On November 7th, the In-house Tax Forum (IHTF) hosted its 2024 Plenary Session at the Van Der Valk Hotel in Ghent, bringing together nearly 150 tax professionals and distinguished guests from tax authorities.
Generously sponsored by Loctax, Tiberghien, and Comarch, the event offered participants valuable insights into economic trends, developments in tax regulation, and practical strategies to enhance professional productivity.
The plenary featured three prominent keynote speakers, each contributing unique expertise:
- Mr. Bart Van Craeynest, a renowned Flemish economist and Chief Economist at Voka, shared his analysis of the global and Belgian economic outlook. With over 25 years of experience tracking international economic cycles, Mr. Van Craeynest provided a grounded perspective on both the challenges and opportunities facing Belgium’s economy.
- Mr. Tom Jansen, Fiscal Counsellor at Belgium’s Permanent Representation to the OECD, offered an overview of the latest tax developments at the OECD level. Drawing on his extensive background in international tax policy, Mr. Jansen highlighted recent OECD initiatives, including BEPS actions and the digital economy tax framework, providing attendees with a forward-looking view of tax regulation.
- Mrs. Anneleen De Lille, author and motivational coach, delivered an inspiring presentation titled “Less Work, More Doing.” Her talk emphasized the importance of making intentional choices and maintaining focus—a theme explored in her latest book. Mrs. De Lille’s energetic approach to achieving balance and reducing stress resonated with attendees, equipping them with practical tools for enhanced well-being and productivity.
The sponsors, Loctax, Tiberghien, and Comarch, each presented insightful business cases, covering topics such as improvements in tax processes, e-invoicing advancements, and the latest updates in tax jurisprudence. These sessions provided participants with actionable strategies for navigating tax challenges in a continually evolving regulatory environment.
Honoring Excellence: Recognizing Mr. Luc Batselier
A memorable highlight of the evening was a special “Moment of Recognition” dedicated to Mr. Luc Batselier, celebrating his distinguished career marked by dedication and excellence in the field of taxation. This recognition underscored Mr. Batselier’s commitment to the profession and his role as an inspiring example for both peers and emerging professionals in the tax community.
The IHTF extends its gratitude to all attendees, speakers, and sponsors for contributing to the success of this year’s plenary session. This event reaffirms the IHTF’s commitment to fostering collaboration, professional growth, and continuous innovation within the Belgian tax community.
