dataMinds Connect is a 3 day in-person event in the wonderful city of Mechelen, Belgium. It’s an IT-related event with a specific focus on the Microsoft Data Platform.
This is the new and improved version of the (former SQLUG.be) SQL Server Days. New and improved, keeping in mind the same core values. 2 days filled with learning, networking, and a whole lot of laughs while doing so!
This year was the 17th edition of the conference, and running for the seventh time as dataMinds Connect. Aiming to bring together all people with a passion for the Microsoft Data Platform, in all flavors possible, we’re hoping to reunite with our many community members in person again and share our common passion.
Go ahead and clearly mark Monday, October 6th, Tuesday, October 7th, and Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 in your schedule, as these will be 2 days you don’t want to miss!
The User Group
dataMinds was founded in 2006 as SQLUG.BE (Belgian SQL Server User Group). In 2016 we rebranded ourselves to dataMinds to have a better reflection of what we’re all about, and the changes the Microsoft Data Platform has been going through.
Today, dataMinds is a community of over 4000 members. More than 500 Data Enthusiasts attend the yearly conference, dataMinds Connect.
As of 2016 we applied ourselves to build out a strong community around Power BI in Belgium. Dedicated to host specific evenings for Power BI, and it’s unique audience, we’ve enjoyed every minute while doing so!
Head on over to our user group page to find out more!
Practical
dataMinds Connect will take place in the beautiful city of Mechelen. Lamot, the Conference and Cultural Heritage Center in the Center of Mechelen, will host us for this years’ edition.
Adress:
Congres- en Erfgoedcentrum Lamot
Van Beethovenstraat 8-10
B2800 Mechelen
Since December 7th 2011, the heart of the Mechelen centre has been car-free. Lamot Conference and Heritage Centre can still be accessed easily by car.
However, we highly encourage our visitors to use public transport. Mechelen has a direct connection by train from most other cities in Belgium.
This year, parking will not be included in either dataMinds Connect ticket.
Anyone still choosing to come by car can use the relatively inexpensive peripheral car parks ‘Zandpoortvest’ or ‘Douaneplein’, for those coming from Brussels, and the ‘Rode Kruisplein’ car park for those coming from Antwerp. Both car parks are within walking distance (1.2 – 1.6km) of Lamot.
Finally, you can also visit the local city car parks, Q-park Lamot and Vinci Car Park.
All detailed information can be found at http://lamot-mechelen.be/bereikbaarheid/ or https://www.mechelen.be/parkeren