MORNING

Friday

20 November 2026

07:45 Bus Commute from Brussels to Genk

Guests are welcome to use this free service, if requested in the registration form. 

• Departure from Boulevard Pachecolaan/Pachéco in Brussels at 7:45
• Return from Genk after 17:00 

Please note: 

• These times are subject to confirmation. 
• Transport is optional, has limited capacity, and seats will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

09:30–10:00 Registration + Exhibitor Meet & Greet + Welcome coffee & cake (Foyer, C-mine)

After your arrival and check-in, explore the exhibition stands, discover the organisations behind the solutions and connect directly with exhibitors. Use this time to ask questions, explore potential collaborations, and arrange 1-to-1 meetings throughout the day, while you get ready for the programme to begin. 

10:00–10:20 Opening & Welcome session

Introduction to the event objectives, and an overview of the day’s focus on innovation, technology, and victim support. 

Speakers:

• Levent Altan, Executive Director, Victim Support Europe

• Ayleen Charlotte, Founder, S.A.F.E. by Ayleen Charlotte | Fraud Prevention Advocate | Keynote Speaker

10:20–10:50 Reverse Pitch Session

A format where institutions, governments, and organisations pitch their challenges instead of startups pitching solutions. They present the problems they want solved, the types of innovations they are seeking, their operational needs, strategic priorities, and potential partnership or funding interests. 

Speakers:

• Tommaso Chiamparino, European Commission Coordinator for victims’ rights 

• Kjartan Bjornsson, Deputy Director and Head of Governance and Public Administration Unit in the Directorate General for Structural Reform Support, European Commission

• Fernando Hortal Foronda, Case Handler at the European Commission – DG CONNECT 

11:00–12:45 Exhibitor–Participant Speed-Dating Session

Six facilitated matchmaking rounds connecting exhibitors and participants through focused, structured conversations. Meetings take place during six 12-minute rounds in the Innovation Marketplace, enabling targeted exchanges, collaboration opportunities, and high-quality interactions.

AFTERNOON

Friday

20 November 2026

12:45–13:45 Lunch & Innovation Exchange

Enjoy lunch while continuing to explore the exhibition stands and connect with fellow participants and exhibitors. Use this time to dive deeper into solutions, exchange perspectives, and schedule 1-to-1 conversations in the afternoon. 

13:45–14:45 Technology Showcase: Victim Advocates & Expert Challenge with Audience Q&A 

Five technology providers present solutions designed to support victims of crime. Each presentation addresses the key question: How does the technology improve outcomes, safety, or accessibility for victims? The showcase is followed by critical discussion and cross-examination from experts, victim advocates, and the audience. 

Speakers:

• Simon Franc, Founder, Kulpa

• Christian Ransley B.Sc., Director, Yaza

• Naomi Hija, CEO, Evisafe.nl

• Jef Verlinden, Head of Electronic Monitoring Department at the Agency for Justice and Enforcement (Flanders)

• Veerle De Craene, National Coordinator – Mobile Stalking Alarm, Policy Analysis and Support Team, Institute for the Equality of Women and Men

Q&A by Victims-Advocates-Experts:

• Cath Hill   

• Astrid Passin  

• Moubajel Lehmann  

• Ruth Maxwell

• Nela Kalpić

Q&A by professionals:

• Sarah de Valckenaere, Head of the Police Victim Support Unit at the Deinze–Zulte–Lievegem Police Zone in Belgium.  

• Jorn Van Rij, Senior Researcher on human trafficking at the Netherlands National Police and Visiting Professor at the University of Pécs

• Kiara Magr, Online Fraud Coordinator, Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium (CCB)

Moderator:

• Larisa Spahić, Associate Project and Partnership Officer, Victim Support Europe

14:45–15:15  Showcase Session: Responsible Tech for Victim Services 

Technology developers demonstrate solutions focused on improving victim services while highlighting principles of responsible innovation, usability, accessibility, and ethical implementation.

Speakers:

• Jed Stone, Chief Product Officer, Issured

• Elia Faustino, Head of Business Consulting, askblue 

• Amir Tavassoli, Program Manager Social & Education, Enliven

• Denisa Avram, Head of Public Policy for the EU, Match Group 

Moderator:

• Antonio De Martin, Development, Innovation & Knowledge Management Director, Victim Support Europe 

15:15–15:45 Coffee, Conversations & Connections with Exhibitors 

Take a break, grab a coffee, and continue the conversation. Meet exhibitors, exchange ideas with fellow participants, and schedule any last 1-to-1 meetings for the remainder of the event.

15:45–16:45 Row-Based Challenges: Catch the Mic – Innovation Under Debate 

An interactive debate format where participants assess new victim-support tools from different professional perspectives. Using a catchable microphone format, groups discuss the real-world value, risks, opportunities, and feasibility of emerging technologies designed to support victims.

Speakers:

• Thomas Wyns, Strategic Coordinator – Veilig Huis Limburg (WIDA – tech solution)

• Sabrina Reggers, Veilig Huis Limburg

• Tammo van Leeuwen, Managing Partner, BPREPARED

• Steve Randerson, Technical Director IIZUKA Software Technologies   

• Jai Twyman, Founder at SWKWY

• Chris Twyman, Co-Founder at SWKWY

• Paulo Almeida, CEO at Whale 

Q&A by Audience Experts:

• Kim Covent, Police Advisor & Customer Coordinator, Ghent Local Police 

• Simona Romeo, Associate Director, Kellen NV

• Carla Ferreira, Technical Adviser to the Directorate, APAV 

• Charly Awad, Ph.D. Entrepreneur and Digital Polymath

• Roxana Rădulescu, Adviser to the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator

Moderator:

• Carmen Rasquete, Executive Director, APAV

16:45–17:00 Student Showcase: Game Design Prototypes on Online Harm and Victims’ Rights 

Students from LUCA School of Arts (REPLAY), in collaboration with Victim Support Europe, present interactive game prototypes exploring online harm and victims’ rights. The showcase demonstrates how creative design can translate complex social issues into accessible digital experiences. 

17:00 Closing & Key Takeaways 

Final reflections, key messages from the day, and a summary of the insights, collaborations, and opportunities identified throughout the event. 

• Levent Altan, Executive Director, Victim Support Europe