Spain for events

EDITORIAL 04 SPANISH CREATIVITY 06

GOLF 10

WINE 12

BARCELONA 14

MADRID 24

VALENCIA 38

CANARY ISLANDS 40

MAJORCA 45

GALICIA 48

COSTA DEL SOL 52

ASTURIAS 56

SEVILLA 60

ZARAGOZA 62

BILBAO 66

SAN SEBASTIAN 70

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COVER FEATURE: SPAIN FOR EVENTS Editor: eventoplus medios s.l., Rambla Catalunya,

73, 2º, 08007 Barcelona (España) t +34 902 90 31 90. f +34 93 272 09 12 info@eventosmag.com www. eventosmag.com News and content: noticias@eventoplus.com Director: Eric Mottard Advisory: José García Aguarod, Lynn Wong Editor in chief: Neus Duran Editorial Commitee: Francesca A. Crispino, Cristina Muñoz Design: Maria Leone Illustration: Leo Paskarel Padula Chief advertising: Teresa Lapuente Advertising: Christian Bergmann, Silvio Camafreita, Alex Barbero, Luis García, Jose Luis García International: Fabio Muniz, Pilar Lafuente Post-sales: Antonio Castillo, Marifé Gomez Subscription: Nabila Katira (suscripciones@eventosmag.com) Administration: Noemí Ordóñez Legal registration: B-37.971-2005 ISSN 1885-4699 Printed in Spain.

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Spain: passion for MICE As President of the Spain Convention Bureau, representing 49 cities, I firmly believe that Spain, despite the global economic situation, is still attracting the most important and numerous congresses, conventions, events and incentives due to it’s unequalled attractions, it’s great accessibility by air, sea and land, and its modern and excellent congress infrastructure: more than 50 congress centres, hotels, spectacular & historical venues…

All the above, together with our outstanding complementary offer -gastronomy, cultural heritage, nature, leisure, sea, among others- enables Spain to defend its privileged position compared to other destinations, and maintain it in the long term.

Spain is one of the top leading destinations in the world within the important segment

of MICE, but we should all keep working hard in order, not only to maintain our privileged position, but also to place Spain as the number one country in terms of the number of congresses and delegates worldwide.

Spain also has something that you can’t see but you can feel: the great hospitality of our people and the vast experience of our professionals. Please take advantage of the professional staff from our 49 member cities throughout Spain, to get the right advice on how, when and where to bring your congress, event or incentive to it’s respective destination. Spain is a country with multiple destinations, each of them offering something different and original from the others, making our cities not compete but rather complement one another.

Francisco de la Torre, President of the Spain Convention Bureau

A whole country with a knack for great events You know Barcelona and Madrid, two eventminded (or should we say event-obsessed) cities with amazing infrastructure, great activities and professional staff for meetings and events. And you now also know about Valencia and Seville, a pair which have expertly positioned themselves on our industry’s map... and just as expertly used events as an excellent destinationpositioning tool, by the way! However, you might not be as aware of the rest of the country, but I can assure it is just as event minded. The fact is, writing a special issue like this one has reminded us, once more, that the whole country was made for events and can offer meeting planners a spectacular setting.

It all starts with a fiesta. This word, probably the best known Spanish word, epitomises Spain’s love of the good life, of company, of discussions, of sharing good moments and of hospitality. All those things you liked while you were an Erasmus student still make sense (albeit in a more sober way…) when you take a group on an incentive trip or to a congress in Spain.

People just feel good here (and that works well for your bottom line too!).

Your delegates will love the good atmosphere and they will also love its cuisine (after all, according to a ranking

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by Restaurant Magazine, four of the world’s top-ten chefs are Spanish!). They will enjoy traditions like nowhere else, and these same traditions will make your events unique. Yes, Spanish people really do organise the running of the bulls in the streets of Pamplona, burn huge paper statues in Valencia and have parades featuring pyrotechnic, flame-spitting dragons in Barcelona. They even throw tonnes of tomatoes at each other in the Tomatina celebration in Buñol. This love of tradition will give you endless possibilities for thematic activities to make your event truly unique.

But Spain means more than a great party; there is also an extremely serious element behind this national passion for events. Today Spain is a machine geared for getting large events and organising them professionally. Just some highprofile examples include the Olympics, the Universal Exhibition, the Forum of Cultures, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the America’s Cup. Spain has events in its DNA and it should be no surprise that it is consistently in the global top-five for international meetings, according to entities like the ICCA and UIA. We could remind you of the country’s rich historical heritage, its natural settings and its amazing selection of congress centres and hotels. We could also tell you about its nearly 50 convention bureaus. However, the best way to experience the meetings mindset of this country is by trying it out: organise your next event in Spain and you will get a higher and more enthusiastic turnout than last year’s edition, something we consistently see when talking to meeting planners!

Eric Mottard Managing director of Grupo eventoplus

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Anything is possible! Welcome to Spanish creativity Cristina Muñoz -

Or create a large maze in the middle of Madrid’s business district

Spanish creativity

It may sound crazy to create a sprawling garden in the financial heart of Madrid, but that’s what Noho agency did, calling on the world’s most famous maze designer, Adrian Fisher, and the renowned creative designer Petra Storrs. Called Beefeater 24 Midnight Labyrinth, their creation paid tribute to London's Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, the epitome of high society and glamour in 17th and 18th century London that celebrated its 350th anniversary. The original Vauxhall Gardens, located near the current site of the Beefeater distillery next to the River Thames, were a gathering place for leading artists and performers and a fashionable place to be seen.

The same glamour was recreated in Madrid. Made using 300 square meters of traditional living hedge grown in England, the Midnight Labyrinth welcomed visitors to stroll through its narrow corridors and discover and interactive, multi-sensory garden of contemporary art, music film and live performances from London’s leading artists. A lush labyrinthine world with spectacular decoration, lighting and clever visual surprises… How could it not have been a success?

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Why not install “Le Mardi Gras Circus” in a bull ring?

Wow Time Media did just that for an explosive cocktail reception at an event held for whiskey brand Southern Comfort in Malaga. It combined all the atmosphere of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the magic and mystery of an old circus and, last but not least, the passionate world of bullfighting.

The streets of the French Quarter of New Orleans in full Carnival revelry... a classic Spanish bullring... the mysterious, exciting atmosphere of a circus of 100 years ago... All these attractive elements combined for a dramatically themed event.

Southern Comfort wanted to do something new while emphasising its origins (the whiskey was born in 1860 in New Orleans) so they decided to hold a party in the Malagueta bullring and convert it into a “Mardi Gras Circus”, honouring the famous carnival from Louisiana.

During the night of March 11th, nearly 300 guests enjoyed a great costume party as they plunged into the atmosphere of a 1920s circus. Braving the rain, the party started at 11pm and ended after 3 in the morning.

300 masks and 700 necklaces were distributed to the participants, allowing them to get in the spirit of Mardi Gras.

The event also included several rides and shows, such as a cancan dancer and the “mysterious house of the bearded lady”.

Partiers could even launch cakes at a clown! Other characters included a strongman and a magician. In addition to the masks and necklaces, daring guests could wear "Siamese T-shirts", joining themselves to another attendee.

Even the catering followed the theme: hot dogs, cotton candy, candied apples and popcorn...and—of course—Southern Comfort. Naturally, music was provided by a band from New Orleans.

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Transform a wine-tasting session into jazzy musical notes!

Using jazz to describe what your palate feels… Sound a little crazy?

Yes. And risky? Could be… but the event was a great success. Monvínic decided to combine six great wines with music by great jazz guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel in a rare musical experience where the tasting notes were written in the form of jazz and poetry.

What was the challenge? Grape growers and wine makers wanted to connect with their consumers in a one-of-a-kind tasting meant to leave a great impression and a “nice finish”. But how could they describe the properties and virtues of each wine? By playing music to express the various sensations of the wine, of course! That is just what Rosenwinkel did when he made six musical pieces, each one dedicated to one of the wines. The guests listened to these tunes while savouring each wine, making for a unique, multi-sensory pairing and an entirely new experience.

This experience showed that, just as music can create a symbiosis between artist and listener, wine can also unite the sensations of the producers and the people that enjoy it. Throughout the event, the producers explained their creations to the guests.

Illuminate the darkness

Carral Associates always enjoys a challenge, especially when there is an opportunity to create fascinating results for participants. When Chanel launched “Blue”, its new fragrance for men in a distinctive blue-black bottle, Carral created an event that brought out the bottle’s intense color. It found it in lighting and a good dose of wit. Set in an abandoned building rehabilitated for the event, Carral illuminated the room along the ground, which was then transformed as the color of the walls rose in intensity and bottles of “Blue”, placed in holes, were given a beautiful glow through LEDs strategically located in the rear. A fine example of how a single decorative element can turn an event into a success.

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Bottleasshion… are in f

Bottles as towers

Spanish creativity

The challenge? To break down tired clichés and reach consumers in a fresh, new way.

How? By converting advertising columns into giant water bottles representing the brand Solan de Cabras. This promotional campaign was developed by Arena in collaboration with JCDecaux. The bottles were in some of the most strategic points in Madrid (Paseo del Prado, Paseo de la Castellana and Plaza España, among others).

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Bottles outfitted by haute-couture designers…

Coca-Cola, Estrella Damm and Martini asked designers to reinterpret their bottles and turn them into objects of luxury and glamour. In the Coca-Cola Light Fashion Tour, presented in Barcelona, an exhibition of giant bottles welcomed all visitors to the fashion show Brandery. These sculptures were covered with vintage flowers and small beads and shells by designers such as Lydia Delgado, Devota & Lomba and Roberto Verino.

Spanish designers continued an initiative that has already involved fashion legends such as Roberto Cavalli, Manolo Blahnik and Karl Lagerfeld.

During the celebration, REC.01 transformed an industrial district in Igualada, a city near Barcelona. This site became a benchmark for urban fashion and glamour when the likes of David Valls, Josep Antoni Miró and April created pop-up stores in the old factories that line the area. Real costumes were even created for bottles of Estrella Damm in honour of the brewery which sponsored the event.

Finally, Martini launched the new Gold by Dolce & Gabbana. A recipe with spice, exotic notes and Mediterranean flavours, its packaging has already become a must-have; Dolce and Gabbana designed a custom glass bottle featuring black and gold satin lettering on a black box with a plaque of golden metal. For the launch campaign, they chose Monica Bellucci.

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Eat the decoration of your event…

If in recent years it has become important to manage decoration in a sustainable way and catering company Food & Mambo puts their money where their mouth is... Working with agency Shackleton, they recently took the concept of sustainability to its logical conclusion: the audience simply ate the decoration of this event. To create an original experience in a party in which the press participated, an art exhibit was created which could simply be eaten after the event! The catering company had created unique pieces based on unique styles and artistic trends…

COME EXPLORE WITH US.

Meetings & Incentives Spain 40 YEARS IN SPAIN

Last but not least: don’t forget stand-out mid-sized cities

Spain is much more than the big capitals or the typical destinations. The fact is, it has plenty of mid-sized towns with personalised offers and unique experiences… Often these cities are near the main capitals, but they have features that their bustling, larger counterparts can’t always offer: tranquillity, flexibility, infrastructure and the impression of something new.

Santander, La Coruña, Cadiz, Leon, Santiago, Cuenca or Lleida are just some examples. In fact, Lleida is the second most-important conference destination in Catalonia. This city was recently chosen by several academic institutions to organise the first Congress on Emotional Intelligence. Eduard Punset participated, as did many other celebrities.

Our core competence is developing, planning, and implementing meetings, congresses, seminars, conferences, company events, anniversaries, product launches, presentations, summer & winter incentives, and more.

Down to the very last detail.

We are based in Madrid & Barcelona and due to our Global Network we operate all over the world. So tap into our rich network of relations and get professional design and organisation counsel, including detailed costing for your event.

Kuoni Destination Management Spain c/ Almirante, 16, 1º 28004 Madrid, Spain T +34 91 378 96 50 F +34 91 314 80 70 DMC.MAD@ES.KUONI.COM EVENTOS MAGAZINE | DMC.BCN@ES.KUONI.COM S PA I N F O R E V E N T S

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Golfer’s paradise

Francesca A. Crispino -

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cottish style fairways…but without the rain!

Making the most of its perfect climate, natural beauty and rich light, Spain has developed an impressive offering of golf courses. Key golf regions include tourism powerhouses like Andalusia’s Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz, Catalonia, the Balearic and Canary Islands and Valencia. With no less than 313 courses, there is definitely a spot for everyone.

Plus there is a wide range of options to organise the most original golf-related incentive activities. Here are a few:

Teeing off at sea Using biodegradable balls which dissolve in the water and become fish food, Admeeting proposes teeing off from the deck of a boat while enjoying a glass of champagne. Complementary activities on deck include massage classes and a dance with DJ included. The agency also organises night golf in a football stadium, in the snow or sessions with professionals. Another company, Making Golf, organises beachfront tournaments.

Golf in small spaces Practising your swing in venues with limited space is now possible thanks to the Golf Radar, by Trackter. It can be installed in 20 minutes and includes a radar that shows the speed of the ball. The game was used in a golf incentive programme in which activities were prepared with the support of staff to match the skill levels of each participant. A few inflatable ranges were installed, along with a three-hole rural golf course and a putting green. Like real golf, the game measures a golfer’s skill in getting the ball into the hole.

Technology Golf Technology has left its mark on golf in other ways too. Indoor golf is now possible, perfect in bad weather or simply to try something new. Golf simulators such as the GPS Simulator from Ever Golf offer a new range of possibilities, allowing the player use real golf balls and clubs in a virtual course selected by the player. The player stands on a mat of synthetic turf facing a screen 12 metres square and drives the ball to reach the hole projected on the screen. The only thing missing is the smell of cut grass.

Golf for beginners Intensive half- or full-day golf clinics taught by golf professionals or courses for both beginners and seasoned veterans are all available to meet the needs of different groups. TUI España offers Easy Golf, an activity directed towards non-golfers which includes a twohour class with a golf pro. The session begins with theoretical background followed by a hands-on experience of newly learned skills.

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Courses for golf fanatics

• La Cala Resort, Marbella: three golf courses totalling 60 holes, a golf academy, two professional football fields, a 5-star hotel and three meeting rooms. It organises golf events for companies.

• La Manga Club, Murcia: with three courses, it has been nominated the “Best Golf Hotel in Europe” and “Best Conference Hotel in Europe” in the World Travel Awards.

• Torremirona Golf & Spa Resort, Girona: a wide selection of golf-related activities as well as seven meeting rooms and the 18-hole “Championship Course”.

• Dénia Marriott La Sella Golf Resort & Spa, Alicante: offers a golf academy with professional teachers, an 18hole course and more than 1,200 square metres of meeting rooms.

• Hotel Valencia Golf, Valencia: surrounded by exuberant gardens that enclose a rustic patio, the hotel also organises incentive activities.

• Hotel Golf Peralada, Girona: an 18-hole golf course measuring offer 6,000 metres comes with the Castillo de Peralada, a casino and a wine museum, as well as a conference room for 350 pax.

• Vincci Costa Golf, Cádiz: Bordering the 14th hole of Novo Sancti Petri, a golf course designed by Severiano Ballesteros, the facility also includes a conference centre.

• Lidner Golf & Wellness Resort, Mallorca: Part of the Bendinat Golf Club, it includes a wellness centre and conference rooms.

Night golf: a new format for events courtesy of Green Canal

Who says you have to be putting out on the 18th hole by sunset during a golf-related event? Green Canal decided to solve this scheduling challenge when they took the sun out of the equation and introduced 180 event professionals to night golf last March 31st.

This golf course located right in the middle of Madrid was one of the first to make golf accessible to city residents who didn’t want to trek to the suburbs. And Green Canal wanted to take this one step further by doing golf in style and promoting the sport as an exclusive activity in a unique location… and at new time of day (or night!). Not a bad way to swing into spring…

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Land of wines Neus Duran -

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pain has no less than 47 wine-growing areas with denomination of origin (D.O.), a wide offering that recently entered the MICE sector with offers that include meeting rooms, routes and activities for groups. Let’s take a stroll through Spain’s striking wine culture.

Wine routes The wine routes of Spain include 19 routes throughout the whole country, an initiative promoted by the Spanish Wine Cities Association. Visitors will discover wineries, stroll through vineyards, participate in tastings, and participate in agricultural activities such as pruning or harvesting -- all while enjoying the local cultural heritage and gastronomy.

The Rioja Alvesa wine route proposes visits to Bronze Age settlements, nature activities, and walks through walled towns, vineyards and dolmens. You can also tour vast fields of red and ochre-coloured vineyards in the Duero region or visit Almagro, declared an historicartistic site by the Spanish Cultural Ministry for its festival and for el Corral de Comedias, a theatre from Spain's Golden Age.

Wineries with venues for groups The Marqués de Riscal winery and hotel in La Rioja Alavesa features a hotel designed by Frank Ghery which includes meeting rooms, wine cellars, a vinotherapy spa and restaurant.

El fabulista (Rioja Alvesa), dating from 1300, offers three seven-metre deep underground cellars, one of which is for wine tasting, as well as handmade products.

Las Bodegas Juan Alcorta in La Rioja includes dining rooms with views of 50 hectares of vineyard and La Sierra de Cantabria; in addition, the meeting room contains 70,000 oak barrels.

Las Bodegas Ysios (La Rioja), with architecture designed by Santiago Calatrava, has appeared in numerous television commercials. It offers various facilities for events.

Las Bodegas Vallformosa (Catalunya) has a Winery Convention Centre where you can hold your meeting in the company of 2,500 wine barrels. They offer cooking workshops on typical dishes from the area.

