Catalonia offers a wide variety of accessible options for meetings and events, from modern congress centres to historic venues with centuries of heritage. The region’s diverse activities, both cultural and recreational, provide memorable experiences that resonate long after the conference is over. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy authentic experiences throughout the year.
Unique Blend
But it’s the region’s ability to integrate cutting-edge technology with green, sustainable practices that truly sets it apart, offering a unique blend of modernity and environmental responsibility.
At the forefront of Catalonia’s meetings landscape is Barcelona, a city recognised worldwide for hosting prestigious international events. Facilitated by the Barcelona Convention Bureau, the city has become a go-to destination for major tech conferences like the Mobile World Congress and the Smart City Expo World Congress, drawing professionals from across the globe. These events not only spotlight the city’s infrastructure but also its leadership in global technological and digital transformation.
The presence of innovation hubs such as the Barcelona Supercomputing Center and the ALBA Synchrotron offers associations an exceptional opportunity to organise conferences in spaces that foster collaboration between the academic, corporate, and governmental sectors. These venues serve as ideal settings for associations focused on research, technology, and innovation.
But innovation in Catalonia is not limited to the Catalan capital. Cities like Girona offer venues such as Girona Conference Centre, where green, open spaces integrate seamlessly with modern meeting facilities. Surrounded by nature, the congress centre provides associations with an inspiring and eco-friendly environment, perfect for hosting both large conferences and intimate workshops. Girona’s focus on sustainability goes hand in hand with its commitment to fostering a dynamic local economy, combining culture, history, and modernity.
Meanwhile, the nearby Meetings Among Volcanoes Convention Bureau highlights unique venues such as Espai Cràter. This building is not designed to resemble a small volcano but rather serves as an underground exhibition and meeting space nestled within one. The La Garrotxa region boasts a stunning natural landscape that continually surprises visitors and plays a pivotal role in shaping event spaces that are fully integrated into the environment. At the same time, its rich gastronomic culture blends seamlessly with the landscape, offering culinary experiences with a distinct local character.
Catalonia’s commitment to sustainability is further exemplified by the Costa Daurada Convention Bureau, which showcases green initiatives and local culture. This coastal region features unique venues like the PortAventura Business & Events Convention Centre, which offers 24 multi-purpose rooms with the capacity to host up to 6,000 delegates simultaneously, spread over more than 20,000 square meters of space. Participants can enjoy both nature and history, as the park is also located near the ancient Roman city of Tarragona, allowing associations to integrate cultural visits into their event schedules.
Tools for Making Your Events More Sustainable
The Catalan Tourist Board has developed a set of tools specifically designed to help the meetings sector achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at business events held in Catalonia. These resources address environmental, social, and economic sustainability by prioritising self-diagnosis actions, enabling event planners to adopt preventative or reduction measures and, where necessary, apply offsetting strategies to minimize the event’s impact.
Download these tools now to start planning more sustainable events in Catalonia
Key Pillar
Sustainability is actually a key pillar in Catalonia’s meeting strategy, with a growing number of venues and initiatives geared towards creating eco-friendly events. The Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB), for example, has implemented comprehensive sustainability practices, from renewable energy use to waste reduction, making it a certified green venue. Additionally, Fira de Barcelona has obtained the ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 certifications on environmental management and energy efficiency.
For associations seeking to make a real impact, Rurality Events, is an innovative initiative designed to bring meetings to micro-villages at risk of depopulation. This program supports rural communities by hosting events in venues like restored churches and castles, surrounded by nature. These not only provide a peaceful and inspirational setting but also leave a lasting legacy by contributing to the revitalization of local economies. Workshops with artisans and local producers, as well as team-building activities that emphasise environmental stewardship, further enhance the sustainability credentials of meetings held in these rural areas.
Sustainability-driven rural events are also encouraged by the Aran Natura Convention Bureau in the Val d’Aran, a pristine mountainous region known for its commitment to responsible tourism. Venues in this region are ideal for associations seeking a retreat in nature, offering eco-friendly facilities surrounded by forests and mountains, where activities like hiking and snowshoeing allow participants to reconnect with the environment.
Catalonia’s commitment to both innovation and sustainability makes it a standout destination for associations aiming to host forward-thinking, impactful events. Whether in the bustling tech hubs of Barcelona or the serene rural landscapes of Lleida, Catalonia offers a unique blend of modern infrastructure and environmental consciousness, ensuring that meetings held here contribute positively to both industry and the planet.
More information on Catalonia as a conference destination here.
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