Following previous editions in Valencia in 2024 and London in 2025, the organisers selected Bruges as host city for the tenth anniversary of We’re Smart initiative. In cooperation with the team of chef Patrick Devos, the programme will combine the annual awards ceremony with panel discussions, workshops and networking formats. Alongside the We’re Smart Future Awards for companies and entrepreneurs, the We’re Smart Green Guide will continue to evaluate restaurants worldwide on their fully plant based offering, culinary creativity, ecological footprint and social impact, with top performers receiving a rating of one to five radishes.

Knowledge exchange and local integration at the core of the programme

In addition to the international awards segment, the 2026 edition will place a strong emphasis on education and professional exchange. Partnerships with local hotel schools are planned in order to involve students through workshops and direct interaction with participating chefs. This approach aligns with the city’s broader food and climate strategies, including its participation in the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact and Flanders’ Green Deal Protein Shift 2.0.