Las Bodegas Torres (Catalunya) offers the Tunnel of Seasons, a multimedia experience with aromas. They have various spaces for events, amongst them a Catalan masía, or country house from the fourteenth century.

An eventful day at the Andalusi Club: Start touring vineyards on horseback, in carriages or on foot, and from there follow the entire development process, including the aging of wine in oak barrels and the distillation of brandy in copper stills. The group learned how to venenciar, or pour wine, and ended with a wine tasting of 20-year-old VOS, and the more than 30-year-old VORS, vinum optimum rare signatum. The wines are served to enhance the flavour of ham, cheese or seafood.

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Activities

• With games based on the taste, colours and aromas of wine, the "Casino de Vino" (wine casino), from Vinelis, turns oenology into fun. At the end of the game, they make a last bid in "the crazy auction", where the chips won are used to obtain prizes.

• Magicomedia, from Enoviajes is an interactive show that combines wine and magic in the underground cellars of a classic winery. Other possibilities: mix the world of wine with that of textiles, and a floral art workshop that also fuses with oenology.

• The secrets of wine tasting from Sensorial Espai, offers a sensory wine-tasting session where the participants, with eyes blindfolded and nose covered, learn to apply the five senses to the experience of wine.

• With “Vinos de altos vuelos” (HighFlying Wines), from Vinomadas, the group offers a trip to the Montserrat Monastery by plane, with grand views of the abbey and the Penedés vineyards, along with a visit to the winery and tasting.

In Vallformosa, ITB Travel organised a highly visual show for a German IT client. After taking in the grape harvest and tasting the best wines in the cellar, managers enjoyed an outdoor picnic culminating in an impressive show with Andalusian horses that performed so up close they could almost reach out and touch them.

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Events Booths Tents M6 GRUPO EMPRESARIAL DE PROYECTOS S.L. Polígono Industrial Nº1, Calle H Nº3 28938 Móstoles (Madrid) T: 91 647 34 43 F: 91 647 35 42 Email: decom6@grupom6.com www.grupom6.com

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Barcelona F. A. C. -

"B

arcelona, ahhhhhh” is the reaction this city provokes in its visitors, according to the director of the Barcelona Convention Bureau. This key city of the meetings market has stayed in the spotlight thanks to its ability to constantly reinvent itself. As a consequence, Catalonia’s main city is consistently ranked in the top five cities for international meetings, according to ICCA and UIA figures. It hosts large trade shows and congresses such as the Mobile World Congress, leading corporate events for the likes of Microsoft and HP and, last but not least, EIBTM. From artists to fashion designers, the Catalan city has a unique flair for design and creativity which adds value to its events.

Barcelona is an inspiring city, combining Gaudí’s unique architecture, a creative and design-oriented culture and a cosmopolitan life. It has come a long way since its revamp for the 1992 Olympics, which gave birth to leading congress centres and hotels. The city now combines an impressive event-friendly infrastructure with a buzzing street life and excellent climate. Welcome to this meetings industry blockbuster.

The famous Boqueria market

Surprising nooks

• La Pedrera (Casa Milà): the terrace of one of Gaudí’s masterpieces impresses visitors for its unique character and magnificent views. In summer, enjoy a drink on the rooftop (included in the price of admission) while listening to live music.

• The Mercat de la Boqueria: for many, this emblematic market is the city’s best, thanks to its rich colours, smells, and human activity.

• Plaça Catalunya and the surrounding area: Banks, designer fashion, department stores, old cafes and avant-garde shops are found here and all the best luxury brands have stores just a few steps up Passeig de Gràcia. This area is Barcelona’s true city centre.

• El Liceu: this beautiful opera house, renovated after a fire, offers several rooms for private events.

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• El Parc Güell: located on top of one of Barcelona’s hills, this park was commissioned by business mogul Eusebi Güell and designed by Antoni Gaudí. It has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1984.

• Santa Maria del Mar: as the only complete Catalan Gothic church, it has an absolutely beautiful interior.

• Els Quatre Gats: one of the city’s quintessential examples of modernisme, this cafe was inspired by Le Chat Noir cabaret in Paris. At one time, it hosted art exhibitions; in fact, Picasso’s first two public showings of his art were at this Barcelona institution.

• The oldest house in Barcelona, found at number 6, Sant Domènec del Call, was already inhabited in the 1100s. Over the centuries, it passed through several ups and downs and was even used as a bordello in the year’s following the Spanish Civil War.

Experimental catering for Telekom Austria Group

A journey of flavours featuring automatic cooking machines and other moving parts was devised to impress 110 dinner guests at a feast organised for Telekom Austria Group as part of the World Mobile Congress. Both the menu and its presentation dazzled the guests.

Catering company Food & Mambo converted the entrance hall of the Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) into a true culinary “exhibition”. Organiser Charlotte Gebhart was the one who converted this idea into a reality.

An event for a phone company? Food & Mambo decided to base the dinner on a theme of technology and “applied surrealism”. Pasta was served from containers hung from wooden stands and food was cooked with liquid nitrogen. There was even a 4m-tall Ferris wheel which acted as a waiter, offering chocolate and hazelnut desert “shots” to the guests. Telephones and a vintage computer also silently added to the theme of the event.

Famous for…

• Gaudí, the architect who left an unmatched mark on Barcelona when he designed some of the city’s bestknown buildings (and a park!).

• Gastronomy, with Ferran Adrià taking the lead as a creator and researcher.

He has his workshop in the city where he experiments and creates new flavours and textures to dazzle adventurous diners.

• Shopping. Barcelona created the Barcelona Shopping Line, a dedicated bus route linking a wide variety of stores. Shopping is quoted as the preferred activity by tourists in Barcelona.

• Les Rambles, one of the most famous streets in the world. This boulevard charms visitors with its flower and animal stalls, human statues and vibrant street life.

• Barcelona has more than 4km of beaches, all of which have been integrated into the city since the 1992 renovation. What better place to enjoy wine and paella under the sun or to carry out a team-building activity?

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BARCELONA

Highlighted venues

In Barcelona • Well, they’re not exactly “highlighted venues” but they are highly recommendable nonetheless... Barcelona has several “unofficial” restaurants, hidden behind a bar or a store, unannounced on the street.

These clandestine dining sites recall Prohibition-era speakeasies. Due to their underground nature, we can’t write about them for our own sake...

• Palau de la Música Catalana: this concert hall is a true jewel of Catalan Modernism and can be rented for events.

• Torre de Collserola: designed by Norman Foster, this telecom tower overlooking the city offers a 200sqm vista point you won’t want to miss.

Ideal for cocktail parties and dinners.

• The new beaches of the Olympic Port include trendy bars and clubs like Pacha, Catwalk, Carpe Diem and Shoko.

• Montjuïc: home of the 1992 Olympics, this small mountain offers a wide range of venues such as the sports arena Palau Sant Jordi or the Olympic stadium. Some of them offer green areas and all have great views of the city below.

• CCIB: this convention centre, created for the 2004 Culture Forum, offers 100,000sqm of exhibition and meeting space and a 3000 pax auditorium.

• Palau de Congressos de Catalunya and the Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I: with 25,000sqm of meeting space, a 2000-pax auditorium and beautiful gardens for events, this five-star GL hotel is ready to host meetings in style.

• Historical venues: the Llotja de Mar (old stock exchange), the Drassanes (old shipyards and current maritime museum), Gaudí’s famous Casa Batlló, the impressive Castell de Montjuïc on the hill of the same name and several museums such as the contemporary art venue MACBA or the classic MNAC… All these historical venues and more can be rented for events.

• W Hotel Barcelona: this recently-opened iconic five-star hotel created by the world-famous Ricardo Bofill rises above the beachfront. On the rooftop, you’ll find Eclipse, a bar with 360º views.

• The last few years saw the launch of other trendy designer hotels including ME Barcelona, Barceló Raval, Ohla Hotel or Hotel Omm. • The old workshop of the Bagués-Mastiera, a classic Catalan jewellery firm, has been converted into a “bijou hotel” by Derby Hotels. To decorate the interior, designers used 2.5kg of gold as well as ebony and marble imported from Brazil.

• The Mandarin Oriental, famous for its luxury and the cuisine of chef Carmè Ruscalleda, just turned one year old. Other luxurious options in the city centre include the renovated Palace Hotel (formerly the Ritz), which has maintained the style of the glamorous 1920s.

• Hesperia Tower Hotel: this five-star hotel includes a large convention and exhibition centre and is found between the airport and the city.

• Poble Espanyol: a re-creation of the typical villages of Spain, it includes many bars and restaurants in a closed fortress-like monument. It can be used for cocktail parties, dinners, concerts and more...

• Fira de Barcelona: the trade show grounds are divided into two areas: one next to Plaça Espanya and the other closer to the airport. Together, they boast 365,000sqm of exhibition space and a convention centre. Lodging needs are met by nearby modern hotels like the Congress or the brand new Porta Fira Barcelona.

• “La Casa de les Punxes” offers three very elegant halls for small events.

• Contemporary architecture venues include the Pavelló Mies van der Rohe and the Joan Miró Foundation, both in Montjuïc.

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The fashionable hotel W and its top-floor bar Eclipse offer amazing views of Barcelona

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BARCELONA

Highlighted venues

Outside Barcelona • The outskirts of Barcelona offer countless beautiful country homes equipped for events. Mas Solers (a beautiful 14th century palace), Mont Sant Benet (see activities section), Sant Miquel del Fai (an old monastery), Masia d’en Cabanyes (a 1798 country house with a large garden), Bell Reco, Masia Museu Serra and Mas Canovas all combine rustic country charm with the most modern amenities.

• Wineries: Bodegas Torres, the large wine producer, offers a fully-equipped convention centre and visits and activities related to wine culture. Vallformosa also offers its winery as a convention centre.

• Badalona: next to Barcelona, this city has the BCIN convention centre with 1,600sqm for meetings. One of the most important events it hosted was the SOCAP XXIX Congress on Pulmonology in April 2011.

• Dolce Sitges: a modern hotel and conference centre with 263 rooms and 2,175sqm for meetings.

• La Mola: this conference venue in the middle of a 14,000 hectare natural park and next to one of Europe's best golf courses also has 4,000sqm of meeting space.

• Studio Sitges, near Barcelona, is a brand new, purposebuilt studio which sets a new standard for commercial photography, events and video venues.

• Casa Bacardí, Sitges: many people don’t know that the famous rum firm was founded by a Catalan. This new venue invites guests to learn about the history behind this man and the firm he founded. The site offers events featuring rum, culture and modernisme, not to mention a great waterfront terrace.

Fashion invades Barcelona for Shopping Night

Following in the footsteps of other global shopping capitals such as Milan, London and New York, stores on Barcelona’s Passeig de Gràcia remained open until midnight for the first time, on December 2nd. The elegant street was converted into a beehive of activity with events and parties. Some of the destinations to feature late-night shopping were the Mandarin Oriental, Majestic and Omm (all hotels), and shops such as Loewe, Calvin Klein, Guess and Vinçon.

Studio Sitges

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A seaside terrace at the Casa Bacardí in Sitges

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Activities

In Barcelona • Shop at the world's most famous food market—La Boqueria— then cook a suquet de peix (fish soup) under the guidance of a star-awarded chef. Finally, of course, dig in!

• Eat in the first fully dark restaurant in Southern Europe: “Dans le Noir?” offers a unique sensorial experience in complete darkness.

• Organise a dinner in the FC Barcelona stadium: you can rent the team’s bus to get to this legendary pitch where you can enjoy the presence of the one of the club’s players or even play a game against some of your childhood heroes (a team made up of former club players).

• View Barcelona at dusk from a catamaran while sipping cava from the region. A classic! You can also organise your own regatta. Companies such as BCNautic offer this service.

• Live the Barcelona experience and discover the city centre through some fun activities such as the Spy&Art Game, a gymkhana based on art and mystery organised by Amfivia. In this activity, participants have to find a famous picture hidden in the city. Another proposal is RelacionArte, an activity based on the art of Picasso.

• Discover new places in the city and share itineraries on Facebook with the ITINEtours application.

• Go beyond the traditional tours and explore the city with a GoCar. This convertible car (with GPS included) takes you on a relaxed city tour while you follow easy-to-understand audio directions. Or, if you prefer something environmental friendly, try the Trixi. Kuoni DMC organises exciting treasure hunts with these fun vehicles.

• Tour Barcelona by bicycle: companies like Un Cotxe Menys offer guided bike tours. Stop at the beach or in the Gothic Quarter for tapas. It’s pleasant, fun and green!

• Discover the secrets that Gaudí hid on the terrace of La Pedrera. The architect was also a deeply religious man and he left some symbols which can still be spotted by the trained eye: through the holes in the sculptures, you can see the most important temples of the city.

• Barcelona from above: helicopter tours can be organised.

• Try traditional Catalan food in some restaurants that are well over a hundred years old, such as Can Culleretes, the oldest in the city, or 7 Portes. In both of them you can taste escudella i carn d'olla, a stew of mixed meat and vegetables cooked in broth. In this most authentic of all Catalan dishes, the meat is served first, followed separately by the broth.

• Catalan traditions offered by Kuoni DMC include participative tours with a typical Barcelona breakfast or the sardana, a traditional Catalan dance where participants form a circle and dance holding hands.

• Meeting Expectations coordinates cultural visits where guests travel by Segway with a guide who explains the city.

• You’re in Barcelona, so dance the night away! The city is known for its varied nightlife, from the most classic venues to cutting-edge options.

Hyundai China chose Barcelona for its Kick Off Meeting 2011: the Palau de Congresos de Catalunya hosted this event, organised by agency Ultramar Event Management.

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Dinner at the legendary Camp Nou Stadium

A water-themed event by agency Ultramar Events for pharma company Nycomed... Here, a dinner takes place between manta rays and other exotic fish at the Barcelona Aquarium. What could be more dramatic?

The AXA Convention Centre The AXA Convention Centre is part of the Illa Diagonal, an enormous complex located on the main artery of Barcelona that integrates a shopping centre, two Hotels and a large car park. City communications are excellent and access from Barcelona’s Airport and main train station “Sants” is very quick and easy.

The avant-garde design and construction quality emerge from each and every detail of the building, turning the AXA Convention Centre into the perfect setting to develop various activities such as conventions, congresses, assemblies, presentations, debates and concerts. The total capacity is for 621 people with optimum view of the stage from all angles. The high quality of

its amenities, PA system, projectors and acoustics turns the AXA Auditorium into one of the most unique venues of its kind in the city.

The large lobby is very useful for accommodating exhibitions and for offering catering services during pauses or closing ceremonies. There is also a restaurant area on the ground floor that can perfectly accommodate commercial exhibitions or restaurant services up to 270 guests.

As a whole, it is more than an auditorium: it is an infrastructure designed to offer quality, flexibility and integral attention throughout its wide range of services.

Technical Index -

Entire Capacity: 621 seats. (Stalls – 326, Amphitheatre – 295) Projection Equipment: BARCO DLP R-12 (12.000 Ansi Lum) and BARCO iQg-500 (5.000 Ansi Lum). Simultaneous projection possibility.

Projection Screen: 60 sqm.

D&B Audiotechnik loudspeakers Five fixed microphones on presidential table and six wireless microphones (handheld, lapel, headmic) 4 fixed booths for simultaneous interpreting Infrared translation system 11 channels 2 motorized bars with 36 practicable shukos DMX512 signal in the bars, the stage and the control room Auditori AXA Diagonal, 547 pere.alvarez@axa.es

Planta Deu i Mata Deu i Mata, 111 (puerta giratoria) info.auditori@axa.es

T. 93 290 11 02 Fax 93 290 96 88 vwww.axa.es

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Activities

Outside Barcelona • Build your own human tower! Team Towers offers this very traditional Catalan activity for groups of up to 500.

• See the industrial side of Catalonia at the Colònia Güell, where the industrialist set up his own company town complete with a church, factory and school in the 19th century. Gaudí was the main architect.

• Feeling green? Go hiking with Scenic Walking Barcelona, which offers hiking routes for groups in nearby hills and mountains.

• Test a Carver One on a race track! E&TB organises activities in the Can Padró circuit, found near a Catalan masia (country house) from the 13th century. Driving these vehicles, a sort of combination between a motorcycle and a car, can be a very fun option. After the performance, guests will have lunch at the masia before returning to Barcelona.

• Discover local wine and cava culture with activities and visits organised by large wineries such as Codorniu, Bodegas Torres or Vallformosa. (These facilities also usually include a convention centre).

• Go green! The Sitges Convention Bureau proposes a reforestation activity in the Garraf Park, which burned in a 2006 forest fire. This open-air activity combines teamwork with recreational and environmental elements.

• Enjoy the charming town of Sitges and its microclimate of 300 sunny days a year. Why not try an elegant theatre-themed visit to the Palau Maricel, a pleasant Òpera a la fresca (an opera session in a lovely garden) or a visit to the Museu Romàntic?

• Relax, meditate and connect with yourself in a Buddhist monastery in Garraf.

• Live the traditions of Penedès (a wine region near Barcelona): Amfivia offers activities which include trencadís (Gaudí-style ceramic mosaics), sardana dances, el porró (a traditional drinking implement that requires users to pour wine into their mouth in a narrow stream without touching it to their lips... or staining their shirt!), or a castells (Catalan human towers).

Fun facts

• Barcelona is in the top 20 cities recommended by National Geographic, the most visited city in Spain, and the second gay destination in the world.

• The Football Club Barcelona Museum is the second most visited museum in Catalonia.

• According to architectureweek.com, Gaudí is the most famous architect in the world; his masterpieces act as universal symbols of Barcelona.

• Casa Batlló, the most famous of Gaudi’s buildings, has a fairy-tale façade which explains the legend of Saint George: the roof represents death and the dragon, who has a mortal spear stuck in his back.

