Brussels US election night party: Your questions answered

Forget EU summits, the biggest political gathering on everyone’s lips is the upcoming US presidential election night on 8 November. While across the Atlantic, Clinton and Trump continue to battle it out in an increasingly testy campaign, Brussels gears up for its own election night extravaganza.

With tickets about to sell out and partygoers eager to know what to expect on the night, the Bulletin spoke to organiser the American Club of Brussels.

What is the entrance procedure?
There will be a screening process at the door. You will be expected to show your entrance ticket and ID when you enter the hotel. The name on the ticket must match the name on your ID. If you have bought multiple tickets, please make sure that each tickets is attributed to one person. Expect to have your bags searched. The following items are prohibited: Backpacks, Hard coolers or similar containers, Sealed packages of any kind; Bottles or cans (glass or metal); Weapons; Animals; Flags, banners or signs; Any materials constituting unauthorised advertising or promotion; Laser pointing devices; Any other items deemed inappropriate or dangerous by security personnel.

How is security being organised on the night?
Both Brussels police and the city mayor’s office have been informed of the event and are working with the organiser to ensure the event is as comfortable as possible for everyone. Hotel security has been stepped up. Naturally, as a matter of policy, embassies never discuss their own security-related issues. Although ticket sales have been restricted to 1,000 and it is not possible to buy tickets at the door, there is a risk that you may have to queue to enter the hotel. Every effort is being made to keep this to a minimum.

What is the dress code?
Casual.

Are there refreshments available?
The Marriott Hotel will be selling food and drink from various bars and sales points. Tickets for both can be purchased from tables in the main hotel lobby. Among the US-style refreshments are hot dogs and West coast wines.

What does the entrance fee cover?
It covers entrance to the event only, which includes rolling coverage of the election process on big screens, a debate between representatives of local Democrat and Republican parties, plus bluegrass folk music by US band the Kruger Brothers.

8 November, 20.30 until 3.00
Brussels Marriott Hotel, 3-7 Rue Auguste Orts
€14.95, advance booking essential
www.uselections.be