Catalan catalyst for innovation
atalonia is outlined by the Mediterranean , a great geographic diversity , and Barcelona , a global business tourism metropolis . This economic and technology powerhouse offers a broad network of conference venues designed to accommodate a range of events .
The Catalonia Convention Bureau is implementing a reactivation plan for the region ’ s MICE sector , positioning its brand as one that offers value with a commitment to sustainability , legacy digitalisation , creativity , bleisure , well-being and authenticity .
Catalonia is an innovation catalyst , commited to using technology as a transforming driver for business events . It is already a global technology hub with a strong ICT industry and digital infrastructures . Brands such as Siemens , Facebook , Epson , Ricoh , Cisco and Microsoft have all set up technological centres in Catalonia , which has been named in the top five most advanced territories in the EU and No . 1 global tech city by the Tech Cities Index .
Mobile and agile Barcelona has strong claims on being the mobile world capital and is host of the Mobile World Congress . As Carles Grau , CEO Mobile World Capital Barcelona , put it : “ Catalonia is a destination that meets talent , innovation and life .”
And a different kind of mobility will soon be under discussion at Fira de Barcelona which will host Tomorrow . Mobility , an event designed to promote the mobility of the future . A pilot event runs in November alongside the Smart City Expo World Congress ( SCEWC ).
The region ’ s pull is partly due to its ability to combine heritage with high-tech , something that is embodied at Barcelona ’ s Mare Nostrum , where a 19th century chapel houses the most powerful supercomputing centre in Spain .
Other venues in the region upgrading their technology and investing in infrastructure include : Port Aventura Business & Events : The resort is using technologies to enrich the event experience . AR , 3D graphics , gamification , interactive presentations , and holographic effects , are among the features for organisers to enrich their content thanks to new investment . CCIB : The Barcelona International Convention Centre has a new 420sqm
Lifting of restrictions
Although Barcelona Airport registered a loss of 6.5m passengers , down over 80 % on 2019 , y-o-y , during the first four months of this year , there is a renewed air of optimism . Conventions were able to resume in the region from 7 June , provided a 70 % capacity limit is observed and the CVB reports 96 confirmed congresses for the upcoming years , with 39 of them scheduled for 2021 . A further 90 bid applications are open until 2027 . set for developing virtual and hybrid events . The new space has already hosted its first events and offers the latest technology for any presentation with augmented reality , 3D graphics or holographic solutions . Casa Batlló : Gaudí ’ s Casa Batlló has put together an immersive ‘ 10D Experience ’ with artificial intelligence , augmented reality and machine learning all featuring in its new creative proposal . Dolce Sitges : The prestigious hilltop hotel and conference complex in the town of Sitges has also rolled out a hybrid meeting concept , alongside new event planning services and enhanced hygiene protocols . firaReus : At firaReus Events , an hour south of Barcelona , there is a venue set up for both hybrid or 100 % virtual events , with latest technologies installed . PGA Catalunya : This golf resort has a Wellness Centre with technology-led treatments . Surrounded by forest , a stone ’ s throw from Girona airport , PGA Catalunya continues to offer a selection of meeting rooms and open-air spaces .
Other out of the ordinary venues to consider in the region include : Mas Salagros : The Iberian peninsula ’ s first 100 % organic EcoResort sits in the nature reserve of Vallromanes , 20 minutes from Barcelona . Gastronomy is a speciality . Mon Sant Benet : This medieval monastery and congress centre has 19 meeting rooms and a four-star hotel . It also features an international centre for research in science and cookery , the Alicia Foundation . Terra Dominicata : The Terra Dominicata farm has a ground floor kitchen workshop , and two meeting rooms on the top floor in 90sqm of space . An ideal venue for adding some culinary spice or a wine tasting session to your event . Le Meridien : Located on La Costa Daurada , Le Méridien Ra Beach Hotel & Spa offers a smart hotel base for exploring the Mediterranean coast and holding exclusive events .
ISSUE 113 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 27