• Will the Sagrada Família ever be completed? Builders broke ground in 1882 and expect to finish around 2020. Solely financed by private donations due to the separation of Church and State, progress has been irregular.

• The current chief architect of the Sagrada Família is so in love with the building that he left his native Japan for Spain and converted to Catholicism. Talk about passion!

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Your group, coached by professionals, can become a troupe of castellers The cava firm Codorníu, the oldest in Spain, was founded in 1551

We have a chat with…

Airy Garrigosa, Director of the Barcelona Convention Bureau What is the most unique thing an event planner can do in your destination? How about some truly unique activities…

There’s no limit to the creativity of Barcelona.

DMCs offer exceptional programmes and the city provides an endless amount of opportunities related to its beaches, its architecture, its art and its cuisine. Delegates can shop for fresh food with a chef in one of the city’s many markets and then prepare tapas. They can also participate in a regatta in the Mediterranean, drive an F1 car in the Circuït de Catalunya or learn how to form a human tower with a team of “castellers”…

Barcelona also offers a wide range of unique sites…

Absolutely. We have everything from medieval structures such as the Casa Llotja de Mar and the Drassanes Reials to the exquisite pavilion designed by Mies van der Rohe. And let’s not forget moderniste jewels such as the Palau de la Música or Casa Batlló, or museums like the MNAC or MACBA. We even have the Liceu opera house in the city centre and lordly country manors in the nearby countryside. Barcelona is simply a city full of possibilities.

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Madrid C. M. -

M

adrid has a unique way of living and an inexhaustible capacity to surprise visitors which position this city as one of the five most visited European capitals. It is perhaps this combination of professional looks and an intense enjoyment of life that planners most appreciate in a city that has invested heavily in recent years in services and infrastructure. The city’s slogan is “MAD about you”, so get ready to be MAD about Madrid!

José Luis Municio

Madrid is in… and it shows: the number of visitors has increased by 50% since 2003 and it’s a constantly evolving city so it’s always worth coming back for more. Among its most impressive recent developments is the in-depth transformation of the area along the Manzanares River, which runs through a section of the city. These changes have made everything along the rio more welcoming for citizens and tourists alike.

Previously inaccessible bridges have been renovated and then decorated by the likes of Daniel Canogar and

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Dominique Perrault and the old “matadero” (abattoir) has been turned into an exciting venue and creative hub.

Many urban areas have been remodelled, including Serrano Street, which has added yet more glamour to the famous “Golden Mile”. And the legendary museum trio of the Prado, Thyssen and Reína Sofia has been updated with new spaces and art galleries. Add to this the addition of new venues, emblematic hotels and restaurants with the best national cuisine and it becomes clear that Madrid’s vitality is contagious.

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Hall Nouvel building

Famous for…

• Its nightlife and especially the movida movement of the 80s, a crazy cultural explosion which brought unbridled creativity to the Spanish capital, especially in terms of art and nightlife.

It’s also worth noting that in Madrid, a night out starts later, with most people staying out of the bars until 10 or 11pm. Clubs generally open at about midnight and don’t fill up until significantly later so remember to adjust your internal clocks!

• Its traditional dishes like the calamar sandwich, which features fried calamari; the famous chocolate con churros, inevitable after an all-night party; and the cocido madrileño, a hearty stew based on chickpeas.

• Hosting some of the greatest museums in the world, including the Reina Sofía, the Prado or the ThyssenBornemisza.

• The charm of its surrounding cities, six of which are World Heritage Cities (Alcalá de Henares, Avila, Segovia, Toledo).

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Golf at the Casa de Campo Club

Galeria de Cristal of Palace Cibeles

Highlighted venues

The movie comes back to life

To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Luis Berlanga’s classic film “Patrimonio Nacional” (which was primarily filmed in the Palacio de Linares), the agency telecyl@you organised an interesting tribute: shooting a remake of the best scenes of the film with the guests themselves!

The ambience of the film was created in detail thanks to original costumes and props from the film. The movie was further improved by the event's participants—more than 400 people from the cultural, film and theater world—who worked as extras alongside professional actors, who took care of the leading roles.

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In Madrid • Palacio Municipal de Congresos: this municipal congress centre has an avant-garde design and offers 30,000sqm for meetings. It is divided into exhibition areas, two auditoriums for 1,900 and 900 pax and 30 rooms.

• Auditorium Juan Carlos I: this site has a capacity of 9,500 pax seated or 13,000 standing.

• Palacio de los Deportes: a sports arena in the city centre with retractable seats that can host events of up to 16,000 pax.

• Las Ventas: the largest bullfighting arena in Spain, it is designed in a Neo-Mudéjar style, which is the 19th-century version of Muslim-inspired medieval-Spanish architecture.

The ring can host nearly 25,000 pax.

• Círculo de Bellas Artes: this Madrid institution offers 15,000sqm with two exhibition rooms, historical meeting rooms, a library, a billiard room, a theatre, a movie theatre and more.

• Real Fábrica de Tapices: this 18th-century tapestry factory has two rooms for events and is one of Madrid’s most classic venues.

• Thyssen Museum: with an impressive collection, it offers unique insight into the history of European painting since the 13th century. It complements the other two great museums: the Prado (older paintings) and the Reina Sofía (20th-century art) in the famous Paseo del Arte.

• Madrid Casino: this prestigious venue with a classical style and more than 170-year history is also forward thinking: Ferran Adrià is the culinary adviser.

• Palacio de Gaviria: this site offers 1,300sqm of history right in the centre of Madrid, with ceilings inspired by the Italian Renaissance and a cabaret or DJs available for modern events.

• Teatro Real: Madrid’s opera house is one of the most important in Spain and is a true symbol of the city’s cultural life. Imagine holding a meeting in a 200-year-old venue!

• Palacio de Linares: famous for being haunted, it follows a 17th-century French style and offers various rooms decorated in a variety of styles.

• El Corral de la Morería: this famous tablao (flamenco bar) appears in the book “1,000 places to see before you die” and features 18th-century furniture.

• The Debod Temple: this Egyptian temple, dating to the second century BC, is one of Madrid’s best places to enjoy the sunset.

• Off Limits: this former bakery has an avant-garde look and minimalist decoration in addition to a 210sqm room.

• Sol&Sombra: this bullfighting-inspired venue with a very modern touch includes LED-based lighting and decoration.

• ME Madrid: this new, extremely trendy hotel includes a business centre, meeting rooms and two terraces with a 360º view of the city. Another trendy option is the stylish Urban Hotel.

• Hotel Puerta América: with a façade designed by Jean Nouvel, each floor is decorated by prestigious architects such as Norman Foster or Ron Arad, making for a total of 18 different floors competing to impress you.

• Hotel Auditorium: this massive hotel with more than 800 rooms and a full conference centre is also conveniently close to the airport.

• Castillo de Viñuelas: this fortified castle from the 17th century has various meeting rooms and a great view of the Jarama River.

• Bangaloo: this multi-room venue includes a restaurant, meeting rooms and a discotheque and is located in the centre of the Castellana area. Its three floors totalling 1500sqm are done in the deluxe style of Tomás Alía.

• La Capilla de La Bolsa: this mystical old church has been renovated and has a very unique style.

• The Market: this 2100sqm exhibition space is part of a larger complex which includes a hotel and a restaurant capable of seating 200 pax.

• Milk Studio: a white, versatile 255sqm space with a modern style.

• Hotel Santo Domingo: with a four-star rating, this hotel has 205 rooms and 450sqm of meeting rooms, which will soon be expanded to 1200sqm. It has just undergone a complete renovation.

• El Jardín de Miguel Ángel: this garden features 1000sqm of thick vegetation right in the heart of Paseo de la Castellana. It is part of the Hotel Occidental Miguel Ángel 5* and has space for events of up to 500 pax.

• Casa de Campo: with 40,000sqm of open-air space and 33,000sqm of spacious halls, this site includes the former trade show area.

• Teatro Quinto: located in the Art Deco District and with a capacity of 3500 pax, this multi-space venue can be converted from a conference auditorium to a hall for events.

• Mercado de San Miguel: this market located in old Madrid can host events.

• Casa María: this restaurant organises events related to wine and winemaking as well as corporate events.

• Matadero: this 148,000sqm open space specialises in creative and artistic events.

• The upcoming International Convention Centre, designed by architects Tuñón and Mansilla, will evoke a large rising sun emerging from the four new skyscrapers of north Madrid’s new business area. It will have a 15,000sqm exhibition area and an auditorium for up to 5,000 pax.

• La Caja Mágica has strengthened the city’s offer for large events. Last November it hosted the MTV Europe Awards which allowed the Spanish capital to shine as a capital of music.

• Museo Nacional del Romanticismo: this museum can now be rented for events.

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Fun facts

• Madrileños are often called gatos (cats) because of an historical legend claiming that during the Arabic invasion, a soldier climbed the outer walls with the agility of a cat.

• Madrid’s official symbol is a bear rearing up on its hind legs and feasting on berries from the madroño tree. This metaphor for Madrid’s growth represents the possession and importance of wood, which is essential to building a country.

• The resistance of Madrid during the Spanish Civil War was converted into a rallying cry for the Republican cause with the famous slogan “¡No pasarán!”, meaning “They will not pass!”.

• The running of the bulls, held in San Sebastián de los Reyes, is an amazing and colourful tradition which consists of a race in the street where bulls charge full steam ahead while people run with them, trying to have fun and, more importantly, survive. The event is considered the second most important in Spain after the San Fermines in Pamplona.

• One word perfectly defines Madrid’s character: castizo, which means something between “the real deal” and “of good stock” or “authentically madrileño”.

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“Survival in the river” by Sankara.

In this activity around the river Tajo, participants must show their ingenuity and cunning

Nave 16

These new venues opened in 2010: • Coolroom: this innovative, unpredictable venue brings a new level of adaptability to events: it can be like a cold and minimalist igloo, a sumptuous hall right out of the 1,001 Nights or even an F1 pit stop. Constantly ready for change, Coolroom can be anything you can imagine.

• Nave 16: After an extensive renovation, this impressive venue in a 6,000sqm former warehouse is slated to open in June 2011. Its versatile nature and large size will allow it to host large-format events.

• Garaje Lumiere: this interdisciplinary space is perfect for training sessions, creative projects and many other productions thanks to its theatrequality audiovisual capabilities. Think of it as a sort of meeting-ready laboratory for contemporary artistic expression...

• Galeria de Cristal of Palace Cibeles: just refurbished, this sight is known for its elegant architecture.

• Faena: evoking a vanguards cabaret, the warm wood, purple velvet, the finest marble… all these details became in the scenario for singular events.

• New four-star hotels in charming areas of Madrid include the NH Ribera del Manzanares, Catalonia Atocha 35, Posada del León de Oro, Summa Juan de Austria and Petit Palace Alfonso XII.

Garaje Lumiere

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Highlighted venues

Outside Madrid • La Moraleja Business Resort: set on top of an old convent, this renovated, modern-style hotel sits amidst 35,000sqm of gardens.

• La Quinta del Jarama: with15,000sqm for events in San Sebastián de los Reyes, this venue offers open space for 1,200 seated guests and 2,000 standing.

• Madrid SnowZone: this indoor ski slope in Xanadú, a shopping and leisure centre, is located near Madrid.

• Kinépolis: located in Pozuelo de Alarcón, this large, event-ready movie complex has real Hollywood style. Its HD projection capacity makes it especially useful for visual presentations.

• Fuente Pizarro: this 7000sqm complex has multi-purpose halls for events. They also organise outdoor events in Collado Villalba.

• Club las Encinas de Boadilla: situated in Boadilla del Monte with more than 450,000sqm, this venue has been the setting of several movies and advertisements. It even includes an authentic fort from the Wild West.

• Hacienda Jacaranda: this old horse-riding school in Miraflores de la Sierra has been remodelled for events and offers meeting rooms set up like an amphitheatre around a covered 900sqm central square.

• The old Convent of Boadilla del Monte: renovated to be used as a hotel, this former convent offers various meeting rooms for 750 pax seated banquet-style.

• Palacio de Negralejo: this hotel complex was built in an old, 18th-century country palace in San Fernando de Henares.

• Bodega del Real Cortijo, in Aranjuez: this national monument includes El Lagar, which consists of 14 arcades and La cueva, an underground 2500sqm cave. It offers themed dinners and music shows.

• Clericó Sports: in San Sebastián de los Reyes, this venue features a lounge with seating for 120 and a terrace capable of seating 240.

• Aldea Santillana: located in the northern mountain range, it features 600 hectares of space, meeting rooms for 400 pax, a private kitchen and 62 rooms.

• La Casa de Mónico: this ‘herreriano’ style house was built in 1946. It has a 30,000sqm English style garden and four meeting rooms.

• Las Rejas Open Club: a leisure, sports and wellness centre found to the north of Madrid, it includes a golf course, fitness facilities, a spa, courts for tennis and pádel, and meeting rooms.

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CONVENCIONES Y CONGRESOS. CADA IDEA, SU ESPACIO. CONVENTION AND CONGRESS CENTRE. A SPACE FOR EVERY IDEA.

IFEMA tiene para ti el Centro de Convenciones y Congresos que necesitas. Con salas y auditorios que se adaptan a cualquier necesidad. Con sitio para todos y lo que es aún más difícil, para todo. Porque nuestros recursos y servicios no conocen límites. Por eso hasta la idea más inimaginable es posible aquí.

IFEMA offers you the Convention and Congress Centre you wish for. With rooms and auditoriums which are tailored to your every need. Where everyone, and everything, fits. Because our resources and service know no limits. That's why even the wildest idea is possible here.

12 PABELLONES • 2 AUDITORIOS • 97 SALAS /

CONVENCIONES Y CONGRESOS

12 HALLS • 2 AUDITORIUMS • 97 ROOMS

www.convencionesycongresos.ifema.es

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Activities

In Madrid • Enjoy tasca or tapas hopping, which can be offered as a fun, authentic way to eat, or themed to turn it into a game or teambuilding activity.

• Live the Madrid experience with agency Sankara’s cultural gymkhana, where participants have to find an object hidden by the Madrid Architects Association by solving problems and quizzes with the help of the most influential characters in Madrid’s history. Figures include Velázquez (the group will have to paint his works) or a typical Real Madrid football fan (they will play a little ball and answer questions related to football).

• Play “Philip II’s Talisman”, a game devised by Kuoni Destination Management that combines discovering Madrid with teamwork and entertainment. It is a type of gymkhana where participants make their way through Madrid de los Austrias (Habsburg Madrid) on foot. The teams have to solve various tests with historical characters from Spain’s Golden Age. • Make movies: teams must prepare a promotional video for Madrid. The video must include not only images of the city’s most emblematic sites but also interesting tidbits about the city and interviews with Madrid residents. This activity is organised by Kuoni Destination Management.

• Learn about Spanish food traditions at a typical Spanish restaurant. The group will learn how to cut Iberian ham and Manchego cheese, make sangria and try Spanish wines after an explanation by a sommelier.

• A New Skyline: Madrid has plenty of great locations for watching the sun go down, including the Debod Temple and Las Vistillas. Over the years, many famous painters, from Velázquez to Antonio López, have found inspiration at these and other locations and then tried to capture them on canvas.

• A green visit by bike: the Casa de Campo Park and the Parque Lineal del Manzanares, in the Usera neighbourhood, can be a good choice for fun on two wheels.

• Flamenco Fusion: vibrate with the passion of flamenco as it is mixed with subtle tones of jazz and blues. Las Tablas and Cardamomo offer flamenco sessions.

Outside Madrid • Shoot your own western movie at the Club las Encinas de Boadilla. The guests will write the script, handle the casting and decorate the place… There is even an Oscar night included!

• Discover the Aranjuez gardens and its monuments during a canoe ride on the Tagus River. In this “Pawnee gymkhana”, participants are members of an Indian tribe which competes with other tribes. Activities include making weapons and traps as well as Indian cries. Organised by Sankara.

• Experience an automotive rally through the Valley of Lozoya, a unique terrain which, thanks to its distinct climate, has plant species from both the centre and north of Spain. The activity consists of a 4x4 ride with several small challenges. You can even have a famous rally driver ride along with you! Organised

by Kuoni Destination Management.

• Experience Geoplaying in Aranjuez (with Sankara). This activity features both old-fashioned navigation in the gardens of Aranjuez and modern GPS technology. Participants carry out part of the challenge on foot and another phase in 4x4 vehicles. They must discover all the hidden treasures in the town with the help of local characters like a farmer or a hunter.

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An action-packed day!

In one of Kuoni Destination Management’s incentive trips, participants had quite a day… In the morning they attended a Spanish guitar workshop, dance classes and a course on how to make great “sangria”, as well as a Spanish-wine tasting in the Corral de la Morería. However, there was more in store for them: later, they made their way to a farm on the outskirts of the city where they had to learn the difficult art of bullfighting.

To relax after all this, they participated in a castizo (typically Spanish) country picnic.

Surprising nooks

In Madrid • Fuente de la Cibeles: this is the place where Real Madrid fans celebrate when their football team wins. It is an iconic Madrid fountain, located between Paseo de Recoletos and Paseo del Prado.

• Monte del Pardo: this Mediterranean forest, the best preserved in the Madrid area, is a true ecological paradise and lies just 8km from the capital.

• Retiro Park: with more than 100 hectares, this central park dates back to the 17th century and includes venues for events.

• Monasterio y Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial: another World Heritage Site, it is one of the main Renaissance monuments in Spain.

• Mercado de San Miguel: this market has recently opened after being shut for 65 years.

• Planetario de Madrid: In the Tierno Galván Park, the planetarium has 150 projectors and special effects that simulate the solar system, stellar explosions, pulsars, black holes and other wonders of our universe.

