BE-CEC 2025 Q3

Belgium’s Cybersecurity Executives Conference

Thursday September 11, 2025: 13:00 - 21:00 h
in Dolce La Hulpe

 

Exclusively for CIOs, CISOs and other top IT Executives in Belgium
Interesting Presentations
Networking reception, walking dinner & entertainment

 

REGISTRATIONS ARE NO LONGER POSSIBLE. 

NEXT EDITION: MARCH 12, 2026

 

Dolce La Hulpe

BE-CEC 2025 Q3, Belgium’s Cybersecurity Executives Conference

BE-CEC brings together Belgium's top cybersecurity executives, CIOs, CISOs, infrastructure managers, etc. for an exclusive, invitation-only conference. The second gathering is scheduled for September 11, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at Dolce La Hulpe, is designed to foster strategic discussions, insights, and collaborative efforts among the leaders responsible for safeguarding Belgium’s digital landscape.

Purpose

  • The conference will provide a platform for C-level executives to discuss the latest cybersecurity challenges, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions that enhance organisational resilience against evolving cyber threats. With a focus on executive-level concerns, BE-CEC 2025 aims to inspire and connect.

Agenda Highlights

  • Inspiring presentations
  • Networking with over 200 cybersecurity executives.
  • A lively reception and walking dinner that will transport you to the heart of the Maghreb

Who Should Attend?

  • This event is exclusively for Belgium’s senior cybersecurity and IT leaders: CIOs, CISOs, Infrastructure Managers, Cyber Program Managers, Lead Architects and Senior Cyber Experts.
  • This event is not for consultants, advisors, board members, coaches, representatives (except for selected sponsors)

AGENDA

13:00 - 14:00 Registrations & Welcome Reception

14:00 - 14:40 Building Cyber Resilience in Retail

Dirk Beynaerts
CISO at Colruyt Group

Dirk Beynaerts, Colruyt (2)

Dirk Beynaerts previously held leadership roles at Acerta, Verizon and IBM, where he led security services across the Benelux region. Known for his strong expertise in enterprise security, Dirk is also active in the broader cybersecurity community in Belgium.

Dirk will discuss how Colruyt Group balances security, business agility, and innovation, the critical role of collaboration across IT and security teams, and how to prepare for the future through continuous risk management and incident readiness.

Real-world lessons and strategic takeaways will offer valuable perspectives for both CIOs and CISOs navigating similar challenges.

14:40 - 15:00 Show me the data

Show me the data

How bad is the cyber threat landscape? Let the numbers do the talking!

In this high-stakes challenge, our sponsors will each bring one compelling statistic or trend to the table and then discuss its significance, impact, and implications for cybersecurity leaders.

From skyrocketing ransomware payouts to AI-powered cyber threats, from the true cost of a breach to the road for NIS2 compliance, this session is all about statistics.

Is your cybersecurity strategy ready for what the numbers reveal? Join us and find out!

15:00 - 15:30 Break

15:30 - 16:00 Panel Interview

Interview of experienced CISOs, focusing on their daily responsibilities and key lessons learned in the field of cybersecurity. If you want to be inspired by how others do it and challenge the way of working in your own organisation, don't miss this opportunity. 

Pascal D'Eer
Chief Risk Officer (CRO) at the Belgian Federal Police 

Pascal DEer

The Belgian Federal Police carries out specialised and supra-local administrative and judicial police operations and supports both local and federal police services and units

Adrian Geismaier
CISO at Galapagos

Adrian Geismaier-1

Galapagos is a biotechnology company headquartered in Mechelen, specializing in the discovery and development of small molecule medicines.

Timothy De Ben
ICT Infrastructure Manager & CISO at DPD Belux

Timothy De Ben

DPD Belux provides parcel delivery and e-commerce solutions within the Benelux region and is a key player in the European parcel delivery market.

Philippe Cornette
CISO at John Cockerill

Philippe Cornette

John Cockerill is a manufacturing company that produces machinery for steel plants, industrial heat recovery equipment and boilers, as well as locomotives and military equipment.

Ruben Wolharn
CISO at Recticel Group

Ruben Wolharn

Recticel is a Belgian industrial company specialising in high-performance polyurethane solutions, operating mainly in Europe and North America. Recticel delivers energy-efficient and sustainable products for construction and comfort.

