AI video analytics at the edge
What ai video analytics at the edge means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Digital First is a pivotal event designed for business leaders who want to translate digital ambitions into tangible results. Scheduled for 1 December 2026 at Brussels Gate, this congress will gather influential figures from across Europe to discuss the future of digital business.
With a focus on themes such as AI, data sovereignty, and the future of work, attendees will gain insights into the latest trends and strategies for successful digital transformation. Digital First takes place in.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Digital First takes place on 1 December 2026 at Brussels Gate, Groot-Bijgaarden, Belgium.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is a key meeting point for business leaders aiming to leverage digital strategies for measurable results.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by Best Of Digital Media SA/NV, registration is available at digitalfirst.be.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include C-level executives and decision-makers from various industries across Europe.
- 5Entry: Tickets range from €195 to €395, with early bird discounts available until 31 August.
Why visit
Digital First is a chance to test your digital roadmap against a room of C-level and decision-making peers from multiple industries across Europe, rather than collecting generic vendor pitches. Attendees include C-level executives and decision-makers from various industries across Europe.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at Digital First allows companies to showcase their innovations to a targeted audience of decision-makers. This event is a key meeting point for business leaders aiming to leverage digital strategies for measurable results. Attendees include C-level executives and decision-makers from various industries across Europe.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
C-level executives seeking digital transformation insights
Business leaders focused on implementing AI strategies
Marketing professionals interested in data-driven decision making
IT managers looking for innovative solutions
Policy makers shaping digital regulations
Entrepreneurs exploring digital business opportunities
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Technology providers specializing in AI solutions
Consulting firms offering digital transformation services
Data analytics companies focused on business intelligence
Cybersecurity firms ensuring digital resilience
Robotics companies showcasing automation technologies
Marketing agencies leveraging digital platforms
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
AI solutions for business optimization
Data management and analytics tools
Cybersecurity products for digital protection
Robotics and automation technologies
Digital marketing platforms and services
Consulting services for digital strategy implementation
Location & Facilities
Venue
Brussels Gate
Alfons Gossetlaan 9, 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden, Belgium
Facilities
Parking
Brussels Gate in Groot-Bijgaarden typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Brussels Gate in Groot-Bijgaarden typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Brussels Gate for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
Early Bird until 31 August
195General admission
Regular until 15 November
295General admission
Late Bird until 1 December
395
Who runs the show
Organisers
Best Of Digital Media SA/NV
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Groot-Bijgaarden, Belgium
Why it matters
For security integrators, consultants, and end-users, Digital First on 2026-12-01 to 2026-12-01 at Brussels Gate is the key Italian window to compare video, access, intrusion, fire, and cyber-physical platforms before year-end budgets close — co-located buyers use it to shortlist vendors for 2028 rollouts.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Cyber-physical convergence
What cyber-physical convergence means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Cloud-managed access and identity
What cloud-managed access and identity means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regulatory and compliance pressure
What regulatory and compliance pressure means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Critical infrastructure hardening
What critical infrastructure hardening means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · EUR
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Gosset Hotel
3-star
Groot-Bijgaarden / Brussels Gate vicinity450 m from Brussels Gate to venueUSD 95–122 / night
ibis Brussels Groot Bijgaarden
3-star
Groot-Bijgaarden2.1 km from Brussels Gate to venueUSD 95–122 / night
MEININGER Hotel Bruxelles City Center
budget/midscale
Brussels city center4.7 km from Brussels Gate to venueUSD 150–190 / night
MEININGER Hotel Bruxelles Gare du Midi
budget/midscale
Brussels Midi station district5.4 km from Brussels Gate to venueUSD 150–190 / night
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Metro / tram / bus (STIB-MIVB)
Estimated costApprox. single journey within Brussels; confirm current STIB-MIVB fares
Best forBrussels city network to Groot-Bijgaarden / Brussels Gate
STIB-MIVB operates Brussels metro, tram and bus; buy tickets or passes via STIB channels before boarding.
