For the 6th time in a row I am again among the winners!

Thanks to all the customers who made sure that I received a nice nomination as DJ for the 6th time.

On to number 7😀

With 'Burlesque', Het Witte Paard is breaking new ground. The show will bring the sultry New York of the 1920s to life from 4 April to 3 May 2025. 'Burlesque' will be a classic variety show in contemporary direction with a naughty edge. With Sandrine, Ianthe Tavernier and Peter Thyssen, among others, a rock-solid cast is announced. This show is also the perfect opportunity for a successful company party, a unique team building, as a conclusion to a seminar or as an original end-of-year gift.

Production manager Martijn Claes outlines what you can expect: 'Imagine: you enter a smoky nightclub, where every corner whispers a secret and temptation is everywhere. Extravagant costumes, exciting special acts, big dance numbers and jazz around the piano take you to a world full of glamour and mystery. Sensual voices make you melt and great talents drag you along in a passionate whirlwind. In Burlesque the focus is on temptation, but it is never explicit. We do want to stimulate the imagination a little.'

The cast of Burlesque is solid as a rock. With Sandrine and Ianthe Tavernier, two of the most impressive voices in Flanders are on stage together. Peter Thyssen not only has a beautiful crooner voice, he also provides the ironic humor. With Pieter Casteleyn and Daan Keisse, two handsome men appear in the show who sing and act fantastically. Lien Van den Bossche returns to Het Witte Paard after her much-appreciated passage in the summer show. For the international acts, producer Ben Van den Keybus traveled all over Europe to look for suitable artists. Add to that the Vegas Showdancers, and the audience knows that it will be an impressive experience.

Producer Ben Van den Keybus adds: 'It will be a total experience. As soon as you arrive at Het Witte Paard, we will immerse you in the style of the show. The atmosphere we evoke is reminiscent of the Charleston, 'The Great Gatsby' and secret speak-easy bars. The founder of Het Witte Paard, my great-grandfather, lived in the United States during the heyday of the genre in the 1930s. It was there that he got the idea to start a variety theatre in Belgium, with the well-known success. 'Burlesque' is in this way an ode to the roots of Het Witte Paard, but then in a contemporary performance. We take you to a different time, away from the everyday. That is actually what Het Witte Paard stands for with all its productions: forgetting your worries for a while, and leaving the theatre afterwards with a big smile on your face.'

The performances of 'Burlesque' start on April 4, 2025, there are shows in the afternoon and evening until May 3, 2025. Tickets from €34 per person, available via www.witte-paard.be.

There are discounts for groups of 25 people or more, and even privatization of a performance is possible. For those who want to give tickets as a year-end gift for relations or employees, there are attractive formulas. Inquire about all the possibilities via kelly@wphotelsevents.be.

Here's why LGBTQ+ Travel and Destination Weddings Need a Tailored Approach in Thailand.

LGBTQ+ travel is growing rapidly, and it's distinct from standard group travel for a number of important reasons. It’s not just about offering a holiday; it's about creating safe, inclusive, and meaningful experiences. For Thai companies, particularly in the tourism and events sectors, recognising and catering to the needs of LGBTQ+ travellers is crucial—especially now that Thailand is on the cusp of legalising same-sex marriage.

#LGBTQ+ Travel: What Sets It Apart

LGBTQ+ travellers face unique challenges that traditional group travel doesn’t always address. Safety is a prime concern, as some destinations are not legally or socially accepting of LGBTQ+ identities. Travellers are often looking for countries and experiences where they feel safe and welcome.

Thailand, with its open-minded attitude and beautiful destinations, is well-positioned to cater to this demographic. However, Thai companies must actively ensure their services are inclusive, from hotels to tours. This means more than just being “gay-friendly”—it’s about offering experiences that celebrate diversity, whether that’s recommending inclusive accommodation, guiding travellers to LGBTQ+-friendly venues, or crafting tailored experiences that reflect the community’s needs.

LGBTQ+ travel often emphasises community, connection, and shared experiences, which typical group travel doesn’t always prioritise. There’s a growing demand for trips that offer LGBTQ+ history tours, cultural immersion, and safe spaces where travellers can relax without fear of judgment. Thai companies need to tap into this demand by offering packages that include these elements and ensuring staff are trained to be sensitive and welcoming to all guests.