• Café de los Signos: a theatre which also offers magic shows. All waiters are deaf and communicate in sign language. A unique, silent experience that you are sure to remember.

• Palacio Real de Madrid: The royal palace is home to many great works of legendary artists such as El Greco, Rubens, Caravaggio, Velázquez and Goya.

Outside Madrid • Paisaje Cultural Patrimonio de la Humanidad de Aranjuez: this World Heritage City and cultural area includes the Palacio Real, the Real Casa del Labrador and the Jardines del Príncipe as well as a charming old town. Definitely a must-see.

• Monasterio y Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial: another World Heritage Site, it is one of the most important Renaissance monuments in Spain.

• Real Teatro Carlos III: colloquially called La Bombonera (the sweet shop), this 18th century building is located in San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

• Jardines de Aranjuez: these gardens with fountains and statues have inspired poets and musicians, including Joaquín Rodrigo, who immortalised the gardens in his “Concierto de Aranjuez”.

• Châteauform el Bosque: a venue dedicated to meetings, conferences and team-building activities, it has 44 bedrooms and 11 meeting rooms with a capacity for 70 persons.

• Finca Monte de los Ángeles: close to Madrid, this 100-year-old country house has different glass venues with a maximum capacity of 500 pax and a terrace for 300 pax.

• Finca la Muñoza: the same quarters that were home to Queen Cristina of the Two Sicilies are now the setting for multiple events with a total capacity of 586 pax.

• Spain's answer to Disneyworld: the Warner Brothers Movie World.

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We have the key to your next event in Spain

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T +34 91 432 0073

MADRID

An incentive… bear included

ITB, a DMC, took advantage of the best of Madrid in an incentive planned last January for 300 sellers from a Belgian financial company. The event was characterised by motivation, enjoyment and originality and it made it possible to “live” Madrid in a way that would have been impossible visiting the city individually.

After the welcome dinner in the stock market building, the group shook off any travel-related weariness in Moma, a trendy nightclub booked exclusively for the party. The next day, they embarked on a tour of Madrid, an olive oil tasting session, a photo session (in costume!), a “tapas” workshop, a wine competition... and finally a lamb roast in the town old.

But the best was yet to come: they spent part of the evening in the bullfighting arena of Las Ventas where they found a huge tent holding the Great World Circus, currently on tour in Madrid. Everything turned into a party. The circus artists themselves handed participants flowers as they sat at a table surrounded entirely by large screens that lined the inside of the tent. On these screens, images of bullfighting were projected along with images shot during their morning activities... this fun and original combination kept guests entertained as they dined.

A show featuring acrobatic and hula hoop bears kept things lively until the end of the event. The next morning, participants (and especially football fans) had one more thrill in store when they were invited to walk on the grass of Real Madrid’s Bernabeu football pitch. Finally, before taking the plane back, they enjoyed a relaxing lunch at the castizo Café Royal.

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Mini takes on renovated Calle Serrano

Makers of the Mini Countryman decided to capitalise on the tail end of the renovation of Calle Serrano by showcasing their new automobile on this mythical street right before it was reopened to the public. The event was organised by the agency MagicTouch. Harnessing the buzz of the impending opening of the thoroughfare, Mini and MagicTouch created an event that would celebrate the value of street fashion.

But what exactly was the event? A 400sqm canvas welcomed passers-by as a gateway to the Mini world. The car served as a stage for the acrobatic performance of a group of “street jumpers�. Behind them, two scenes, one psychedelic and the other one an extra-urban landscape, expressed the versatility of the car.

But the event did not end here. Demonstrating the qualities of the vehicle in a very concrete way, some professionals put on an acrobatic performance with the cars themselves. Finally, visitors could test the car, accompanied by company representatives.

About 200,000 people attended the event.

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MADRID

Madrid for congress: Fusion

In January, some of the world’s best-known chefs convened at the Palacio de Congresos for Madrid Fusion 2011, a gathering which has become one of the most important culinary events on the planet. To make this event even more special, organisers took it to the streets, tantalising the senses of participants and citizens alike.

For two weeks, cuisine, movies and fashion came together in the streets of Madrid. Restaurants, bars, delicatessens and markets joined forces to offer “sensory experiences” in the form of food tastings. Meanwhile, institutions and museums such as the Thyssen-Bornemisza, the Sorolla or the Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando played their part by hosting exhibitions and guided tours. Finally, the Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts (ICAA) in collaboration with the National Film Archive participated by showing a large selection of movies and documentaries focusing on the culinary arts.

The food-loving atmosphere continued as the shops of the "Golden Mile" (which runs along Calle Serrano) turned to “Gastrofashion” with special window displays featuring custom culinary motifs. And, as icing on the cake, “Dinner of Stars” made it possible for anyone to taste the specialties of international chefs in the best kitchens of the city.

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We have a chat with…

Madrid Convention Bureau

Could you name three activities in Madrid you considerer unique?

Madrid is home to many unique and unusual venues in which they can organise corporate events such as meetings or product presentations. Among these, we should highlight the Prado Museum, the Royal Tapestry Factory or the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

The capital of Spain is one of the few major cities (if not the only one) from which you can access six UNESCO Heritage Sites without driving for more than an hour. Nearby, you’ll find El Escorial, Toledo, Ávila, Aranjuez, Segovia and Alcalá de Henares. Visits are the perfect complement for your stay in Madrid and are a great option to include in the agenda of a congress.

Keys to organising a successful event Let professionals advise you when planning your event: DMCs and PCOs, advertising agencies and event organisers are there to help. Get in touch with public entities such as the Convention Bureau that can provide assistance and information.

COME EXPERIENCE THE

PALACE OF LINARES If you really want to surprise your guests, organize your event in one of the most exquisite and emblematic building in the heart of Madrid.

Tradition and technology come together in ten different and versatile spaces to suit your needs: from a high-level meeting behind closed doors to a conference for 300 people or a cocktail in a unique garden.

The Palace of Linares is also the headquarters of Casa de AmĂŠrica, the focal point of cultural and socio-political life of Latin America in Madrid.

Please, contact us at: Plaza de Cibeles, 2. 28014 Madrid +34 91 595 48 00 comercial1@casamerica.es

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Valencia N. D. -

H

igh-profile international events such as the America’s Cup, a Formula One Grand Prix and the MTV awards, among others, have positioned Valencia on the international events map. Ranked ninth worldwide by the UIA as the non-capital city that attracts the most international meetings, Valencia is also this year the ‘European Sport City’, with events such as the 33rd America’s Cup, the tennis tournament Valencia Open 500 and the Moto GP. In addition to sports and cultural happenings, Valencia has also recently held such major international events as the AC Forum, the CIRSE International Congress, the European RTD Framework Programmes, the Mediterranean Solar Plan, and the World Congress on Breast Diseases.

The arrival of the AVE (high-speed train) that connects the city with Madrid in 90 minutes is a new impulse for international events that want to combine the two cities.

Highlighted by new buidlings designed by leading architects that blend futuristic venues with its historic old quarter, Valencia has a lot to offer, including its Palacio de Congresos, recognised last year by the AIPC as the world’s best. Not a surprise that Valencia last year registered a 13% increase in bednights...

Bayer turns its employees into journalists in Valencia

4,800 delegates from 48 countries attended the ECCEO Congress of Osteoporosis at the Palacio de Congresos. The delegates stayed in Valencia for nine days.

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Bayer Vital presented a medicine for thrombosis with an event that started in Germany and ended in Valencia. Organised by the agency Face to Face, the program was based on the idea that employees of pharmaceuticals were "journalists" writing about this new product. The 120 attendees who travelled to Valencia and stayed five days enjoyed a complete programme that was later published in the newspaper "Xarelto News". The event included celebrating the launching at Campo Aníbal, visiting a farm, partying at the port of the America's Cup and team-building in the Monastery Cartuja.

Activities

• Traditional boat ride departing from the America’s cup port. The guests will learn everything about this port and the tournament. After sailing along the coasts (guests who like sailing can help in the navigation), the boat stops at the beach to allow guests to go for a swim and snorkel.

The boat ride includes lunch, a glass of champagne, open bar, and a singer and guitarist playing Spanish music.

Offered by Ultramar Events.

• Show cooking. Learn to cook paella in the natural park of la Albufera, surrounded by rice fields, and take a ride in the park on a traditional fishing boat. You can even have lunch on the boat.

• Fireworks workshop, where participants learn how to make and handle fireworks. Fireworks are a very typical activity in Valencia (often used in popular celebrations, weddings, burials, etc.)

Famous for…

• Paella: it is the home town of the most famous Spanish dish and other local productions such as oranges and the “orchata” drink, made from almonds, rice, barley or chufas (tigernuts).

• The fallas, a traditional and highly colourful street celebration where the locals build enormous paper statues, display them in a street procession and then burn them in a big celebration.

• The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, an impressive futuristic venue which epitomised the renewal of the city and its opening to the sea.

Highlighted venues

• Parque Natural de la Albufera: a natural park in the South, is one of the most beautiful areas of Valencia. The lake includes dune-like formations called mallades.

Three channels link the lake to the sea and each of them has created its own wildlife, making it extremely interesting.

• Triangulo de oro: the ‘golden triangle’ is made up of the central market, the Lonja de Mercaderes and the church of Santos Juanes, and is one of the most beautiful areas of the city.

• Veles e Vents: created for the America’s Cup, it is a new icon of the city. Located next to the new marina, it offers 10,000 square metres over four different levels, giving the impression that the floors are suspended. Its green area connects the port to the beaches and holds restaurants and leisure areas.

• Bioparc: a zoological park with more than 4,000 animals located next to the Turia River.

• Palacio de Congresos: designed by Norman Foster, it can host 4,000 pax, and 1,480 in the hall.

• Feria Valencia: this trade show venue has expanded drastically over the last few years, and now offers 231,000 square metres of space, making it the largest single trade show area in Spain. It has also added a convention centre for up to 5,000 pax in 2007.

• Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias: designed by the famous Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, it is the flagship of the city’s renovation. Includes auditoriums, the Oceanogràfic, an aquarium, and the arts-oriented Palau de les Arts.

• Outskirts of Valencia: don’t miss the country houses and castles. Among them, Campo Aníbal (named alter Hannibal, who stayed in this beautiful mansion on his way from Africa), the Huerto de Santa María or the Masía de Xamandreu. Markets such as the Mercado Central or the Mercado de Colón can also be rented for events.

• The Ágora, also by Calatrava, completes the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias with 1,810 square metres for over 5,000 pax. It hosted the tennis tournament Open 500 in November 2009.

Making a Falla Organised by Grupo Alade3

Las Fallas are undoubtedly the most important cultural event in Valencia.

Alade3 Group has designed a teambuilding experience in which participants give free rein to their imagination, creating their own ninots (colourful carton sculptures which are burned at the end of the celebration), in a traditional Valencian style. This project combines teamwork, communication and trust, but is also a perfect activity to immerse in the Valencian culture.

In a true fallero workshop, under the guidance of a local artist, the groups get to see their final creation, from beginning to fiery end.

Fun facts

Two chess grandmasters - Viswanathan Anand and Garry Karpov - inaugurated the high-speed train Valencia-Madrid.

• The saying “estar en la luna de Valencia” (to be under the moon of Valencia) applies to someone who, because of distraction, doesn’t get to do what he wants.

It originated when Valencia was a fortress-city whose doors closed every night.

Whoever didn’t make it on time had to stay out of the city during the night.

• The Holy Chalice of Valencia, believed to be the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper and considered the Holy Grail, is kept in the city’s Cathedral.

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Canary Islands N. D. -

T

hey are in the catalogues of recreational tour operators worldwide, but don’t be fooled: these islands of varied landscapes and year-round fantastic weather take meetings and events very seriously. They now offer some of the most impressive venues for events in Spain, striking hotels, and a range of professionals (including convention bureaus) which go far beyond organising a beach volleyball tournament for tourists.

So let’s talk about meetings! Add to that very good air connections and a total of seven volcanic islands (El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote) and meeting planners can start to think about exotic events without even leaving Europe. Plus, in recent years, they have implemented ambitious strategies to achieve sustainable development which is respectful of the islands’ environment.

Roberto Moreno, President of the Gran Canaria Tourism Board and Convention Bureau, is upbeat. As he recalls, the meetings and events market has grown significantly in the island in the last two years. Of course, its weather and nature help (Gran Canaria is also becoming one of the world’s top winter destinations for sport and outdoor events). However, it has a lot more to offer thanks to its rich history: if you organise an event here, don’t forget Gran Canaria is an island with a rich historical heritage that includes the aboriginal people, colonisers, pirates and even Columbus himself!

Auditorio Alfredo Kraus

Famous for…

• Its variety of landscapes: volcanic, white dunes, wild forests, blacksand coves, lunar landscapes, coffee plantations, cliffs...

• Whale-watching all year round.

• The mix of indigenous heritage and colonial architectural style.

• The salsa de mojo, a dipping sauce made with black pepper, sweet peppers, garlic, cumin and coriander.

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Fun facts

• The term “Canary” already appeared in the first document directly referring to the Islands. It is derived from the Latin word canis (dog).

• Almost 43% of Gran Canaria is protected, which translates to approximately 1,000sqm for each of the island's inhabitants.

• Even if the islands are fully part of Spain, you must clear customs when travelling between the mainland and the Canary Islands. Be careful if you have to ship equipment: there could be some clearance time.

• The island of La Palma is referred to as “la Isla Bonita” thanks to its immense natural beauty.

Maspalomas Congress Centre

Highlighted venues

Surprising nooks

• Pérez Galdós House-Museum: birthplace of writer Benito Pérez Galdós, this house is one of the most emblematic examples of 18th century Gran Canaria architecture.

• La Hacienda del Buen Suceso: 12km from Las Palmas city, it is built with quarry stone from Arucas, tea wood and tiles.

• La Casa del Reloj: located in the old part of Vegueta close to Las Palmas Cathedral, this venue has three large lounges decorated with a refined classicism and is capable of hosting celebrations of up to 130 guests.

• Columbus House: the house visited by Christopher Columbus during his journey to the Americas in 1492. Its rooms feature information regarding the role of the Canary Islands in the Discovery.

• Painted Cave of Gáldar: this aboriginal art site features geometrical designs based on squares, triangles and circles in red, ochre and white colours. To this day, they leave a large mark on contemporary art from Gran Canaria.

• La Casa del Vino, or wine house, is a renovated historical building in Santa Brígida where you can taste and learn about a variety of wines from the Canary Islands.

• Auditorio Alfredo Kraus: located in front of the capital city’s Las Canteras beach, this venue combines striking architecture and a great location to provide a unique and relaxing coastal environment.

• Gran Canaria Congress Centre: located in Las Palmas, it offers garden spaces and a diverse range of halls for events, totalling more than 7,500sqm.

• Maspalomas Congress Centre: a modern building in the south of the island, it offers 24 conference rooms with electronic screens and mobile stages.

• Hotel de Montaña Las Tirajanas: located 1,000m above sea level in the heart of the Island, this hotel has views of the island’s inner valleys and a room for small meetings.

• Gabinete Literario: in the north of the Island, this 14th-century convent has been renovated for events and features numerous rooms in a romantic and neoclassical style.

• Hacienda de Anzo: this old colonial mansion is suitable for small events. The Cave Room is located in a natural cave that has been adapted to accommodate 250 pax.

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CANARY ISLANDS

Activities

• Gran Canaria was a pioneer in introducing golf in Spain. Today, most of its golf courses are relatively new and the great climate makes it possible to practise this sport 365 days a year.

• Let Capital Incentive take you on a camel ride through the Maspalomas dunes, a seaside nature reserve with more than 400 hectares of golden sand.

• Sailing: the water temperature, the harbour infrastructure and the sea and wind conditions make this island a perfect place for sailing and other water sports all year round.

• Robinson Games: participants have to find a set of survival elements like tools, water, food, etc. At the same time, they will have to help each other build a shelter. All this occurs on an island (or an isolated beach) with few resources. This activity can be enhanced with a bivouac stay.

• Town to Town: this adventure involves navigating a car through the island and trying to discover various checkpoints based on a provided scenario along the way. At these locations, participants will discover various elements of interest to visitors, including cultural heritage or local crafts.

After the specific points are found, guests will have to complete a quiz about the island.

Be a racecar driver for a day at the Circuito de Gran Canaria

There’s no doubt the best way to discover the soul of the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is by participating in a cultural gymkhana

We have a chat with…

Roberto Moreno, President of the Gran Canaria Tourism Board and Convention Bureau Can you tell us a few unique activities in Gran Canaria?

Feel like a race-car driver for a day at the Circuito de Gran Canaria: Feel the spirit of team competition by driving a fun VW Beetle around this safe, closed-off road course. Participants have the option of forming teams or participating individually and they will receive classes on safe driving by monitors of Fun Cup Canarias. They can also participate in two tests of speed.

There’s no doubt the best way to discover the soul of the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is by participating in a cultural gymkhana: Participants are divided into groups to learn how to prepare our delicious mojo sauce before learning about our traditional dances accompanied by a folk group. Then, they discover the Santa Ana Cathedral, learn to play the traditional stick game, taste local wine, etc. All this takes place in the charming streets of the historic quarter of Vegueta, a key component in our bid to be European Capital of Culture in 2016.

Any advice for organisers planning an event on Gran Canaria…

Ask for advice from the team at the Gran Canaria Convention Bureau, which is always available to help make their event a success. Taking advantage of our experience and that of our partners, we’re in a perfect position to make their job easier.

Note: The other Canary Islands (El Hierro, La Gomera, La Palma, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote), which we do not describe in detail here, are also interesting for events; each has its own unique venues and original incentive activities.

