FRH Biennial Conference 2026
About this Event
The FRH Biennial Conference 2026, “The time is now: How to future-proof religious heritage together”, will take place from 22–23 October in Leuven, Belgium. Join us as we explore innovative integrated models, regulatory frameworks and instruments that are already making a difference and inspiring new collaborations to ensure that religious heritage remains relevant and resilient in a rapidly changing world.
THE PROGRAMME & THEMES
This year's programme combines two mornings of expert presentations with an afternoon of interactive study visits and an afternoon of participatory workshops, offering opportunities not only to learn from presentations about leading practices and policies across Europe, but also to engage in guided discussions with other participants. The two sub-themes will be:
- From community-based to holistic: Different approaches to future-proofing religious heritage. Participants will discover several approaches to manage, use, and value religious heritage, paying particular attention to community-led initiatives, participatory governance models, and innovative local stewardship solutions.
- Good Practices Across Europe: Policies and instruments. It will highlight a collection of regional, national, and European policies, instruments and successful governance models that are at the forefront of the reuse and revalorisation of religious heritage sites.
THE STUDY VISITS
The study visits will offer participants first-hand insight into the Flemish approach to religious heritage. These include the Paul van Ostaijen Cultural Centre in Heverlee -a repurposed site turned into a carbon-neutral multifunctional space- as well as two churches of the municipality of Boutersem, which is currently developing a strategic plan for the future of its parish churches. We will end our tour at the Kabbeekklooster in Tienen, followed by our conference dinner.
THE VENUE
Leuven's rich religious heritage, vibrant academic environment, and innovative approaches to heritage management make it an ideal setting for discussions on the future of Europe's historic places of worship.
Our venue will be the Irish College Leuven, a historic institution founded in the seventeenth century that continues to serve as a vibrant centre for education, culture, and dialogue.
SEE THE PROGRAMME
Conference programme
MEET THE SPEAKERS
Conference speakers
MORE INFORMATION
Conference website
CONFERENCE FEES
- General fee | 250 EUR/person (Use the promo code ‘EarlyBird’ to get a 5% discount until 15 July)
- FRH members | 225 EUR/person (15% discount on the general fee before 15 July and 10% discount after that date). FRH Members will receive a promo code via email. In case you don't receive it, contact us at [email protected], and we will send it to you.
- Students (Bachelor and Master): 50 EUR/person
*There will be an informal dinner on Wednesday 21 October at 19:00 CET. Those who wish to join need to purchase the corresponding ticket (35€) in advance.
HOW TO APPLY THE DISCOUNT: to use the promo code, you have to click on "Enter promo code" at the top of the "get tickets " page, enter the code and then click on "Apply". Then you can continue to the "Check out" page for the payment.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TICKET?
- Entrance to the conference on 22 & 23 October 2026
- Bus travel and entrance to three study visits on 22 October
- Lunch on 22 & 23 October
- Conference dinner on 22 October
- Coffee/refreshments during the conference
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
EUR 35.00 to EUR 250.00
