The 71st BBB Maastricht strengthens the link between hospitality professionals and exhibitors

The 71st edition of BBB Maastricht has come to an end. From Monday 5 to Wednesday 7 October, hospitality professionals from the Netherlands and Belgium gathered at MECC Maastricht. Under the motto ‘More Horeca Success’, BBB Maastricht focused once again this year on empowering hospitality professionals with knowledge, inspiration, new contacts and concrete opportunities for their businesses. Various initiatives further strengthened the link between visitors’ needs and what exhibitors had to offer. A survey of exhibitors revealed that they felt the quality of visitors had improved significantly. The MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Ceremony Netherlands on Monday 5 October once again formed a major highlight of the trade fair and underlined the high calibre of Limburg’s gastronomy. Together with the programme of events, innovative exhibitors and regional concepts, this formed the basis for three days of knowledge-sharing, inspiration and networking for hospitality professionals. 

A more stringent policy

At this year’s event, BBB Maastricht has taken steps to connect decision-makers from the hospitality industry even more effectively with the exhibitors relevant to them. For example, visitors were able to take part in the so-called ‘Trendtours’, which followed three different routes: Future-proof Hospitality, Regional EN From Bar to Drinks. From AI and automation to local produce and entrepreneurship. This made it easier for visitors to strike up conversations with suppliers, thereby finding solutions to their questions or requirements. This concept offered ‘More Horeca Success’ for both visitors and exhibitors.

Strong links with the Belgian hospitality industry

As a hospitality trade fair for The Netherlands and Belgium BBB Maastricht acts as a bridge between the two markets. This cross-border focus was also clearly reflected in the programme. For example, the Belgian chef Wout Bru appeared on the Chef’s Talk x BBB Maastricht Podcast and, during Chef’s Table, among other things Marco Veraldi of KLOST’R in Vlijtingen in the kitchen. Dutch and Belgian organisations also came together amongst the exhibitors. Sligro Food Group, for example, was present at the trade fair from both the Netherlands and Belgium. In this way, BBB Maastricht brought together hospitality professionals from both countries to discuss new products, industry expertise, gastronomy and entrepreneurship.

Paul Tiessen, Sligro Food Group: “What makes BBB Maastricht special for us is that we get to meet both Dutch and Belgian hospitality professionals here. We’re seeing the number of Belgian visitors continue to grow. This makes Maastricht the perfect venue for bringing both markets together.”

MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Ceremony Netherlands brings top-class gastronomy to Maastricht
On the opening day of BBB Maastricht, the MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Ceremony Netherlands 2026 venue. The ceremony brought together 1,000 chefs, restaurateurs and other representatives of the Dutch gastronomic scene in Maastricht for the announcement of the new MICHELIN selection. With the ‘Folie Culinaire’ trade fair concept, the exhibition floor also showcased the high-end hospitality sector. Around 50 exhibitors were present here, showcasing speciality wines and exclusive ingredients. The partnership between MICHELIN, Maastricht and BBB Maastricht has been extended until 2029.