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Tenerife

Carnival of the Far West

Tenerife has one of the most renowned carnivals of the world…

Taking advantage of this heritage, Teamfactory designed a programme for 500 pax that started with a team-building activity where attendees had to integrate with local groups (Comparsa Batucadas, Lees, carnival floats, etc ...) and dress up, put on makeup and participate with them in the Gran Coso de Carnaval. They then performed on the streets of a village which was decorated like a scene in the Wild West. At the end of the ride, they had a barbecue with local products followed by a party with a live band.

Impressive landscapes

Highlighted venues

• Auditorio de Tenerife: this auditorium, located in the heart of Santa Cruz, is housed in an avant-garde building designed by Santiago Calatrava and has a seating capacity of 1,600 pax.

• Puerto de la Cruz Congress Centre: this venue is housed amidst 110,000sqm of subtropical gardens with splendid views of the sea and a capacity for 1,000 pax.

• Magma Arte & Congresos: the striking main auditorium has seating capacity for 2,500 pax and a 300sqm stage.

• Parque Etnográfico Pirámides de Güímar: this historical monument illustrates the origin of the great indigenous civilisations, providing valuable insight into the first inhabitants of the area. The venue includes an auditorium for 164 pax.

• Siam Park: this huge water park in Costa Adeje features the largest artificial wave in Europe. It includes private islands, VIP cabins and a white-sand beach, not to mention a 3,000 pax capacity.

• Ábaco: in Puerto de la Cruz, this 18th century mansion in typical Canary Islands style is surrounded by gardens and has been adapted for events. It has also been catalogued as a building of cultural interest.

• Arona’s Pyramid Convention Centre, part of the luxurious Mare Nostrum Resort, is situated right on the El Camisón beach on the southern side of Tenerife. It can house 1,815 delegates.

Canary Island Gymkhana followed with a barbecue 400 people discovered the traditions of the Canary Islands in this cultural gymkhana organised by Teamfactory. The group was divided into teams with different straw hats with coloured ribbons to identify them. Then each team was given a map of the farm where they were told of activities to perform (make traditional mojo sauce, perform typical dances, make a dessert with bananas, etc.). After two hours of unique experiences, they relaxed with a Canarian barbecue where they could taste the typical flavours of the island.

Mercedes-Benz sales teams were dazzled by striking scenery and impressive roads which served as a backdrop for the global launch of their C and SLK models in Tenerife. More than 700 professionals affiliated with the prestigious German marque visited the island from the 2nd of March until the 25th. All were able to test the recentlyunveiled vehicles on island roads while enjoying such spectacular sites as the Teide National Park, Buenavista del Norte and Guía de Isora. A plane full of about 60 journalists landed every day in the island, where they stayed three days.

Fun facts

• Its carnival is one of the most colourful and best known in the world.

• The Teide, at 3,718 metres high, is the highest peak in all of Spain.

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CANARY ISLANDS

Activities

• In collaboration with the Office of Environmental Participation and Volunteer Activity, Tenerife offers the possibility of working to help renovate degraded spaces on the island. Activities include clearing waste, trail maintenance and guided tours to discover the natural sights of the area, among others.

• ¡Host a group in a unique environmentallyconscious village in a technological park located in the south of the island. The village is made up of 24 self-sufficient and energy-efficient houses, each one designed by a different renowned architect. The houses, with zero CO2 emissions, are a great—and educational—way to surprise the participants.

• Whale and dolphin watching: these excursions leave every day from various ports to seek out the whale or dolphin pods that live in the area or are passing through on longer migrations.

• Jeep Safari Tamarán: These 4x4 excursions led by specialised drivers allow participants to discover the hidden side of Tenerife. The tours pass through remote trails, forests, typical villages, volcanoes and many other otherwise inaccessible stretches of the island.

• Watching the stars: at the Observación de las Estrellas observatory, your group can observe the night sky with a long-range telescope from the place in Europe where one can see the greatest number of heavenly bodies.

• Descend the Masca ravine with Teamfactory.

With the help of instructors, the group arrives by boat to an area where they can spot dolphins and whales in the only place where one can see these mammals throughout the year.

Host a group in the bioclimatic village

Dinner in a banana farm

The agency created an unusual gala for 300 guests related to Tenerife’s best product: the banana. The celebration took place inside a banana greenhouse, as did a cocktail party where assistants explained banana cultivation. Later on, in the banana farm itself, participants found an elegant boardroom where a 90m-long imperial table was set-up, complete with 40-waiters.

We have a chat with…

Diego Fernandez, Tenerife Convention Bureau Coordinator Unique activities in Gran Canaria?

It’s possible to visit two World Heritage sites on a single island: the Teide National Park and the city of San Cristobal de La Laguna.

Go whale watching all year round: all year, cetaceans are so close to the coast that the island has become the world's second most important site for this activity. Among the cetaceans that live in the south of Tenerife is an estimated permanent population of about 500 pilot whales. Bottlenose dolphins also live in the area year round, swimming in pods off the southwestern coast of the island.

Dinner at 700m: eager to lend a helping hand, 25 vendors from a software company spent the day replanting Canary pines in a wooded area affected by a fire last year. “Tired but happy” was how one participant described himself before adding that, until then, he had “never seen a sunset over a sea of clouds”. Guests even ate dinner at more than 700m of elevation and enjoyed a perfect vantage point for stargazing.

Any advice for organisers planning an event in Gran Canaria…

In troubled times where combining rewarding experiences with smaller budgets may seem more an illusion than an art, Tenerife has plenty of “rabbits in the hat”. Tenerife is full of amazing activities, with fairytale hotels, banana plantations, volcanic caves, environmental recovery programmes and dinners set against the backdrop of the sound of crashing waves.

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Majorca F. A. C. -

E

very year, millions of tourists choose Majorca. And the island is growing as a destination for events and conferences as well. In fact, during 2010, conference and meetings tourism on the island increased by 1.7%, reaching a total of 66,932 attendees. To add to this trend, the Palacio de Congresos de Palma, which will open in April 2012, portends further improvements in our field.

Famous for…

• The Catedral de Palma, the Llotja and the Castell de Bellver, all excellent examples of Gothic architecture.

• Its typical pastry, known as the ensaïmada, and its famous cured sausage, called sobrassada.

• Its locally-made products, including footwear, hand-blown glass, Manacor pearls and herbal liquors; the latter have been prepared in the island’s monasteries since the Middle Ages.

• Its marvellous beaches bordering turquoise-coloured, crystal-clear waters and spectacular sea beds.

However, don’t think growing tourism has spoiled the island; the fact is, most of the coast is still intact, offering everything from stunning cliffs to tranquil creeks. And the island’s rural areas— dotted with small villages—are the perfect place to take a bike tour to take a break from the more crowded areas. With all this nature on hand, it’s easy to see why Majorca has been so successful in impressing visitors.

Superyacht Cup 2010

Over three days, the Bay of Palma hosted one of the most anticipated events of the year: the Superyacht Cup. In the last four editions, the Pidelaluna agency handled the organisation of this prestigious cup. The event kicked off with a cocktail party in the Moll Vell, or old wharf. This was followed with a giant paella and a Western-themed costume party organised

by The Yacht Report Group and MTN Satellite Communications.

Claire Matches These activities provided a relaxing space for networking in the middle an exciting event.

The Maltese Falcon, an impressive 88m sailboat featuring the latest technological advances, returned to the • The Reserva Puig de Galatos natural Superyacht Cup 2010. She was joined park: Here you can participate in by the Scorpione dei Mari and the 4x4 gymkhanas, cross Tibetan and Saudade, who won in their respective Amazonian hanging bridges, rock categories, Cruising and Performance. climb or rappel, all against a backdrop rich with wildlife.

• The Coves del Drac in Manacor, a set of impressive caves, includes spectacular chambers with thousands of stalactites, not to mention the park’s Martel Lake and several ponds.

There are numerous other spectacular caves scattered around the island.

Surprising nooks

• Palma’s Arabic baths: The baths date back to the era of Muslim domination in the Balearic Islands.

• Chapel of the Santísimo in the Palma cathedral: opened in 2007, its ceramic altarpiece created by artist Miquel Barceló recreates the miracle of bread and fish. In contrast to the altarpiece, the cathedral itself is a Gothic building which took over 500 years to build.

• Standing 1,445 metres above sea level, Puig Major is the highest point on Majorca.

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MAJORCA

Other Balearic Islands: Ibiza, Menorca, Formentera Majorca is the leading Balearic island, but its neighbours aren’t giving up on the meetings and incentives market. Ibiza, Menorca and, to a lesser extent, Formentera are all stand-alone options to consider. Plus, these smaller islands are perfect for short excursions from Majorca.

Menorca created its own convention bureau and offers some interesting venues for events, such as the 19th century Fortalesa d’Isabel II and La Mola, both suitable for large events.

Other options include Ses Pedreres de s’Hostal and Lítica, two old rock quarries converted into natural/cultural spaces that include impressive stone landscapes, labyrinths and gardens. And don’t forget the Cova d’en Xoroi (a discotheque-cave in Cala’n that literally hangs from a cliff). In Menorca, you can practise all sorts of sports in the open air, with everything from sailing, diving, kayaking and windsurfing to horseback riding and bike routes at your disposal.

Ibiza, famous for being an international party capital, is a blessed little island. Venues include the luxurious Ibiza Gran Hotel and the Palacio de Congresos in Santa Eulària des Rius. A nice place to visit is the Es Canar market (in Santa Eulària des Riu, Ibiza), which takes place every Wednesday and continues to be the essence of the Ibiza hippie lifestyle. Ibiza has plenty of nice beaches to do aquatic sports but one of the most amazing activities on the island is visiting Sa Cova des Cuieram in Sant Joan de Labritja, a Punic sanctuary located in a natural cave. Riding a horse along Ibiza’s lovely beaches is another possibility offered by the Hipòdrom d'Eivissa in Sant Rafel S'Hort Nou. And, obviously, a visit to Ibiza is not complete without a relaxing beachside aperitif, Café-del-Mar style…

Last but not least, don’t forget Formentera, the smallest and quietest of the four. This little island is perfect for exploring during a one-day cycling tour.

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Activities

• Majorca has almost 700km of bicycle trails. Sportier guests can ascend the winding track that brings them to the Sant Salvador Monastery in Felanitx. The regional Arenal trail, parallel to the coast, is a less strenuous option.

• One way to see the island from a different perspective is from the cockpit of a plane during a flight class or from the saddle of a Vespa while touring Majorca’s rural landscapes.

• Fans of a slower-paced adventure will enjoy taking a vintage train from Palma to the town of Soller. This narrow gauge railroad has covered this route through the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range since 1912.

• In the fall or winter you can join a Majorcan family as they harvest olives and grapes and learn how to produce organic olive oil and wine.

• Bellver organises exclusive showings and fashion events to help participants discover the traditional furs and textiles of the islands.

• Paragliding: jump from the Serra de Tramuntana towards the interior of the island or take a motorboat out to sea in places like Cala Millor, Cala Ratjada, Cala Mesquida and Cala Guya.

• Majorca is also very attractive for equestrian tourism, a perfect option for nature lovers who want to enjoy beautiful rural and coastal environments on horseback.

• Sailing is a well established sport in Majorca, as is windsurfing, kite surfing and wakeboarding; there are even sea excursions in pedal boats! Canoeing and water skiing are other waterborne options. The island also has aquatic parks, a dolphin zoo and sailing schools to round out its maritime selection.

• Diving is also offered, especially from March to May and from September to November.

• Ivents suggests a themed dinner in Cap Rocat, an old restored fortress perfect for medieval themed events, gala dinners, horse shows, falconry and sword fights.

• See craftsmen work in the Passeig de l’Artesanía de Palma in Sa Gerreria, one of Majorca’s oldest neighbourhoods.

The traditional handicrafts were recuperated from medieval trades and are now showcased in 15 workshops. You can buy handicrafts like ceramics, glass, jewellery, pearls, leather, etc.

• A visit to the medieval patios of the capital, such as those found in Can Caldés, Can Lladó, Can Dubai and Salas.

There are 60 of these inner courtyards in as many noble houses scattered throughout the city of Palma. These small architectural treasures offer a different view of the capital.

• Dine on traditional Mallorquin (Majorcan) dishes at Celler Sa Premsa in Palma.

Highlighted venues

• The Palma Auditorium, with a capacity of 1,600 pax, is located on the city’s famous Passeig Marítim.

• The Palacio de Congresos de Palma will begin operations in April 2012.

It is located on the edge of the Palma Bay and has an auditorium for more than 2,000 pax, a 1,120sqm hall and a 650sqm room.

• Pueblo Español Congress Palace Palma: this venue, the largest hall on the island, has room for up to 1,500 pax.

• Auditori de la Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró: originally the workshop where the Catalan artist developed his creative work, the site is presently a meeting point for writers, artists and musicians. It can host 100 pax.

• Can Domenge–Centre Tecnològic: this convention centre, with a capacity for 300 pax, focuses on technological services.

• The Real Cartuja de Valldemossa: this monumental complex dates back to King James II, who chose this 400-metre-high location to build a palace Marga Méndez, Director of Mallorca Convention for his son. Today it is a cultural centre.

Bureau • Hotel Gran Melià Victoria’s convention centre: with 11 meeting rooms designed in traditional Balearic style all connected My city offers outstanding to the hotel, this facility is ready for meetings. And attractions for events, but its Magna room has space for 500 pax. if I had to highlight a really Ron Barceló: Young people take • The five-star Biomar Gran Hotel & Spa has unique factor it would be… meeting rooms for up to 350 pax. to the skies… to party!

Excellent communications, • Riskal, a large entertainment centre, has A few days before this (mysterious) a temperate climate gardens, walkways, restaurants, cafes, music event, a video with the message that makes it possible to clubs, a discotheque, venues for events and open “Madrid: 6 million people… this Friday, celebrate events any time air multi-purpose areas.

200 will disappear” went viral on the of year (and complement Internet. The following Friday, Ron them with excursions) and, Barceló chartered a jet with Ibiza as its finally, a hotel and service destination and 200 hundred university infrastructure that makes students as its passengers. These any request possible. students had started their Friday in • Frederic Chopin and George Sand arrived to class, like any other week. However, Future plans in the Majorca in 1838 to continue their love affair. they decided to make a last-minute, meetings and events They stayed in the Cartuja de Valldemossa, mad-dash trip and spend a night market… where Chopin composed various pieces while partying at Pacha Ibiza.

The legendary The most important thing Sand worked on her famous novel, Un hiver à super club was waiting and there was is to complete the Palma Majorque (A Winter in Majorca). She wrote of no time to think, just time to act. congress centre, which Majorca: “All that a painter or a poet can dream The slogan of the “Day of the will give the sector new of, nature had created in this place.”

200” was “Decide what you want to opportunities for big • Painter Joan Miró lived in Palma de Majorca do in a given moment and come and events. At the Mallorca from 1956 until his death in 1983. live a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Convention Bureau, this • The Palau de Miravent in Palma is the summer That night, 200 people enjoyed an year our promotional work residence of the Spanish royal family. unforgettable party while more than is focused primarily on • Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones, Richard 5 million spectators followed along organising fam trips to Branson, Claudia Schiffer and Boris Becker online. show the possibilities that are among the many celebrities with a house in Majorca offers.

Majorca.

• Robert Graves, who settled on the island, also described Majorca as “paradise”.

We have a chat with…

Fun facts

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Galicia F. A. C. -

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t is the bridge between Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. It is also a mystical land of legends and traditions. After the closing of the Xacobeo year celebrations, a true expression of religious fervour and folklore, Galicia continues to attract the interest of tourists and event planners.

A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela and Vigo fascinate thanks to their special connection to the sea (long before the Romans, their ports were used by the Phoenicians). And don’t forget its warm people and the famous Galician gastronomy, famous for its variety of fresh fish and wine. Now add hot springs and outdoor activities and you have a winner.

Taking these assets as a jumping off point, these cities aim to gain a bigger share of the meetings industry. Fine historical venues like the beautiful old pazos (Galician palaces) are complemented by two of the country’s most outstanding venues, Expocoruña and Palexco, plus the new Convention Bureau of Vigo, inaugurated in March 2011.

Fun facts

Galician Sea Museum Palacio de Congresos de A Coruña, Palexco

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• According to a legend, Hercules founded the city of A Coruña. People say a giant called Gerion was terrorising its inhabitants. Hercules then defeated Gerion, cut off his head, and ordered a tower built on top of the head.

• The original botafumeiro (thurible) of Santiago’s cathedral was taken by Napoleon in 1851. It is 1.5m high and weighs 50kg. It is always moving and seven men are needed to move it.

• Vigo is known as the “Olive City” and an olive tree is prominently displayed on the city’s crest.

• Zara’s first store opened in A Coruña. Amancio Ortega, the textile empire’s founder and Spain’s richest man, lives there to this day.

• The city has begun to receive a steady flow of sinners in search of the great pardon granted by the Church during Jacobean years, of which 2010 was the most recent one. According to a tradition going back nine centuries, Catholics can repent from their errors and receive a plenary indulgence.

• According to The Guardian, the best beach in the world is in Galicia. It is the one of Rodas found in the Cíes Islands.

Highlighted venues

Taking back Vigo

This March 28th, Vigo celebrated the 200th anniversary of its reconquista (“re-conquering”) from French rule. It was the first city in 19th-century Europe to expel Napolean’s troops and reclaim its independence. For the occasion, Vigo’s city centre was converted into an open-air theatre where exhibits and a documentary were shown. However, the most exciting part was a show in the streets featuring horses, cannons and actors in period dress. Finally, there was a congress which was attended by a descendent of Napoleon.

