Rules First Maître d'hotel of Belgium
FETAM nonprofit organization organizes the competition for the title of “FIRST MAÎTRE D’HÔTEL OF BELGIUM”, an official mastery competition recognized by the Minister responsible for the Middle Classes under the law of 13/05/2009.
Art. 1
As part of its activities, the “Federation of Table Masters vzw” organizes the national competition for the title of “FIRST MAÎTRE D’HÔTEL OF BELGIUM 2027”.
This competition is officially recognized by the Ministry for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises as a mastery competition in accordance with the law of May 13, 2009.
Art. 2
The competition is open to all service professionals carrying out their activities on Belgian territory, either as self-employed professionals duly registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises and compliant with their fiscal and social obligations, or as employees of a small or medium-sized commercial or artisanal enterprise likewise registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises and compliant with fiscal and social obligations.
Art. 3
Required professional knowledge for a Maître d’Hôtel, including for example: knowledge and attitude regarding guest reception and guidance, complaint handling, product knowledge (both beverages and ingredients/dishes), service techniques according to official institutions (such as ASI, IBA, etc.), and the law of May 13, 2009 concerning official Mastery Competitions. This knowledge is required in the national languages of Belgium as well as in English.
Art. 4
The competition will take place in several phases:
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Registration via the website (registrations close on 01/10/2026).
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All officially registered candidates are expected on 15/03/2027 at 9:00 AM at the IPES Hotel School Section in Wavre. Each participant will complete a theoretical examination and one practical test.
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From these candidates, three finalists will be selected.
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The three finalists will each perform a complete service, including mise en place, for two tables of two guests each. The service duration (with mise en place carried out in the morning) will be two hours per table.
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After the competition, the bronze, silver, and gold laureates will be announced. The awards will be presented during the FETAM gala banquet on Monday, March 22, 2027.
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On 07/12/2026, all selected candidates are expected to attend the presentation of the finalists for the “First Maître d’Hôtel of Belgium 2027” at Domaine de la Blommerie in Mouscron.
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The final will take place on 15/03/2027 at the IPES Hotel School Section in Wavre.
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The ceremonial award presentation and official announcement will take place during the “Dinner Evening by FETAM” on Monday, 22/03/2027, in the salons of Domaine de la Blommerie in Mouscron.
Art. 5
The final will take place on Monday, March 15, 2027.
The competition is open to the public. Candidates are required to present themselves in professional work attire. Each candidate is responsible for providing their own service equipment, including: order pad, pen, matches, crumb scraper, corkscrew, service cloths, as well as all knives required for possible carving or cutting tasks.
Any exceptions to this rule will be announced in advance when the competition assignments are officially communicated. All other equipment will be provided by the organization. Personal equipment other than the items listed above is not permitted.
Art. 6
Mrs. Nathalie Laurent is the ambassador of the competition “First Maître d’Hôtel of Belgium 2027” and also serves as President of the Jury.
The jury consists of a representative of the Minister, a representative of the High Council for the Self-Employed and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, one or more representatives appointed by the organizing committee, as well as one or more representatives from education and/or training, appointed by the Minister upon proposal of the organizing committee.
The jury has full authority in every phase of the competition. No appeal may be lodged against its decisions. The jury may decide not to designate a winner if the level of the candidates is deemed insufficient. In such a case, the highest-ranked candidate will receive a certificate of merit.
Art. 7
The results will be announced on the day of the competition itself, and the prizes will be awarded during FETAM’s annual gala banquet.
Art. 8
The winning finalist will bear the title of:
“FIRST MAÎTRE D’HÔTEL OF BELGIUM 2027”
In addition to several valuable prizes, he/she will receive the official pin jewel of the First Maître d’Hôtel of Belgium from the Federation of Table Masters vzw.
Should he/she wish to do so, the winner of the 2027 competition may represent Belgium at international competitions.
The candidates finishing in 2nd and 3rd place will receive a diploma bearing the title:
“FINALIST OF THE COMPETITION FIRST MAÎTRE D’HÔTEL OF BELGIUM 2027”
Art.9
By participating, the candidates confirm that they fully and unreservedly agree to comply with these regulations.
Art. 10
The Federation of Table Masters vzw retains full ownership rights to all images, whether moving or still, directly or indirectly related to the competition.
Art.11
By registering, the candidate accepts all provisions stated in the registration form under the section “FETAM Privacy Policy.”
Art. 12
The winner agrees to cooperate with activities organized by the Federation of Table Masters vzw, either independently or in collaboration with its partners (television, media, reports, promotional appearances, etc.), in the mutual interest and with respect for both parties.
Art. 13
The organization reserves the right to unilaterally amend these regulations in the interest of the competition.