There's a Growing Need for LGBTQ+ Destination Weddings!

As Thailand prepares to legalise same-sex marriage, it will inevitably see a rise in LGBTQ+ destination weddings. However, simply offering the same wedding services to LGBTQ+ couples as to heterosexual ones won’t be enough. The needs of LGBTQ+ couples are different, and Thai businesses must develop services specifically for this growing market.

Firstly, legal recognition is a key consideration. LGBTQ+ couples need clarity on the legal process in Thailand, including what documentation is required and how their marriage will be recognised internationally. Clear, honest communication will help couples plan their weddings without unnecessary stress.

Secondly, inclusivity in every aspect of the wedding is crucial. Couples want to know that their vendors, from the venue to the florist, are genuinely welcoming and understand their needs. Traditional wedding packages often include heteronormative customs, but LGBTQ+ couples may prefer ceremonies that use gender-neutral language or avoid certain traditions. Thai companies should offer tailored packages, ensuring couples can personalise their day to reflect their identities.

It's Time International and Thai Companies Embrace the LGBTQ+ Wedding Market.

The legalisation of same-sex marriage in Thailand opens a significant opportunity for the country’s hospitality and events industries. Offering inclusive services isn’t just a marketing strategy; it’s a necessity for keeping up with global trends in travel and tourism. The LGBTQ+ travel market is one of the fastest-growing, and destination weddings are a major part of that.

For companies, this means building a reputation as an LGBTQ+-friendly business. Training staff to be inclusive, ensuring venues are welcoming, and avoiding heteronormative assumptions are essential steps. Additionally, businesses can create meaningful, inclusive experiences, such as multi-day retreats or post-wedding travel packages tailored to LGBTQ+ couples.

LGBTQ+ travel and destination weddings offer immense potential for Thailand, but success will only come with genuine effort. Companies must understand the unique needs of LGBTQ+ travellers and couples and adapt their services accordingly. As Thailand prepares to legalise same-sex marriage, now is the time for the tourism and events industry to embrace this change and lead the way in inclusive, diverse experiences.

By embracing inclusivity and sustainability, businesses can stay ahead of trends in LGBTQ+ travel, providing meaningful, eco-conscious experiences that celebrate diversity and gender equality while supporting local communities.

Want to know more or develop your company's abilities?

Get in touch events@teamspiritthailand.com

Team Spirit Thailand offers Curated Team Building Programs and works with psychologists and specialists to provide Inclusivity Training and Development.

These programs equip HR and management teams with the skills to create inclusive experiences that cater to the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that all guests feel respected and valued.

#LGBTQTravel #MarriageEqualityThailand #PinkEconomy #SustainableTourism #InclusiveTravel #LGBTQAdventure #RayongAdventures #ChonburiTravel #HuaHinLuxury #EcoFriendlyTourism #LGBTQWeddings #GroupTravel #ThailandRetreats #TeamSpiritThailand #DiversityTraining

Organize your End of Year Parties at Eventify:

A Unique and Unforgettable Experience

For this end of year, choose originality and excellence!

Whether it's for a corporate evening or an event with friends, our exceptional setting and our tailor-made packages will make your party a memorable moment.

Formulas Adapted to All Your Needs

LUXFLY offers you several options for your end-of-year events, whether you are looking for an unforgettable team building or a friendly evening:

Meeting room rental: Ideal for business meetings followed by festive moments.

Simulator Flight Activity: Offer your teams or guests the unique sensation of flying in our freefall simulator, 100% safe and for people up to 99 years old! It's a great way to create shared memories and strengthen team spirit.

Catering and evening without flight: You can also enjoy our magnificent space without flight activity, and savor 100% Belgian catering, homemade with local products, all accompanied by a selection of Luxembourg beers. The perfect combination for a warm and friendly evening.

A Friendly and Festive Atmosphere

Our exceptional setting is enhanced by a unique festive atmosphere. Every detail is designed to make your evening memorable:

Quality music thanks to the Devialet high-performance audio system

Immersive light effects to create the perfect atmosphere

Spectacular aerial dances to amaze your guests and bring a touch of elegance to your event.