Taxi
Estimated costEUR 35–85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forBrussels center or Brussels Midi to Brussels Gate, Groot-Bijgaarden
Shortest option from Gosset Hotel and ibis Brussels Groot Bijgaarden, both within about 2 km of the venue.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. EUR taxi/rideshare from BRU to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forBrussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels Gate
Weather
December 2026 October daytime highs in Brussels typically settle in the low-to-mid teens Celsius, with overnight lows in the single digits; confirm a current forecast near travel. October is one of the wetter stretches of the Brussels year, with Atlantic fronts bringing intermittent rain and gusty wind. Bring a compact umbrella and water-resistant footwear for walking between halls.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Belgium.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Local transport payment
Brussels metro, tram and bus services are operated by STIB-MIVB; buy a ticket or day pass before boarding and keep it for inspection.
Getting to Groot-Bijgaarden
Brussels Gate lies in Groot-Bijgaarden outside central Brussels - allow extra transfer time from city-center hotels and confirm the final bus or taxi leg with your hotel.
Parking
Brussels Gate publishes its own parking information at brusselsgate.be/parking; check availability and rates directly before driving to the venue.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Groot-Bijgaarden; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Groot-Bijgaarden; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Brussels Gate: Groot-Bijgaarden / Brussels Gate vicinity: Gosset Hotel; Groot-Bijgaarden: ibis Brussels Groot Bijgaarden; Brussels city center: MEININGER Hotel Bruxelles City Center.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Groot-Bijgaarden; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Brussels public transport is run by STIB-MIVB (metro, tram and bus), with tickets and passes sold through STIB channels. Brussels Gate in Groot-Bijgaarden is outside the inner ring, so plan a metro or tram leg into the city network plus a local bus or taxi for the final stretch. Check the STIB-MIVB journey planner for the current route and single-journey fare before travelling.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Brussels Gate; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December 2026
Temperature: October daytime highs in Brussels typically settle in the low-to-mid teens Celsius, with overnight lows in the single digits; confirm a current forecast near travel.
Seasonality: October is one of the wetter stretches of the Brussels year, with Atlantic fronts bringing intermittent rain and gusty wind. Bring a compact umbrella and water-resistant footwear for walking between halls.
Packing: October daytime highs in Brussels typically settle in the low-to-mid teens Celsius, with overnight lows in the single digits; confirm a current forecast near travel. October is one of the wetter stretches of the Brussels year, with Atlantic fronts bringing intermittent rain and gusty wind. Bring a c
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Digital First usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Two weeks out: log into your Digital First registration, confirm your ticket tier and download any confirmation or badge QR code.
T-2
Open digitalfirst.be/schedule and shortlist the sessions you will attend; add them to your calendar with room for travel between halls.
T-3
Book a hotel near Brussels Gate or along a direct STIB-MIVB metro or tram line; Gosset Hotel is about 450 m from the venue, while Groot-Bijgaarden and central Brussels options are 2-6 km away.
T-4
If you plan to stay near Gare du Midi, check the metro or tram connection to Groot-Bijgaarden and the final bus or taxi leg; confirm the last service on your return night.
T-5
Book Brussels Airport (BRU) flights and check the airport's own transfer page for the current train, bus or taxi options into Brussels.
T-6
Download the STIB-MIVB app or buy a multi-day pass if you will make several journeys; confirm current single-journey fares before boarding.
T-7
Check the Brussels forecast for your travel dates and pack a waterproof layer, comfortable shoes and a compact umbrella.
T-8
Prepare a one-page summary of your digital priorities, current stack and partnership criteria to use in conversations.
T-9
If you are driving, check Brussels Gate parking rates and access hours on the venue or organiser page; the Gosset Hotel and ibis Groot Bijgaarden offer free parking if you stay there.
T-10
Save the venue address, organiser contact and your hotel confirmation offline in case mobile signal is weak at the venue.
T-11
Confirm whether your ticket includes catering or evening events; if not, map nearby food options in Groot-Bijgaarden or central Brussels.
T-12
Set a follow-up routine: decide how you will capture contacts (business cards, LinkedIn QR, notes) and block time the week after the event to follow up.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Brussels Gate
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Digital First registration concourse
Brussels Gate
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Brussels Gate
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights€190.00
- Per diem × 2€150.00
Estimated total€340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 195 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 195 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Digital First fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Digital First, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing AI solutions for business optimization and Data management and analytics tools solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Digital First in Groot-Bijgaarden.