Auditorio- Palazo de Congresos Mar de Vigo: opened in 2011

Vigo • Auditorio-Pazo de Congresos Mar de Vigo: opened in 2011, this site is already an important force in the city’s meetings industry. Its shape is reminiscent of a large, transatlantic ship and it has a capacity of 2,500 pax. It also boasts the largest stage in Galicia, which measures 800sqm • Hotel Carris Beiramar: this superior four-star hotel is situated next to the new Palacio de Congresos. It has excellent views of the sea and a contemporary style.

• LaBarroka: located in Vigo’s Old Town, this new art space has a 300sqm showroom.

• Pazo Quiñones De León Museum: This 17th-century Galician manor house has a French garden and indoor and outdoor areas for receptions.

• Galician Sea Museum: The city lighthouse and a former abattoir have joined to become a museum with a conference room with capacity for 180 pax.

• Museum of Contemporary Art: This former jail in the city centre is now a museum with a conference room for 150 pax and a restaurant.

A Coruña • Palacio de Congresos de A Coruña, Palexco: the main congress centre of the city offers room for 2,300 pax.

• The trade fair area, Expocoruña: 26,000sqm and an auditorium for 450 pax.

• The Torre de Hércules: sip cocktails while enjoying a view of the entire bay of A Coruña.

• The Aquarium Finisterrae: with more than 600 species of marine life and a capacity for gala dinners for 300 pax, this aquarium is ready for interesting and educational events.

• The Castillo de San Antón: this 14th-century fortress now houses the Museo Arqueológico e Histórico and has a cocktail terrace for 200 pax.

• Coliseum de A Coruña: 1900sqm with cutting edge design and a capacity for 11,000 pax.

Santiago de Compostela • Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones de Galicia: this venue includes a 2100 seat auditorium, the 1580 pax Santiago Room and several other halls.

• Auditorio de Galicia: its main room can host 1000 pax.

• Parador de los Reyes Católicos: located in the middle of the Plaza del Obradoiro, this hotel has 11 event rooms.

Its restaurant, Enxebre, offers traditional food in a typical Galician tavern atmosphere.

• San Francisco Hotel Monumento: in the old town, the 13thcentury wing of the San Francisco convent was declared a Cultural Heritage Site. Its majestic Patio de Cristal can host cocktail parties and events. It is flanked by the Carlos V auditorium and the Monumental dining room.

• Universidad de Santiago: this place of learning offers a wide range of meeting rooms with historical charm.

• The Ciudad de la Cultura de Galicia: this complex has 142,000sqm of museums, libraries and auditoriums which blend cultural conservation with research, creativity and cultural enjoyment.

The Hejduk Towers, Santiago de Compostela

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GALICIA

Activities

• DMC Galicia proposes a pilgrimage to a stately noble home.

With the help of pulpeiras and mejilloneiras (specialists in preparing octopus and mussels, respectively), the group observes the preparation of these typical dishes while tasting other traditional fare. The pilgrimage is livened up by a group of bagpipe players and a local dance troupe.

• In A Coruña, rent the tourist tram which follows a route along the Paseo Marítimo and then visit the Castillo de San Antón, the Torre de Hércules, the Aquarium Finisterrae, the Casa del Hombre, the beaches of Orzán and Riazor and, finally, the Mirador del Monte de San Pedro, which offers spectacular views of the city below.

• Viaxes Loa organises a maritime tour that recreates the excitement of the Battle of Rande, which occurred in 1702.

While learning about the past, participants can sample typical foods and wines from the region.

• Learn the art of fishing while being guided by a group of fishermen at a natural seafood farm. Then visit an auction at a fish market in a seaside village (by DMC Galicia).

• Orzan Congres suggests a 30-minute plane ride over the city, enabling guests to take in the Burgo river, the city’s beaches and its traditional houses. Another possibility is a boat ride to observe the Galician coastline.

• Take a gastronomic tour in Santiago along the Rúa do Vilar and the surrounding area. Stops include the Casa de lo Quesos, traditional businesses in the Rúas Orfas, the popular Mercado de Abastos and the food shops in Plaza de Cervantes.

The visit ends with a tasting in a local wine and tapas bar (by Viajes Viloria).

• Pass one night in the Middle Ages in a themed dinner complete with swords, knights, damsels and druids in the Castillo de Gondomar in Pontevedra, near Vigo (by Viaxes Loa).

• Visit enchanted forests along a stretch of the Camino near Santiago. The participants dress up as pilgrims, donning a cape and hat and carrying a walking stick. The guides tell of legends, miracles and historical characters that have passed through the city. The walk is livened up by two actors who appear out of nowhere and are disguised as a witch, a goblin, or a monk. The latter will even marry two of the participants...

• Take an excursion through the Rías Baixas with an exclusive ride across the Ría de Arousa on an antique steam boat capable of holding 120 passengers. It can be combined with a visit to the Polígono de Bateas, where guests learn about the cultivation of mussels, oysters and scallops while sampling local food on board (by Viajes Viloria).

• A walk through Europe's richest cathedral site: the site, made up of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and its four squares (Obradoiro, Quintana, Praterías and Inmaculada), is one of the most interesting and richest in Europe.

• A must-visit: the Mercado de Abastos (Food Market) is the city's main market. It has rural character but it is also outfitted with the latest modern infrastructure. It is the perfect place to discover the gastronomy and culinary customs of Galicia.

• Picasso Route: not everyone knows that Picasso lived in A Coruña for four years. Let your group discover the house where he lived, the school where he learned to paint.

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A day of pilgrimage

The Camino de Santiago is one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in the world. Viaxes Loa organises a day-long walk along the Camino aimed at breaking with routine and showing participants what it means to make a pilgrimage.

The participants dress up as pilgrims to really get into the Camino experience: they wear a cape and hat and carry a walking stick. During the walk, some actors appear in character as a monk, a fairy or a goblin and surprise the guests. Meanwhile, a guide explains the legends and culture of the Camino. Later, the pilgrims meet local residents who live in a traditional Galician stone house which has been converted into a hostel. There, guests can sample locally-produced products while dancing to bag-pipe music.

Bar-hopping for tapas Organised

by Santiago Tourism

The custom of going for tapas is well established in Compostela, a city where “going out for a drink” is a long tradition. In order to offer the best tapas, Santiago Tourism organises the “Santiago Tapas” Competition every summer. The public can complete several routes featuring bars and restaurants and then vote for their favourite tapa. They can also use a special passport called Tapasporte to collect all necessary stamps to certify their culinary “pilgrimage”.

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Costa del Sol F. A. C. -

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he Costa del Sol has been a tourism powerhouse since cinema stars started frequenting the area in the 1970s, creating an ambiance full of fame, luxury and glamour. But there’s more to the area than its legendary sun (though its name does mean “Coast of the Sun”): the fact is, the region is a dynamic player in our industry. The main city, Malaga, recently hosted a striking number of key industry events (highlights include ICCA, SITE, MPI and the first Iberian MICE Forum). And if that wasn’t enough, the region is also pushing hard to become a sustainable destination.

Today, between 25 and 30% of Spain’s large luxury hotels are found in Marbella and the surrounding area. Air connexions, already strong, further improved with the opening of a new terminal in 2010. Meanwhile, the first-class golf courses that dot the landscape are just one example of the luxurious options this region has to offer. All this contrasts with the charm of typical Andalusian villages, famous for their narrow streets and white-washed houses adorned with flowers.

It’s hard to talk about Malaga, the regional capital, without talking about art: Picasso was born here and a new Thyssen Museum was inaugurated in 2011, right in the city centre. On the other hand, there is no shortage of more down-to-earth pleasures, as the region is known for its famous pescaditos (delicious small fried fish perfect for enjoying on a sun-washed terrace).

Fun facts

• One could say the Costa del Sol’s modern history begins in Torremolinos with the arrival of George Langworthy, better known as “el Inglés” (the Englishman). He and his wife resided in the Castillo de Santa Clara.

• Talk about extreme customisation! In Malaga, when ordering a coffee with milk, no less than eight different names are used to describe the exact proportions of coffee and milk one would like.

• The late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia spent his summer holidays in Marbella accompanied by an entourage of 3,000 people, 200 cars, helicopters, planes, and an army of bodyguards.

• Malaga aspires to become a European cultural capital in 2016. With this goal in mind, all existing museums are undergoing renovation or improvements while several new museums are under construction, including the Wine Museum, the Flamenco Museum and the Semana Santa (Holy Week) Museum.

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Highlighted venues

• Automotive Museum in Malaga: this brand new facility is geared to entertainment, art, culture and, of course, cars. In fact, this modern, 6,000sqm facility boasts one of the most important collections of cars in Europe.

• The Thyssen Museum, a gallery of 230 painting masterpieces, was recently unveiled at the Palacio de Villalón, located in the historic centre of Malaga.

• With over 3,000sqm of multifunctional rooms, the La Cabane Beach Club in Marbella offers the most exclusive buffet on the Costa del Sol, with a wide range of fresh seafood.

• The Hotel Vincci Posada del Patio was the first five-star hotel to open in Malaga. It is located right in the historic city centre and has 109 luxurious rooms.

• The Hacienda Nadal is an 18th century mansion and today it offers 15,000sqm of space and gardens with a capacity for banquets of up to 1,000 pax.

• Málaga Picasso Museum: located in the magnificent Palacio de los Condes de Buenavista, this important cultural facility can also be rented for events.

• Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga: avant-garde architecture brings style to a 60,000sqm facility with room for up to 20,000 pax.

• Jardín Botánico Histórico de La Concepción: a spectacular venue dating to1850, this facility is available for events and themed dinners.

• Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Marbella: this venue includes a top floor with more than 3,000sqm and a plenary room with 1,600 seats.

• Palacio de Congresos de Torremolinos: the main hall is divided into two floors of 3,000 and 2,500sqm. Plus, this year, it has opened the first meeting room for smokers in Spain.

• Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Estepona: this facility combines 21,000sqm of indoor space with a 15,000sqm garden. Other amenities include a heliport and an all-purpose pavilion.

• Escuela de Arte Ecuestre: located in Estepona, this venue has rooms for events and themed dinners.

• Palacio Duque Heredia: this 19th century palace has a 21,000sqm garden, which is part of the Botanical Garden of Malaga.

• Palacio de Cropani: this 1,200sqm neoclassical building has five meeting rooms and can hold a cocktail party for 300 pax.

• Bodega Ecológica Joaquín Fernández: this eco-friendly winery offers a cellar for 80 guests and an outdoor hall for 300.

Nickname

The Costa del Sol is a nickname in and of itself (Coast of the Sun). An alternate name is the Golf Coast, because it has the largest number of golf courses in Spain.

A Hollywood-flavoured incentive

Become the character of a movie: this was the concept that Iberoservice Incoming Services proposed to executives and clients from companies such as Vodafone, Powerade, Ford and Alfa Romeo. Each company could choose from a selection of movies or TV series. The costumes, stunts, technology and special effects were all included in the budget, which ranged from a “low-budget production” to a full on Hollywood “blockbuster”. An original screenplay was created just for the event, including close-ups of the participants so that everyone could have their 15 minutes of fame. The action scenes were performed by stunt performers, which allowed for spectacular—and safe—filmmaking.

During the activity, a team of camera operators records the movie. Once edited and produced, the spectacular result is delivered to the company.

The opening of the Thyssen Museum was attended by both the Baroness Thyssen herself and Antonio Banderas, himself a native son of Malaga.

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COSTA DEL SOL

Famous for…

• Its year-round mild temperature and hours of sun.

• Puerto Banús, a luxurious sporting hub and entertainment centre for the jet set.

• Being the summer residence of many celebrities.

• Picasso, who was born in Malaga.

• Pescaditos: these small fried fish are perhaps the most famous example of Malaga’s gastronomy.

A team-building activity in Mija

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Activities

• Attend a polo game at the exclusive Sotogrande Club followed by a visit to the facilities. You can also organise a polo clinic for your guests (organised

by Ultramar Events).

• Each year Malaga celebrates the Spanish Film Festival, a hugely successful event that draws both large numbers of visitors and extensive media coverage.

• Experience the Moragas: in these typical dinner parties on the beaches of Malaga, fishermen take fresh fish from right off the boats and cook them up on the spot.

• Discover the beautiful city of Malaga while using a fun and sustainable means of transport, the Segway: see authentic, local spots in the Old Town and follow the Picasso route (Picasso Museum, Picasso birthplace, Santiago Church, etc.).

• Drive an Ascari race car on the Ascari Race Resort’s private track, located in Ronda. This luxurious resort and academy is for very exclusive incentives.

• Come to the Hacienda Moreno to try ceramic and pottery workshops, take flamenco lessons or learn how to guide a cart pulled by two mules. This farm, dedicated to breeding fine horses of the Purest Andalusian breed, is situated in the incomparable setting of the Guadalhorce River Valley, just twenty miles from Marbella.

• Take a tapa tour on two wheels: Málaga Bike Tours offers excursions in which participants learn the history, culture and tales of the city. At each stop, they can try tapas and local wines while listening to the guide’s local insight.

• Explore hidden coves while admiring the rich natural seabed from the deck of the Fly Blue Catamaran. Organised by Ultramar Events, this excursion can even be combined with a ski trip to the slopes of the Sierra Nevada in the same afternoon.

• Drive off-road cars to an isolated farm in the Malaga mountains and enjoy a unique experience participating in the daily life of a local family in their own cottage. Groups can go grape-harvesting in the vineyard, learn how to dry the grapes to make raisins and share an informal country lunch with the family. In a nearby village, they can make their own wine the traditional way by stamping the grapes with their feet (by España Incoming & Incentives).

• Restaurant Roca Tranquila offers participants the opportunity to spend a day in the open kitchen of Roca Tranquila preparing a three-course menu with in-house chef Kasper Nielsen. After guests prepare typical Mediterranean dishes, they can enjoy the fruits of their labour in a private room.

Surprising nooks

Malaga city • Castillo de Gibralfaro: the city’s best watch tower. A tour around its decorated walls and towers allows you to get a bird’s-eye view of the entire city.

• Hotel del Pintor: this small boutique hotel, owned by artist Pepe Bornoy, combines art with comfort.

• La Antigua Casa de Guardia: opened in 1849, this is the city’s oldest winery. Drinking a glass of Muscat wine is a must.

The rest of the Costa del Sol • The historical town of Marbella: with white alleys and balconies decorated with flowers, this area houses the Plaza de los Naranjos and the remnants of the Arabian castle known as the Castillo Árabe.

• Cuevas de Nerja: the most important natural heritage site in the area was formed over thousands of years as water eroded marble surfaces, creating unique caverns known for their great beauty and impressive size.

• Ocean Club: situated in Puerto Banús, this luxurious club has facilities which can be rented for events.

• Real Maestranza de Ronda: this neoclassical bullfighting arena opened in 1785 and has the largest ring in Europe, measuring 66m in diameter.

• Paraje Natural de El Torcal: located in Antequera, this natural park features more than 12,000sqm of limestone rocks that emerged from a prehistoric seabed 150 million years ago.

We have a chat with….

Francisco Quereda, Director of the Malaga Convention Bureau

Three activities in the Costa del Sol that you consider unique?

Something definitely worth experiencing is the Moraga, a dinner party on the beaches of Malaga.

Fishermen take freshly caught fish and cook it right on the beach.

Practically mandatory in the Costa del Sol a tapa and drink excursion: what better way to enjoy Spanish gastronomy while visiting Andalusian towns?

Other opportunities not to be missed are the team-building exercises and sustainable activities held in the historic centre of Malaga. And if you’re looking for nature, why not try the Montes de Malaga nature park?

Belén Pérez-Gascón, Director of the Costa del Sol Convention Bureau & Tourism Board

Ever felt the need for speed? The people at BMW sure have, and that’s why they stayed in Malaga’s Kempinski Hotel Bahía three weeks for the presentation of two new motorcycle models to dealers from 43 countries. The impressive sound of the bikes’ engines was quite a thrill as the motorcycles toured the surrounding area at this thrilling event.

Why should an event planner choose the Costa del Sol? The ease of connections coupled with the quality of the local catering and event industry.

Malaga is the transport hub of the Costa del Sol. In fact, more than 12 million passengers have been to Malaga in the new airport terminal’s first year of operation. On the other hand, the highspeed rail has revolutionised the way people travel to Malaga: passengers can get from Madrid to the heart of the Costa del Sol in just two and a half hours. And we mustn’t forget to mention that the Andalusian capital is one of the most important ports of call for cruise ships in Spain.

On the other hand, the Costa del Sol is famous for the quality of its cuisine: Ronda’s olive oil has been rated as one of the top 20 oils in the world by the prestigious Italian guide, Flos Olei.

Furthermore, chef Dani Garcia has been awarded two Michelin stars and his chain of La Moraga tapas restaurants is expanding.

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ith much of its territory protected and five natural areas declared Biosphere Reserves, Asturias is a real natural paradise for incentives. Ranging from the renowned national park Picos de Europa to the singular forest Somiedo Muniellos, nature is one of the greatest strengths of the region. But its attractiveness as an event destination goes far beyond that: each of its three main cities—Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés—is breaking new ground in the events market. Gijón has striking venues such as La Laboral while Oviedo has just opened an avant-garde congress centre designed by famous architect Calatrava.

Have an aquatic dinner in Gijón. Surrounded by marine life in the Gijón Aquarium, you can offer your group a special dinner under the watchful eyes of all types of fish.

Meanwhile Avilés features the “Cultural Centre Niemeyer”, a multidisciplinary centre with space for a variety of artistic endeavours. The Archaeological Museum of Oviedo, the Fernando Alonso circuit in Llanera, the Art Centre's work in Gijón and the Rock Art Centre in Ribadesella Tito Bustillo are some of the other new assets of Asturias. Gastronomy is another aspect that anyone who has travelled to Asturias won’t forget, thanks to the quality of the local ingredients and the variety of dishes available, not to mention the region’s six Michelin-starred restaurants. Besides, the three cities are just twenty minutes apart, so you can combine a presentation inside a clock tower in Gijón with a fun-filled afternoon looking for gold nuggets in Navelgas before ending the day with a cocktail and a seafood feast in the old fish market in Oviedo. All this combined with the arrival of the AVE high-speed train in 2012 makes it a compelling destination.

