History
Like Rome, Kortrijk Xpo wasn’t built in a day. Since its beginnings in 1967, our site has evolved significantly: from our very first hall to the versatile 40,000 m² complex it is today. This growth has been achieved step by step, driven by changing needs and ambitions. We continue to invest today, with a clear focus on innovation and sustainability, ensuring that Kortrijk Xpo remains ready for the future.
Discover the history of Kortrijk Xpo
For nearly 60 years, our venue has been the go-to location for organizing trade fairs, congresses, events, meetings and seminars. Discover our key milestones over the years.
1967
In April 1967, then Prime Minister Paul Van den Boeynants inaugurated Hall 1, marking the birth of “Hallen Kortrijk.” In addition to a central exhibition hall, the complex included three meeting rooms, a café, a restaurant and a banquet hall. Its strong international growth truly took off when the team led by Yvon Vanden Abeele began proactively reaching out to the business community to attract potential organizers of trade and other fairs.
1974-1984
1974
To accommodate growth, the site was expanded with Hall 2.
1984
Hall 3 was inaugurated, featuring a distinct stylistic break with its striking yellow roof structure.
1988-1994
1988
The original Hall 4 was constructed.
1991
A fifth hall was brought into use. The Hallen team now consisted of 9 employees.
1994
Expansion went beyond exhibition halls: the Gruzenberg congress and seminar centre opened its doors.
1999-2005
1999
Hallen Kortrijk undergoes a name change and becomes Kortrijk Xpo. A sixth hall is also built. To maintain logical numbering, this new building is named “Hall 5,” while the original fifth hall is renamed “Hall 6.” The team also grows significantly, now consisting of 22 employees.
2005
Hall 4 is completely renovated, its surface area is doubled, and it becomes the largest hall at Kortrijk Xpo, offering nearly 8,000 m² of open exhibition space.
2007-2009
2007
The Gruzenberg congress and seminar centre is renamed the Kortrijk Xpo Meeting Center.
2009
Kortrijk Xpo implements a Master Plan including the demolition of entrance halls 1 and 3, the expansion of Rambla South and Rambla North, and the construction of the multifunctional XXL hall. Outside, the Galleria is built, allowing visitors to walk around the building under cover. The Rambla now serves as the perfect central axis between the halls. Thanks to these major expansions, Kortrijk Xpo positions itself as one of the largest exhibition complexes in the Benelux. At this point, the team has grown to 49 employees.
2023 - 2026
2023
The various activities of Kortrijk Xpo are brought together under the name Xpo Group. This name change reflects the company’s growth and diversification: in addition to operating Kortrijk Xpo as a venue, it also organizes trade fairs and events across Europe. Kortrijk Xpo remains the name of the venue in Kortrijk.
2026
Xpo Group continues to grow. Today, we generate a consolidated annual revenue of approximately €65 million and employ around 140 full-time staff members.