—together.

Join Us

We invite you to be part of this extraordinary gathering of minds and ideas. Mark your calendar for Thursday, April 24, and join us at The Mix in Brussels for a day of inspiration, collaboration, and forward-thinking.

Together, let us forge a future defined by unity, resilience, and innovation.