The official opening of the 53rd EFA Annual Meeting will take place at the Welcome Reception at the Handelsbeurs. This reception provides an excellent opportunity to network, to meet old friends and colleagues, and to make new contacts.  Drinks and light refreshments will be served. This opening event will be held at the Handelsbeurs, a military guardhouse of the 18th century, later in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was used as a place where merchants and businesses met and traded. After restoration, the Neoclassical building is now used as concert and cultural venue, known for hosting music and performances.