Min. budget
$886.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching AI solutions for business optimization and Data management and analytics tools products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$3,987.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Groot-Bijgaarden show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is Digital First?
Digital First is a Brussels digital strategies event held at Brussels Gate in Groot-Bijgaarden. The captured attendee profile describes C-level executives and decision-makers from various industries across Europe, so the programme is aimed at senior people shaping digital roadmaps rather than general consumer tech browsing.
Where is Digital First held?
The venue is Brussels Gate in Groot-Bijgaarden, in the Brussels capital region. It sits outside the inner ring, so plan a STIB-MIVB metro or tram leg into the city network plus a local bus or taxi for the final stretch. On-site parking is available; confirm daily rates and hall access with the venue.
How do I register for Digital First?
Register through the official site at digitalfirst.be. The captured ticket tiers list Early Bird at 195 until 31 August, Regular at 295 until 15 November and Late Bird at 395 until 1 December; the cost capture carries these as USD, so confirm the currency, VAT and inclusions at checkout.
Is Digital First open to all visitors or trade-only?
The captured audience profile focuses on C-level executives and decision-makers, but no trade-only restriction was confirmed in the available sources. Check the registration terms on digitalfirst.be before booking if you are unsure whether your role qualifies.
How do I get to Brussels Gate from Brussels Airport?
Brussels Airport (BRU) is the primary international gateway. Take an airport train or bus into Brussels, then use the STIB-MIVB metro and tram network plus a local bus or taxi to Groot-Bijgaarden, or take a taxi direct. A taxi from central Brussels to the venue district is roughly EUR 35-85; confirm live fares before travel.
Are there hotels within walking distance of Brussels Gate?
Gosset Hotel is about 450 m from Brussels Gate and is the closest captured option. Ibis Brussels Groot Bijgaarden is about 2.1 km away, while MEININGER and Novotel properties in central Brussels or Gare du Midi are roughly 4.7-5.7 km from the venue. Book early and confirm parking or shuttle details.
What should I bring to Digital First?
Bring photo ID for badge collection, a charged phone for the schedule and contact capture, business cards or a LinkedIn QR code, and a one-page summary of your digital priorities. Pack a waterproof layer and comfortable shoes because Brussels weather can be wet and cool; check a current forecast before travel.
Can I park at Brussels Gate?
On-site parking is available at Brussels Gate according to the venue notes; confirm current daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site. If you stay at Gosset Hotel or ibis Brussels Groot Bijgaarden, both list free parking, which can be simpler than driving to the venue each day.
How should I plan my day at Digital First?
Start with the published schedule at digitalfirst.be/schedule, shortlist the sessions that match your priorities and leave gaps for follow-up conversations. The senior attendee mix rewards specific asks, so prepare the partnerships or capabilities you are evaluating before you arrive.
Do I need a visa to attend Digital First in Brussels?
Belgium is a Schengen area member. Non-EU visitors should check short-stay Schengen visa requirements with the Belgian embassy or consulate covering their country of residence well before travel. Use the Visit Brussels practical-info page as a starting point, but confirm current rules and appointment lead times with official Belgian authorities.
Glossary
- Brussels Gate
- Exhibition and expo venue in Groot-Bijgaarden on the north-western edge of Brussels, which hosts Digital First. It operates Hall 1 and publishes its own parking guidance.
- STIB-MIVB
- The Brussels regional public transport operator running the metro, tram and bus network used by most visitors to reach the city and venue district.
- Brussels Airport (BRU)
- The main international gateway airport for Brussels; the airport authority publishes onward rail, bus and taxi connections to the city centre.
- Groot-Bijgaarden
- Municipality just outside the Brussels-Capital Region where Brussels Gate is located, so allow road transfer time from the city centre.
- Park & Ride (P+R)
- Outer Brussels car parks tied to public transport, useful for drivers who prefer not to enter the low-emission zone in the city centre.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Digital First 2026
- Digital First Groot-Bijgaarden 2026
- Groot-Bijgaarden Belgium
- AI solutions for business optimization
- digital transformation expo
- Groot-Bijgaarden technology expo 2026
- Digital Technology and ICT Trade Fair Groot-Bijgaarden 2026
- Data management and analytics tools
- Cybersecurity products for digital protection
- Robotics and automation technologies
1 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.