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Highlighting the Innovation of Flanders

Day Zero of the 2023 Game Developers Conference was not just an opportunity to pick up your badge but also get the week started. One such event hosted on that day was the Flanders Technology & Innovation – Dinner Reception. An event that was hosted at the Contemporary Jewish Museum (located across from the Yerba Buena Gardens).

Flanders Technology & Innovation – Dinner Reception was a special event organized by the Flanders Investment & Trade in honor of H.E. Benjamin Dalle, the Flemish Minister of Media. It brought together not just game developers from the Flanders region but also respected figures from the Flanders community in the Bay Area.

H.E. Benjamin Dalle takes the Stage 

Once the guests had arrived and everyone had settled, it was time for the event to begin. Win Sohier, the Science & Technology Counselor for Flanders Investment & Trade, then introduced H.E. Benjamin Dalle to the audience.

Minister Dalle began his presentation by acknowledging the work that many of the event sponsors have done for both the Flanders region and the Bay Area. He then shared his reflections on his first visit to San Francisco, before discussing how the Flanders government collaborates with businesses to foster growth and innovation. He emphasized the importance of greater and continued cooperation between Flanders and the City of San Francisco.

Lastly, he shared his plans and aspirations for the 2023 Game Developers Conference, which included participating in panels that showcase the achievements of the Flemish Games Association. He also intends to visit the Flemish game developers on the expo floor and hold meetings with prominent Flemish influencers in the game community. 

The Dinner Reception

Following Minister Dalle’s presentation, the guests began to socialize with each other and enjoy the delicious food. The Flemish game developers had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with the minister or network with other attendees at the event.

Although the event was focused on GDC, it was not limited to game developers. The gathering brought together influential members of the Flemish community in the Bay Area, including engineers, lawyers, researchers, and hedge fund managers. Additionally, there were guests who had flown in from Belgium for GDC or other events in the Bay Area.

Flanders at GDC 2023

The Flanders Technology & Innovation – Dinner Reception was just one of many ways the Flanders Investment & Trade had a presence at GDC 2023. They also had organized several panels and were supporting Belgium Games on the expo floor. 

This article is part of our coverage of the 2023 Game Developers Conference. If you attended the event, please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Disclaimer: FortySeven Communications provided 8Bit/Digi with press passes for GDC 2023.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.