16:00 - 16:30 From Logging to Learning – Making SIEM Intelligent and Incident-Ready

Vivin Sathyan
Official Spokesperson at ManageEngine

Vivin Sathyan-1

Vivin Sathyan, Chief Technology Evangelist and Spokesperson for ManageEngine, has 10+ years of IAM and SIEM experience. He bridges product innovation with customer success. Vivin represents ManageEngine at global conferences, sharing insights on cybersecurity, compliance, and infrastructure management.

Traditional SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tools often miss key warning signs. In this session, you’ll learn how to make your SIEM smarter and more effective by adding behavior analytics (UEBA), connecting it with identity systems (IAM), and using automation to close the gap between detecting and responding.

16:30 - 17:00 Break

17:00 - 17:15 Cybersecurity 2040: Quo Vadis?

Johan Kestens
Senior CIO and CISO

Johan Kestens, CIO at Bank of New York Mellon European Bank-Sep-28-2024-06-39-30-1751-PM

Johan is an award-winning public speaker, who has amongst others been CISO of Bank of New York Mellon, CIO of BNY Mellon European Bank, CIO of ING Belgium, Partner at A.T. Kearney, Member of the Executive Committee at SWIFT and Principal at McKinsey.

 

Step into a time machine and fast-forward to 2040!

What does cybersecurity look like in a world of AI-driven threats, quantum encryption, and autonomous digital defence?

Johan will try to unveil the future of cybersecurity. What’s coming, what’s at risk, and must how organisations evolve to stay ahead? 

17:15 - 17:40 The Dual Disruption: Generative AI and Quantum Computing in Cybersecurity

Bart Salaets
EMEA Field CTO at F5

Bart Salaets

As Field CTO for EMEA, Bart works directly with technical executives, industry analysts, partners, and the press- partnering closely with F5’s product and CTO organisations. He champions digital transformation across EMEA, focusing on application delivery and security, multi-cloud architectures, and helping customers architecting the AI-enabled enterprise.

Generative AI and quantum computing are transforming the cybersecurity landscape, creating both opportunities as well as critical challenges for organizations.

This session will explore how generative AI is reshaping the overall threat spectrum while quantum computing poses new risks to modern cryptographic standards.

Attendees will gain insights into emerging risks and strategies to safeguard critical assets in an era of rapid technological disruption.

17:40 - 18:00 Show me the data (part 2)

18:00 - 21:00 Oriental buffet and networking

Arabic Night

Step into a world of rich flavors, exotic spices, and enchanting rhythms. Let the aroma of slow-cooked tagines and freshly baked khobz transport you to the heart of the Maghreb. Savor a feast of North African delights, from tender lamb and saffron-infused couscous to the sweet indulgence of honey-drenched pastries.

But the night doesn’t end with the last bite…

As the music intensifies and the lights dim, prepare to be mesmerized by the hypnotic movements of fiery belly dancers, their shimmering costumes and graceful moves setting the stage ablaze. Let the pulse of the drums and the flicker of candlelight sweep you away into a night of mystery, passion, and unforgettable entertainment!

Dolce La Hulpe-1

Dolce La Hulpe

Dolce La Hulpe Brussels, nestled in the Sonian Forest, is a premier destination for business and leisure. Originally an IBM education center, it was transformed into a 4-star conference venue. Boasting 4,500 m² of state-of-the-art meeting space and cutting-edge technology, it ensures a seamless event experience. Guests can enjoy luxury at the Cinq Mondes Spa, a pool, fitness center, fine dining, and 264 elegant rooms. With comfort, professionalism, and tranquility, Dolce La Hulpe Brussels is the ideal setting for productive meetings, conferences, and seminars.

Chaussée de Bruxelles 135, 1310 La Hulpe

Pointury-3

Pointury is known for organising inspiring roundtable discussions for digital leaders, with a particular focus on cybersecurity. These events offer valuable insights, dynamic exchanges, and networking opportunities for CIOs, CISOs, and other IT leaders, featuring keynote speakers and representatives from leading IT suppliers.

More events can be found on www.pointury.com, with up-to-date information about upcoming events.

PARTNERS

F5 Logo
ManageEngine-1
Crowdstrike
easi
Semperis-1
Sertalink-1
Abnormal AI
eSentire
Thales
vectra