La Laboral

Príncipe Felipe Auditorium

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The new Ayre Hotel Oviedo is located in the Convention and Exhibition Centre

Highlighted venues

In Oviedo • The Convention and Exhibition Centre, designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, has just opened its doors in the centre of Oviedo. With 15,530sqm, it is one of the biggest in Spain.

• The Ayre Hotel Oviedo, located in the new Convention and Exhibition Centre City of Oviedo, opened its doors in May 2011. It has large meeting rooms ranging from 45 to 600sqm as well as 155 guest rooms.

• Principe Felipe Convention Centre and Auditorium: this modern venue has been built with a neoclassical flair in the city’s antique water-storage facility.

• Reconquista Hotel: this emblematic and historic hotel located right in the centre of Oviedo includes an impressive hall, previously a 17th century hospice chapel, as well as beautiful courtyards. It is listed as a National Monument.

• The Caldas Villa Termal: this spa centre features an area for meetings and events as well as a five-star hotel, all located just five minutes from Oviedo. This year they also opened the Hotel Enclave Las Caldas (another four-star hotel) and the Aquaxana, a wellness centre located in a garden spanning over 8,000sqm.

• Villabona Palace: this 15th-century palace has been declared an artistic-historical monument. Its interior halls are decorated with tapestries while the exterior includes 20 hectares of typical Asturian gardens.

• Bosque de la Zoreda Castle: five minutes from Oviedo, it offers a pavilion with seating for 1,400 pax and a view of an early 20th-century castle surrounded by a luxurious forest.

• San Cucao Castle: this historic venue includes the 14thcentury Valdés Tower as well as a modern building.

In Gijón • Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones: In the heart of the city’s 160,000sqm trade show area, this venue has a hall for 800 pax and two conference rooms for 200 pax.

• Laboral Ciudad del Arte y la Cultura: This event-friendly complex is currently a centre for exhibitions, design and industry. It also happens to be one of the best places to host an event in the city. This facility combines an historical building with theatre seating for 1,500 pax, not to mention various meeting rooms, including the original Clock Room.

• Museo del Ferrocarril de Asturias: The train museum has locomotives that can be used for events. A meeting can even be held on the tracks!

• Finca La Isla: built in 1870, it combines the beauty of plants and the symbolism of water. It is located in the Botanico Atlántico gardens.

• Palacio de Luces: a five-star hotel built on the foundations of a stately 16th-century home, this venue is located on the coast.

• Gallery Art and Food: an avant-garde venue that combines an art gallery, meeting rooms, a bar, and a restaurant serving fine cuisine.

In Avilés • International Cultural Centre Oscar Niemeyer. This striking venue features an exhibition area, a projection hall and an auditorium for 1,300 pax, all in a striking waveshaped glass building.

Grupo Leche Pascual enjoyed the famous gastronomy of Asturias in an incentive by Neozink

100% Gijón

It was two intense days in the city for this group of a dozen executives. After checking in at the Hotel Abba, they went on a tour to discover panoramic views of the city from the top of the hill, where they took in the vistas of Gijón’s double bay.

After visiting La Laboral, they took a boat trip along the coast, where they ate at the Bellavista restaurant while enjoying 360° views of the bay. They then embarked on a walking tour to discover the most charming district of the city, Cimavilla, a neighbourhood known for having all the flavour of a remote fishing village while being located in the heart of downtown.

After a visit to see sharks at the Aquarium and a quick cocktail on the terrace of NH’s Avant Garde hotel, they visited the Trabanco Llagar and experienced networking, Asturian style: the espicha. This traditional Asturian fiesta revolves around the world of cider. In a relaxed atmosphere with no assigned seats, guests enjoy casual dining with traditional music and dance. After dinner, the group participated in the National Cider Pouring Competition .

At night, the party continued in Cimavilla... The next day, they enjoyed Gijon’s tradition of “Walking the Wall” of San Lorenzo during an activity designed by Mg Lab, covering around 6km by bike or on foot. Then guests replanted trees on Mount Deva in an activity organised by CSR. After the ride, they headed towards the Botanical Gardens in the Finca la Isla where they had a seminar in the heart of the gardens. After a ‘cider route’, the group went to dinner at El Zamorano, a Gijón classic. There, guests enjoyed a seafood-based Cantabrian menu. The trip ended with a visit to the Ethnographic Museum Pueblo de Asturias, where several team-building activities were held before a final networking session took place at the Spa Hotel Bal.

100% Adrenaline

Participants in the “Natural Paradise No limits” activity, organised by Neozink, didn’t rest much during that day. The challenge included paintball, quad rides, buggies, boats, horses, and a zip line measuring over 100m spanning the river Sella. A plan filled with adrenaline, teamwork and competition capitalised on Asturia’s key asset: nature.

Playing with food

The renowned Asturian gastronomy was the centrepiece of this incentive organised by Neozink for Grupo Leche Pascual. Attendees were greeted by the popular comic character “Captain Thunder” and his (hungry) friends. The group then had to rise to the occasion, divide into teams and prepare different dishes for him. To get the ingredients, they had to successfully perform a series of activities and games.

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Take your team gold panning and you may even find a gold nugget

Activities

• Discover the magic of Asturias. Asturian mythology is very rich in characters and legends. Neozink organises incentives in which various mythological characters guide participants through different sites on horseback, quads, off-road vehicles, etc. The group must locate the maximum number of “trasgus”, one of the more emblematic mythological creatures from Asturias.

• Baptism by surf. Slash Surf School in Gijón gives the group necessary equipment (board and wetsuit) and teaches them this thrilling discipline in the city’s bay with the help of experienced guides.

• Go gold panning and visit the Gold Museum. You may even find a gold nugget in the rivers next to the small village of Navelgas. Take the challenge and entertain your group with this activity that has become quite a sport; there is even a world championship held every summer!

• Descend the River Sella in a kayak and then enjoy a sampling of typical Asturian food and cider on the riverbank.

• Fishing day. A good opportunity for team building without leaving Gijón...

Marina Gijón organises various onboard activities for corporate groups, including fishing excursions.

• Try “sidroterapia” at the Hosteria de Torazo. Here, guests can take advantage of the anti-aging properties of products made of cider and other apple derivatives. You can also experience the apple and cider route and visit the cider museum, apple plantations and wineries, most of which are located just to the east of Gijón.

• Visit the caves where cabrales, a delicious goat cheese, is produced. Then, learn all about how it is made before participating in a cheese tasting with more than 40 types of cheese paired with the best wines… all in the spectacular setting of the Picos de Europa mountains.

• Create the best menu: different teams have to choose the ingredients and create an original dish in this activity designed by Neozink. The jury will be lead by a prestigious chef.

• Experience an espicha (Asturian celebration). A traditional group of gaitas (bagpipers) welcomes the guests, who then receive picones and madreñas (handmade Asturian wooden clogs) and discover the world of cider.

Activities include a contest testing one’s skills at the traditional way of pouring cider as well as an introduction to regional dances.

Fun facts

• Cider, the traditional drink of the region, has been produced in Asturias for more than 2000 years. It is usually enjoyed in lagares (local cider houses).

• The coastline between Gijon and Ribadesella has some of the most important Jurassic dinosaur fossils in the world. The fascinating Jurassic Museum in La Griega Beach is built in the shape of a dinosaur footprint.

• The Museu de Anclas de Salinas, dedicated to anchors, even features one from the mythical Titanic.

• At the ice-cream parlour “Islandia”, located next to the Plaza Mayor of Gijón, you can find ice cream in locally-influenced (and strange!) flavours such as cider or fabada.

• The terrifying movie The Orphanage was shot in Llanes. The town has also served as the setting for many other movies.

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We have a chat with…

Noelia Menéndez, head of the Asturias Regional Tourism Society Unique activities in Asturias Event planners organising an event in Asturias should harness its great "natural environment".

Thanks to the unique landscape and proximity of the sea and mountains to the cities, you can organise unique events. For example, organise a meeting in Avilés in a cutting-edge venue such as the centre Niemeyer and then have lunch with a shepherd in the Covadonga lakes (National Park of Picos de Europa) or in a small fishing port like Cudillero or Lastres. Meetings can be held in a cider press, an old monastery or church, a fish market... Asturias also has new venues in its three major cities: Avilés has just opened the Niemeyer Cultural Centre, a multidisciplinary space with room for fine art and performances, a 4,000sqm exhibition hall and an auditorium for 960 people.

Meanwhile, Gijón offers a set of innovative and renovated spaces at the Laboral City of Culture, perfect for celebrations thanks to its auditorium, adjacent rooms and spectacular courtyard.

Finally, Oviedo just opened its new avant-garde congress centre designed by the architect Santiago Calatrava.

Any advice for organisers planning an event in Asturias?

The first tip is to think in an unconventional way: organisers need to open their minds to new experiences in an environment that offers spectacular natural beauty in a varied landscape.

Then they must exploit all the possibilities it offers.

And don’t forget the gastronomy of Asturias, which combines traditional fare with haute cuisine backed by six Michelin-starred restaurants. This allows for innovative and participatory events. Also consider the cultural wealth of the region with unique products considered UNESCO Heritage Sites, including Asturian Romanesque art and prehistoric cave art. Add to this a wide range of museums (mining, Jurassic, prehistoric, steel...) and cultural venues throughout the country and you have a myriad of options to help guests delve into the history, culture and industrial past of Asturias.

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n addition to fun, great hospitality and the good life, Seville has character, and lots of it! The architectural and cultural wealth of the city is astounding and a rich symbiosis of cultures, including the historical Moorish presence, combines to create a unique destination. But there is more to this southern city than an illustrious past: the fact is, Span’s fourth largest city is on the move. For example, this year has seen the opening of new venues such as the Metropol Space, a new symbol of 20th-century Seville. This site, located in the heart of the city, will undoubtedly become a new benchmark for events. On the other hand, FIBES, a congress and exhibition centre, has expanded. Now it boasts over 50,000sqm of space and the largest auditorium in Spain, with room for up to 3,000 people.

Fun facts

• Lord Byron wrote of Seville that it is "a pleasant city, famous for its knives and its women".

• Every year, Seville celebrates its Feria de la Tapa where you can taste a variety of traditional tapas in the market while learning about the latest developments in small-plate cuisine.

• The Feria de Abril originated in the 14th century as a livestock fair and, with a few changes, remains an important date for the locals to this day.

The city is also giving new life to the river which crosses it, with renovation projects to be completed this year which will enable cruise ships to enter the city by river.

In the last couple of years, it has also developed a more sustainable approach to transportation based on trams, bikes for hire and renovated pedestrian areas. Now it’s possible for visitors to walk throughout the city. In fact, most of the historical quarter is being converted into a pedestrian-only area, thanks to the restriction of automobile traffic throughout much of the city centre.

And don’t forget another asset of Seville: more than 12,000 beds, most of them located in four-star hotels with conference facilities.

Surprising nooks

Seville through opera

Discovering the history, heritage, legends and characters of Seville through the opera is an attractive way of exploring the city’s customs.

The city inspired authors such as Mozart, Verdi, Beethoven and Bizet to compose their creations, including masterpieces like Don Juan, Carmen, Fidelio, The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro. The tours explore the beautiful district of Santa Cruz, known for its stately homes, narrow cobbled streets, courtyards and fountains. At the Hosteria del Laurel, the group will meet Don Juan Tenorio and Don Luis de Mejia. At the Tobacco Factory, they will attend the first act of Carmen… Various event planning companies offer this event using unique spaces such as palaces, monasteries, cottages, farms, churches and museums.

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• Baños Árabes – Aires de Sevilla. This Arab bath is located in a 16th-century house just 50m from the cathedral. The house has different rooms which can be used for meetings, including the Tetería (tea room) and its courtyard and terrace with views of the city.

• Las Atarazanas Reales: Built in the 13th century, these shipyards served to construct ships that would cross both the Guadalquivir River and the Mediterranean. It was converted into a museum in 2008.

• La Plaza del Salvador: in addition to being one of the most beautiful squares in Seville, this plaza is a midday meeting place for the locals. On sunny days, it is a very pleasant place to have a beer and enjoy the atmosphere.

Highlighted venues

• The Palacio de Congresos de Sevilla (FIBES) offers three 7,200sqm pavilions and nine rooms. It features a new 3,500seat auditorium, which will soon expand its capacity to 5,000.

• The new FIBES auditorium, designed by prestigious architect Guillermo Vázquez Consuegra, includes a 3000sqm roofed footbridge joining the original structure to the new one.

The facility includes an all-purpose building with a catering area measuring more than 2500sqm as well as a 3200sqm registration area and 18 rooms.

• Centro Sevilla Congresos, in Osuna, has a capacity for 7,000 pax and more than 20 meeting rooms.

• Cartuja 93, Andalusia's most important technology park, was made for EXPO'92 and covers 639,000sqm.

• Casino de la Exposición: the old Exhibition Theatre (today known as the Teatro Lope de Vega) was built for the 1929 Ibero-American exhibition and stands next to the Maria Luisa Park. It has a 750 pax capacity.

• El Coto las Canteras, in Osuna, is an old stone enclave dating back 1000 years. It has been restored and now the natural cave has a capacity of 1,400 pax.

• Naves del Barranco. This 14th-century structure was originally a fish market. It is an example of iron architecture in Seville and has a 300 pax capacity.

• Museo del Baile Flamenco: this 18th-century urban palace can host intimate events, including flamenco shows for up to 20 pax. It is promoted by the great bailaora Cristina Hoyos.

• Casa de Pilatos: the most sumptuous 15th-century noble residence in Seville has a capacity for 700 pax.

Reales Alcázares: declared a Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, this architectural treasure has spectacular Moorish gardens which were later supplemented by romantic Renaissance renovations. The agency Events&Co organised an event in one of its spaces, Patio de la Montería, for 900 Vodafone’s Italian directives. The directives spent 5 days in Seville, while the plenary session of the event was held at the Congress Centre (FIBES).

The intensive program included a gala dinner in The Patio de la Montería. The cocktail was held in preGothic Palace and guests enjoyed an exclusive tour of the building.

Gourmet Cobos Catering organises walks through time, visiting Seville from the 9th to the 19th century. These journeys across history provide an authentic look at the city centre, as well as a pleasure for the senses as guests discover the history of the city in an informal way.

Activities

• Kuoni Destination Management organises a typical pilgrimage through villages in the south of Spain. Upon arrival, the group is greeted by drummers and flamenco dancers. The participants walk through the streets on a pilgrimage during which they make stops to eat, drink and enjoy the landscape.

The group is accompanied by a rociero, or traditional choir, as well as a rumba sevillana band. The activity ends with the group singing all together at the estate.

• Seville’s rooftops give a magical atmosphere to any event in the city. Whether you want to offer a welcome drink with superb views of Seville by day or cocktails under the stars, there’s a wide range of establishments in privileged locations in the historic heart of Seville.

• España Incoming & Incentives proposes a fun variation of polo for teambuilding activities: donkey polo. All you need is a bullring, 10 donkeys, brooms, a ball and a referee.

• Bandolero Tours offers you the opportunity to sample the lifestyle of a 14th-century highwayman in the Sierra Morena.

We have a chat with…

Manuel Macías, Director del Sevilla Congress & Convention Bureau

What are some of the unique activities in Seville?

We recommend events on Seville’s rooftops, which is always an attractive option. We also suggest people experience “interactive flamenco” with classes at the Museum of Flamenco Dance, which was recently visited by Prince Charles and his wife. Also, you can’t miss an event in the haciendas and cortijos, typical historical buildings. Some of them have left their old life to make way for spectacular events in these unique venues.

Today you can experience a gala dinner accompanied by a beautiful show of Andalusian horses, flamenco dancing or gourmet food tastings. Possible themes include the Feria de Abril or Baroque night...

Any advice for organisers planning an event at Seville…

Whatever type of event they need to organise, Seville and its province are provided with a wide and varied range of sites for unique celebrations of guaranteed quality. Add our extensive experience in the tourism industry, highly qualified professionals, a rich historical and artistic heritage and excellent cuisine, among other things, and the success of any event is insured. Tip: Don’t miss it!

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Zaragoza C. M. -

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antastically connected! The sixth most visited city in Spain enjoys a great location, just 300 kilometers from key Spanish cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao. It is now also connected to the high-speed train (AVE) and has an international airport. This city, full of surprises, enjoys a singular architecture with a mixture of cultures that has included Romans, Muslims, Jews and Christians.

Zaragoza is also well known for the sympathy and good-humored nature of its inhabitants, who have turned it into a centre for entertainment thanks to its famous “Fiestas de El Pilar”, held every October 12th or the “Cincomarzada”. The “Tubo”, a set of narrow alleys located in the old quarter, has the largest concentration of tapas bars in the city and is one of the best places in the city for going out.

Situated along the Ebro river, the city is now positioned internationally as a destination for meetings and events following the conclusion of Expo Zaragoza, a 2008 exposition dedicated to water and sustainable development. Last year, it held 495 congresses and hosted 123,000 delegates. And this trend appears to be continuing if future events are any indication: Zaragoza will host International Exhibition Garden and Horticulture in 2014 and it is also a candidate for the European Capital of Culture 2016 and for the celebration of the 2022 Winter Olympics. It is also the headquarters of the United Nations Secretariat for the Decade of Water.

Fun facts

• In the “Tubo” neighbourhood, you’ll find the famous cabaret La Plata, keeping the spirit of cabaret alive with three performances a day.

