If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

This interview features Geert-Jan Van Cauwelaert, Chairman of Antwerp Design Week, and Emma Vanbeckevoort, the event’s Project Manager.

Together, they are the driving force behind Antwerp Design Week: a compact team, yet boundless in energy and determination. In 2025, they successfully hosted the third edition of the event, bringing together more than 85 design brands from Belgian to international, from furniture to accessories.

It’s been almost three months since the 2025 edition took place. How do you look back on it?

Emma: “When I think back now, pride is what stands out most. That feeling especially came during the closing event, when many exhibitors personally came up to us with words of praise. We had hoped for that, but honestly hadn’t dared to expect it. The pressure was high: with a young initiative so many eyes are watching, and the first three years are always the hardest. You have to prove yourself again and again. But I think we can really say now: this was a success.”

Geert-Jan: “During the preparations we knew we had taken on a lot. Even last minute we added projects, like the talk with Sabine Marcelis. That all takes an enormous amount of time, so by the moment the event started, I was already proud of what we had created—even before the first visitor walked in. When positive reactions from visitors followed, it felt like the cherry on top. Some came for the third time already and said how clear the difference and the professionalization were. That really gives energy.”

What was, for you personally, the most special moment of the 2025 edition?

Geert-Jan: “If I put on my XLBoom-hat (because besides being ADW’s chairman I’m also co-owner of XLBoom), there was one moment that stood out. A client who has known us for fifteen years walked into the showroom and said: ‘I could never have imagined this. Such a beautiful location, such a large showroom, and then also the generosity to welcome seven other companies here.’ That was special. From my ADW role, the dinners with exhibitors and their top clients were a highlight. The atmosphere was unique, it created intimate encounters, and you could feel how much it was appreciated.”

Emma: “If I choose a very personal moment, I think it was a conversation with Julia Hanay, a journalist, during one of those dinners. I told her that I sometimes feel a bit like an imposter, because I come from a completely different field and I’m certainly not a design expert. She replied: ‘Maybe you’re not doing this because you love design, but because you love bringing people together and creating moments.’ That touched me deeply. People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel—and that’s exactly how we see it! On a bigger scale, what moved me most was that visitors came from far away and were so happy that this was happening in Antwerp. Then you realize: ‘this is why we work for a whole year.’”

Geert-Jan: “When I look at the bigger picture of ADW, I sometimes realize that we are in the middle of a movement without always seeing the impact. We’re pushing something forward that is bigger than ourselves. It’s not about empty words: we really want to make a difference for the Belgian industry. And that thought alone, I find incredibly beautiful.”

What role did The Club play this year?

Geert-Jan: “The Club was really one of the highlights. It was the central place where all participating companies were represented. Visitors could find information there, meet each other, and the atmosphere was just great. It gave energy.”

Emma: “For me, The Club was the anchor point. Hosts were there every day to welcome people and answer questions. That personal contact was important. Some visitors simply wanted to share their opinion, and it makes a huge difference when there’s someone present who truly belongs to the organization and not just a middleman!”

What gives you personally the most energy during the organization?

Geert-Jan: “For me that is without doubt working with Emma. She’s spontaneous, authentic, and fully committed to giving visitors a special experience. That enthusiasm is contagious.”

Emma: “That feeling is completely mutual. We’re a strong team and I learn a lot from Geert-Jan. He’s a fantastic mentor: he knows everyone in the sector and helps channel my chaotic bursts of energy in the right direction. It’s simply a collaboration that works. During the first edition I still felt the pressure to make everything perfect, but now we work in trust.”

Can you already give us a little preview of 2026?

Geert-Jan: “Definitely. For visitors, both professionals and consumers, it will be even more exciting to move through the city. There will be plenty of surprises: installations, collaborations … Antwerp will really open up. In addition, we want to highlight the Belgian angle even more strongly. More than 85% of the participants are Belgian brands that have been proving their value internationally for years. It’s time they also receive more recognition at home. At the same time, the international names remain important crowd-pullers.”

What makes Antwerp Design Week unique in your eyes?

Emma: “For me it’s the platform we create for Belgian design. You see companies getting to know each other better and genuine collaborations emerging. You can feel it—it’s not just words.”

Geert-Jan: “ADW has quickly grown into a community. And that may be our most beautiful result so far. That community forms the foundation for the future. And it reminds me of that African saying: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. That perfectly sums up what we want to build: moving forward together, with the entire sector.”