BIG STUFF 2025 CONFERENCE
SKILLS, MACHINES & HERITAGE IN MOTION!
OCTOBER 14TH TO 17TH, 2025
We are thrilled to announce that the International Big Stuff Conference will take place in Ghent, Belgium, from October 14th to 17th, 2025. Hosted by the vibrant Big Stuff Heritage community, this event brings together museum professionals, academics, consultants, volunteers, and private owners who are passionate about preserving and showcasing technological and industrial heritage. ​
To ensure global accessibility, participants will also have the option to join online. Additionally, for those in the Southern Hemisphere, a connected face-to-face hub will be organized in Perth, Australia, providing an opportunity for in-person engagement and networking.
SKILLS AND MACHINES
- A LIVING PARTNERSHIP
In 2025 we focus on the symbiotic relationship between skills and machinery. Industrial heritage encompasses not just large-scale installations and historic machinery, but also the people, skills, and knowledge required to operate, maintain and showcase this mechanical legacy. As the generations of workers and volunteers who have learned to control, calibrate and repair these machines retire, their invaluable expertise is at risk of being lost.
The conference wants to explore effective methods for passing critical and endangered knowledge to new staff and volunteers, ensuring the continuity of this heritage. We would also like to broaden the scope, looking at ways to make old technologies resonate with new generations. How do we teach handskills to a generation brought up on automation? How do we connect older Big Stuff to important new themes such as lower carbon emissions, lower pollution, circular re-use and right to repair?
THREE WAYS TO JOIN!
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ASIAN-PACIFIC HUB, PERTH
Unable to travel to Ghent but still want to network in real time? The hybrid Asia-Pacific hub in Perth, Australia, will take place on the same dates, offering both in-person participation and digital connections with Ghent to foster discussions. This hub provides heritage machinery enthusiasts in the southern hemisphere with an opportunity to connect, engage, and minimize travel costs and carbon impact.
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The Asia-Pacific hub is organized by our colleagues at the University of Canberra.
BIG STUFF 2025
CONFERENCE GHENT
Join us at the main conference in Ghent (Belgium), where professionals and enthusiasts from all over the world come together to share their experiences, practices, and challenges. Engage in dynamic discussions and connect in real time with expert lecturers in a welcoming and interactive setting. Explore Belgium’s rich industrial heritage through excursions to inspiring sites. These visits provide a unique opportunity to discuss shared challenges faced by heritage custodians worldwide, and gain new insights through hands-on showcases of heritage skills.​
ONLINE ONLY
Can’t make it to Ghent or Perth? Join the conference online!
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The lectures and discussions from the Ghent conference will be streamed in real time.
Participate in live discussions, watch inspiring talks, and connect with experts from around the world—all from the comfort of your home.
CONTACT
Minnemeers 10
B-9000 Ghent
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Tel. +32 9 323 65 13
Email: bigstuff2025@industriemuseum.be
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Driven by the Museum of Industry and its knowledge centre ETWIE, the Big Stuff Heritage conference 2025 is fueled by key partners, the University of Canberra and the Big Stuff Heritage Board. A network of supporting partners further strengthens the event's foundation and reach.