2024 has been, to say the least, an eventful year. CEPS was no exception. We have kickstarted a new three-year strategic plan, created a data science team, launched a brand-new podcast, piled up dozens of publications and redesigned our business model to be able to stand out even more as Brussels’ ‘go to’ think tank. To continue along this path and further improve our offer, we need our members’ feedback and ideas. In our annual reception, we outline our ongoing and forthcoming initiatives and engage in a conversation with our members to gain strategic direction. We present our new platform ‘AI world’; discuss our plans to contribute to Europe’s industrial policy and quest for competitiveness; and outline our plans to build a CEPS Academy, to be made accessible to CEPS members.