Additional Services to Enrich Your Experience

In addition to the main activities, Eventify offers additional services to make your end-of-year party a complete and enriching experience:

NEUROFLY, our new neurofeedback service, for optimal mental well-being

Pilates sessions to relax and strengthen the body

Meditation and Hypnosis to calm the mind and reconnect

A Complete and Tailor-Made Experience

Whether you are a company looking to strengthen your team bonds or a group of friends looking to celebrate in a unique way, Eventify is the perfect place for your end-of-year parties. Our flexible packages allow you to choose the experience that suits your needs: with or without a flight, with exceptional catering, and additional services for an unparalleled moment of relaxation and conviviality.

Book now to offer your guests an unforgettable event and make your end-of-year party a unique experience at Eventify!

The creative agency, specialized in brand experiences, is firmly committed to connection. This is made very clear in its new identity: from October 15, the agency will continue under the name OVAL.

A few days after our local polls and three weeks before the American elections, it is the perfect moment to send a signal: we are leaving The Oval Office! Away from a world of hard lines and sharp angles, the office is transforming with full conviction into OVAL.

“We are skipping ‘The Office’ from today,” laughs Jeroen Rigole, Managing Director in Belgium. “With OVAL, we are making our existing promise and vision even clearer: we are a creative agency, driven by empathy. We are looking for positive impact by creating meaningful experiences for employees, consumers, citizens and companies. So our mission will not change and our talented team will continue to produce the same creative, impactful work for which we are known. I look forward to continuing to build our beautiful story together with them and our customers under the new flag.”

Almost 13 years ago, The Oval Office was founded by Wouter Boits. Today, not only the times, but the whole world and therefore also The Oval Office have changed profoundly. The 'live communication agency' evolved into a 'creative agency', which is known today for its strategically substantiated, impactful campaign concepts that are experienced both live and digital. Its loyal customers appreciate the still independent agency mainly because of its human, warm and personal approach.

A new name that better suits who we are

“At the start, I chose a slightly challenging, funny and therefore remarkable name for The Oval Office. It was 2 years after the election of the first black American president and no one took offense. On the contrary, it turned out to be an excellent conversation starter,” explains Wouter Boits, Founder & CEO.

“However, with increasing amazement, we have witnessed over the years an increasingly aggressive tone in political communication, also from and to the White House. Unfortunately, America does not have a monopoly on this unprecedented coarsening; meanwhile, politicians in almost the entire world (including Belgium) use this tried and tested tactic. With far-reaching consequences on the ground… In this polarized world, we realize more than ever that we as an agency, together with our clients, have an important social role to play. In essence: it is our joint responsibility to put the power of empathy at the center of every form of communication. Without empathy, no communication, without communication, no society, without a society, no communication. It's that simple.”

Born in Europe

The agency has not only grown in Belgium in the past decade, but also beyond the national borders in the Netherlands (Amsterdam), France (Paris) and Germany (Düsseldorf). Together they form OVAL, as of today, as one agency, 'born in Europe'. With identical values, the team of 120+ experts is ready to support its clients beyond the national borders. OVAL is therefore fully committed to the European map and can count on tons of local expertise in four countries to create the most impressive brand experiences.

80 Years of Liberation is already being celebrated or commemorated here and there in the Netherlands.

On June 6, 1944, D-Day began with Operation Overlord in Normandy. The beginning of the Liberation in France by the Allies, moving on to Belgium and then the Netherlands. On September 17, 1944, Operation Market Garden began, you know it: A Bridge Too Far.

Check our website for entertainment that fits this theme to commemorate and celebrate 80 Years of Freedom.

* Army Photography with costumes from the First and Second World War. A Tribute to our heroes of then and now.

* (Post)War(se) Care with Head Nurse Eva and Sister Mila. Travel back in time and feel the 40s and 50s, with attributes from the War, Liberation, Reconstruction and Baby Boom.

* Swing along and experience the music as the soldiers did. The American War Dixieland Jazzband is happy to perform them.

* Or the musical duo Remembering War with songs like Vera Lynn with We'll Meet Again, The Andrew Sisters (Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Rum and Coco Cola and Bei Mir Bist Du Schon), It's A Long Way To Tipperary and The White Cliffs Of Dover.

(The above acts are already fully booked on May 5, 2025)