• The city has been called very noble, loyal, heroic and beneficial in recognition of its resistance to Napoleon's army, a reputation embodied by the city’s famous heroine, Agustina de Aragón.

• Several of the most popular Spanish bands are from Zaragoza as Heroes del Silencio, Radio Futura or Amaral.

Photography: Zaragoza Turism

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Daniel Marcos y Felix Bernard

Activities

Zaragoza Turismo suggests some activities in the city: • The Parque del Agua (Water Park) offers adventure sports: rafting, golf, train, bike and water-laser games.

• Enjoy the 5,000 square-meters of beach by the Ebro river, with silica sand, a swimming pool in the river and a 1,000 square metre terrace for cocktails.

• A walk in the clouds: travel by cable car with a unique view over the Ebro river and the Expo. A Kodak moment…

• A route by the river? The city has four different river courses and offers several boats for groups.

• Learn how to make wines, travelling to the small cities with a great wine culture and enjoying traditional cuisine at Casa Domino, a classic restaurant, or Casa Juanico with a traditional menu.

Orienta organises various activities to make the most of the charm of Zaragoza: • Get to know the cabaret tradition of the city with the oldest Cabaret Café in Spain; enjoy the new show created by renowned film director Bigas Luna, and offer your guests a visit by the most ‘tempting side of Zaragoza.

• Zaragoza and the Cinema: the first movie in Spain was shot here. The city has produced great filmmakers such as Buñuel, Saura or Forqué. Tour the most famous filming sites of the city, and have dinner at the famous cabaret El Plata.

Canal de Aguas Bravas

Feeling the adrenaline rush of water

A walk into the Parque Metropolitano de Zaragoza, Parque Luis Buñuel, the only resort with water sports activities located within an urban area.You can organise a rafting trip, where the crew must overcome the rocks circuit, rowing out of the eddies without falling into the water. Hydrospeed and kayaking are other options.

You can also organise a dinner in the Ebro area, managed by the traditional restaurant Zaragoza El Cachirulo, located in the centre of the park.

Contrasting with the modernity of the Pabellón, the previous day’s opening gala took place in an historical venue: the bicentennial Teatro Principal.

The awards gala gave way to a welcome party in the foyer, cast in magenta-colored LED lighting, making it an ideal area for the cocktails served by Bastille.

The aristocratic style of the Teatro Principal was an scenario for the Awards gala and the welcome party

The Pabellón Puente, designed by famous architect Zaha Hadid, was the unique venue chosen for the gala dinner

A gala dinner over the River

In 2010, Zaragoza was chosen for the celebration of Eurocities, a conference that brings together mayors and authorities from more than 100 major European cities. The agency Orienta won the project for the opening gala, awards ceremony and gala area, which last year was held at the same venue where the Nobel Prize is awarded. Obviously a challenge to follow that… The city did not hesitate to offer the fantastic Pabellón del Puente for the gala dinner. The choice of this unique area on the river involved several challenges in preparation for the event: access, rest rooms, location of the kitchen and even venue heating. The initial visual impact was considerable: architectural lines lit with a blue light evoking the Ebro river water that flows under the bridge while 'Water Music'

by Handel was being played. Dinner was served by The Cachirulo with products from the local valley.

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Highlighted venues

• The Pabellón Puente (Pavilion Bridge) links the whole Expo area with the Almozara. It will be used for exhibitions.

• The Spanish Pavilion, with a structure that looks like a forest, is sustainable and will be the future home of the national centre for climate change.

• The Aragon Pavilion resembles a wicker basket. This building created over three structural cores is now a ministry of the local government.

• The Expo Palace of Congresses has been naturally transformed into the Congress Hall of the city.

• The Torre del Agua (Water Tower), 76 metres high, channels the water of the Expo site, creating a circuit in which various activities can be performed. It will be used as a museum.

• The River Aquarium is the largest river aquarium in Europe.

• The volunteerism gateway connects the two banks of the Ebro.

• The Puente del Tercer Milenio (Third Millennium Bridge) connects the right bank of the Ebro with the Expo.

• The Amphitheatre.

• The cable cars connect the Zaragoza train station to the metropolitan park and the Expo.

• Hotel Palafox: has a business centre for up to 800 people, plus a conference room with 375 seats.

• Hotel Hiberus: five rooms with a capacity of more than 3,000 people.

• Boston Hotel: 11 rooms with a capacity of up to 600 pax.

• Hotel Meliá Zaragoza: offers a congress centre with 16 rooms for up to 350 people.

• Fine Wines and Vineyards: winery museum with place for 80 pax.

• Plaza de Toros: one of the oldest in Spain. It has an adjacent building to the arena of about 475 square metres and has capacity for more than 10,000 pax.

• Finca El Greyhound: for 400 pax, its halls are lost in a vast green garden with lake.

• Torre del Pino: its main gazebo, brick floor and boulders, is ideal to get back to roots.

• Hotel Reina Petronila 5* and Universo Aragonia: inside the large cultural centre designed by the international architect, Rafel Moneo, this Hotel plus the Auditorium and the other 15 meeting rooms can become a real convention center by joining all the spaces. The result is a venue with capacity for more than 1,000 pax. In few days it will hold de International Congress of Proctology with more than 500 delegates.

• Centre hydrothermal & Golf Las Ranillas: in the very centre of Zaragoza, this new urban Spa just two minutes walking from the Hiberus hotel, dedicates 10,000 squar meters to relaxation.

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Agustin Martinez

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Bilbao C. M. -

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edged between two mountain ranges and its famous “Ría”, Bilbao is a busy city full of small streets and great atmosphere. In recent years, this important commercial and industrial area has initiated an intense process of social and aesthetic revitalization, of which the well-known Guggenheim Museum is just one example.

Its symbiosis with the “ría”, perhaps best showcased by the worldfamous Gehry building, has become a mark of identity of the Basque capital, along with neighbourhoods such as the Seven Streets and a cuisine that transcends borders, the latter recognized with an unusual density of Michelin stars. As in the rest of the Basque Country, the “tapas” (or “pintxos”, as they are locally known) are probably the top “product”. Their small size doesn’t stop pintxos from being an internationally famous gourmet food which has, in recent years, even become a source of inspiration for haute cuisine.

The rest of Bilbao is not so well-known, yet it is no less interesting. Some sites to see include the fascinating architecture of the villas built by the upper middle class in neighbourhoods such as Neguri and Las Arenas, as well as the verdant landscape that surrounds the city. Bilbao received a key recognition last year: on May 19th, 2010 it was awarded the Lee Kuan Yew Award World City Prize, a prestigious award considered the Nobel Prize of cities.

Fun facts

• The Puppy, the mascot of the Guggenheim museum, was created

by Jeff Koons, the controversial kitsch artist. This West Highland white terrier is built with a steel structure and covered with a huge variety of flowers, which are maintained by an internal watering system. The structure is an icon of the city.

• In the Biscay province, surfers claim you can find the best left-breaking wave in Europe at Mundaka beach.

• The titanium-covered Guggenheim Art Museum, said to resemble a metallic flower, is the largest gallery in the world.

• Bilbao’s old town initially had only three streets—Somera, Artecalle and Tenderia—and it was surrounded by a defensive wall.

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Highlighted venues

• Alhondiga Bilbao (opened in May 2010). This old modernist wine warehouse was declared a “Cultural Property” by the Basque Government in 1999. Now, the facility is celebrating 100 years of existence after the restoration of its facade and interior, including new areas built under the supervision of Philippe Starck. This urban space, sober but original, is full of surprises that will leave no one indifferent.

• Teatro Campos Eliseos (opened in April 2010). Known as the "Bombonera de Bertendona", this theatre was renovated in recently. You can completely empty the main room for your event, allowing you to create a special experience in an innovative atmosphere that simultaneously retains all its historic flavour. Think modern meetings infrastructure coupled with memories of the Paris of the last century!

• Bizkaia Aretoa (opened in February 2011). his university infrastructure in the heart of Bilbao hosts academic, cultural and science events. The spectacular building, created by the Pritzker-winning architect Álvaro Siza, has over 9,000sqm and a car park, plus a spacious ground floor of 2,300sqm and four upper floors in an L-shaped configuration.

• Guggenheim Museum: a unique environment for prestigious meetings. It has three areas for events: the atrium, the auditorium and the hall.

Booking the venue requires being a corporate member of the museum.

• Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC): with a total of 18,000sqm and a usable surface of 5,500sqm divided in three areas, this facility has room for up to 2,500 pax. It is 10 minutes from the centre of Bilbao and has been designed to hold a wide variety of events.

• The Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall: featuring outstanding contemporary architecture, this 53,000sqm centre in the heart of the city is home to one of the Basque Country’s most renowned restaurants, featuring a 450-seat dining room and space for banquets of up to 1500 pax.

• Palacio San Joseren: surrounded by century-old trees, this mansion has a 500-guest capacity.

• Teatro Arriaga: located in the Old Quarter, its auditorium can fit 1,200 pax. The furniture follows the style of the era, as do the magnificent embroidered carpets.

• Orue XXI: located in the countryside atop a sunny hill, it has five meeting rooms and a 168-seat auditorium.

• Sheraton Bilbao Hotel: inspired by the works of the sculptor Eduardo Chillida, this five-star hotel has seven function rooms, with room for up to 350 pax.

• Cámara de Comercio de Bilbao: its business centre, located in the city centre, has six equipped meeting rooms with a capacity of 152 pax.

• Silken Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao: this luxury hotel faces the Guggenheim Museum and is filled with iconic 20th century furniture.

• Barceló Hotel Nervión: In addition to its 348 bedrooms, the hotel has 13 meeting rooms with capacity for 850 people.

• Barceló Avenida: this avant-garde hotel includes a convention centre for up to 631 pax.

• Hotel Carlton: one of Bilbao’s emblematic buildings, the Carlton has 12 function rooms.

• Hotel Abando: located opposite the Palace of Justice and close to the main sights such as the Guggenheim Museum and the Old Quarter, this hotel offers a wide range of meeting rooms.

• Castillo de Arteaga: At the heart of the natural reserve of Urdaibai, this spectacular neo-Gothic tower of limestone and marble was built in the 13th century and rebuilt in 1856. Now, guests can stay in any of its 14 exquisite rooms and enjoy an unforgettable evening.

• Atrio Edificio Ensanche: In the very centre of Bilbao, this market has become a modern multipurpose building, thanks in large part to the ATRIO, a large pilarless space.

• Hotel Convento de San Roque: A space for unique business events, this hotel is housed in a former convent of the Order of Saint Clare. It has a large glazed central cloister and a restaurant, which is located in the old refectory. 21 rooms.

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Activities

• A day of canoeing along the Gernika docks in the Biosphere Reserve of Urdaibai could be followed by lunch at Laiene restaurant and a horseback ride along the slopes of the Durangaldea County mountains.

• The DMC Stop offers an architecturally themed visit of Bilbao where guests observe both old and new emblematic buildings. Recent creations to be visited include the Guggenheim, the Towers of Arata Isozaki, the Norman Foster-designed underground and the Santiago Calatrava bridge. Immersion in the past includes a tour of the old city with a visit to the Iglesia de San Antón and the Plaza Nueva.

• Bici & Art: "Bilbon Bizi" is an artistic route along which your group can enjoy sculptures and architectural works located near the "bidegorriak" or bike lanes.

• Golf lovers can practice their favourite sport at the three clubs available: Club de Campo Laukariz, in Mungia; Real Sociedad de Golf de Neguri, in Getxo; and Club de Golf Artxanda, in Bilbao. There are also four equestrian sports clubs.

• Trips in canoes, kayaks and piraguas. In two hours, it is possible to canoe from the Gorliz Bay to the Butrón castle. A longer, three-hour option is a tour of the Butrón River.

• An excursion to the Oma forest is an original tour that combines art and nature. The painter and sculptor Agustín Ibarrola let his imagination run free and painted human and geometric figures on tree logs using intense colours. Some of these are visible only from certain positions and viewing the logs together sometimes reveals an entirely different image.

The Palacio Euskalduna’s spectacular opening ceremony

The anniversary of this venue was dramatically celebrated with a sound, light and video show executed from a boat in the river which crosses the city. This setup, created by Audiomic Producciones for Innevento, received a prize at the eventoplus Awards 2010.

While the show occurred in the water, some of the best views were from the river bank. Two scaffolding structures were set up for the sound system, which included 16 speaker units. As for lighting, mobile spotlights were set up in different areas on both sides of the river to illuminate the façade of the building as well as what was happening in the water. There was even a curtain of water upon which a dramatic video was projected.

One classy event

One of the reasons to choose Bilbao for an event is the distinct personality of the Bilbao residents themselves, who are known as bilbainos. Many people joke that there is almost nothing bilbainos can’t do… and if you ask them, they’re likely to remove the “almost” from the sentence. One example of this can-do attitude is a recent event organised for BBK ¡low cost! by the Eventi3 agency.

They wanted to promote the BBK campaign with a unique, one-off event. Since the Iberdrola Tower—the Basque Country’s highest building— was in its final construction phase, a huge crane enabled the team to surprise everyone: they designed and built a special platform to display the cars to the winners. Naturally, all necessary security precautions were taken at this event. The activity was rounded off by a dramatic multimedia presentation designed to make the greatest possible impact.

Teasers stating “BBK takes you high” were placed at the company’s offices. Afterwards, the winners were secretly taken to the Tower’s heliport on the day of the event. The location was chosen to relate the product to the building’s stand-out features: strength, growth, control and power.

Though created with a limited budget, creativity and innovation helped this activity increase product relevance in a memorable way. In collaboration with DT Creativos, Peccata Minuta, Basque Films and Bilborot, Eventi3 saw this unique opportunity … and took full advantage of it.

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Living the city with BILBAO INCENTIVES

Recently, this agency organised an intense incentive for one of their clients. After checking in at the Sheraton Bilbao Hotel, they had lunch at a cider house, a typical Basque restaurant where the main menu commonly includes cod omelette, chorizo, morcilla, cod and grilled steak... all washed down with locally-produced cider, to which people help themselves straight from the barrels in the cellar! The group then visited the Guggenheim museum.

The following day, the group took a transfer to Urdaibai area to enjoy an adventurous day canoeing, practising archery, riding zip lines and taking part in other outdoor activities.

Urdaibai is a natural reserve declared a heritage site by Unesco. Lunch was then held at the old Castillo de Arteaga.

Once back at the hotel, guests had dinner in an industrial building which has been converted to an event venue.

Famous for…

• Combining two of the most famous museums in the country: the Guggenheim and the Museo de Bellas Artes (fine arts museum).

• The Ribera market, considered to be the first covered wholesale food market in Europe.

• The medieval city with its “Seven Streets”: a combination of squares and intimate alleys perfect for just wandering around.

• The Biscay Suspension Ferry Bridge (called “El Transbordador de Vizcaya”), a Unesco world heritage building. It is the oldest and best preserved structure of its type in the world.

• The Museum of Fine Arts in Bilbao features one of the most complete collections of fine art in Spain.

• The amazing underground, designed by Norman Foster.

LIGHTING

Vari Lite Avolites Martin CM Lodestar Milos

We have a chat with…

Mercedes Rodriguez Larrauri, Manager of the Bilbao Convention Bureau Could you name three activities in Bilbao you considerer unique?

Dinner in a txakoli (Basque wine) warehouse: you can take a walk among vineyards under the light of the moon and enjoy the cool breeze of the Bay of Biscay.

Having a cooking class with locals in one of the city’s “Txokos” (meeting places for the Basque Country’s famous gastronomic societies) after going to a fresh market such as “La Ribera”, Bilbao’s most important market.... and all this after having defined the menu and bought the necessary ingredients yourself!

Participate in a Basque Ball (“pelota vasca”) match... get involved in this typical and original sport while enjoying the social life that goes around it. Then, learn about the history of the ball, “the red and blues”, the staff selection, the bets, etc.

Three keys to organising a successful event?

The first key factor is that Bilbao is a city with a “human scale” in which medium-sized events (1,000 or 1,500 people) are well received. It is easy to move on foot or by tram, subway or boat.

Furthermore, it is safe at night and the visitor can mix with the locals of Bilbao, who love their city and enjoy and savour it every day.

The second key is to have a network of excellent professionals to help you for your event. Companies with highly skilled team members who are knowledgeable about the “soul of the city” are ready to help you make your event a unique experience.

The third is its infrastructure… Everything is new in Bilbao. The city is completely renovated and it shows a strong momentum that has led it to receive the Nobel Prize of Cities.

Our catalog is full of new venues built by the best architects in the world; while respecting the values of its old customs, Bilbao has managed to have magical, cutting-edge technology.

Tradition and innovation blend to make your events something special.

Technical design and production management in shows and events Rental and staging (sound, video, lighting, rigging)

SOUND

EAW D&B Audiotechnik Yamaha Digidesign Shure

VIDEO

Christie Pioneer Extron JVC

Avda. txorierri 46 Pab. 2 A - 48150 Sondika - Vizcaya Tlfno 944 711 579 - Fax 944 710 551 - audiomic@audiomic.com

www.audiomic.com

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San Sebastian C. M. -

I

t is known as “The Little Paris” and is probably one of the most glamorous, chic and charming cities in Spain. Stretching along the beautiful La Concha beach and flanked by two other beaches, Ondarreta and Zurriola, San Sebastian has been a long-time destination of queens, politicians and aristocrats. Today, celebrities join the mix when they attend international film and jazz festivals.

The nostalgic, French-style architecture reminds us of San Sebastian’s Belle Époque, when it was the most cosmopolitan city in Europe and its famous Casino was a truly international destination. Although it never lost its prestige, today can nevertheless be seen as a comeback to a golden age, as both the city and its infrastructure (not to mention its internationally recognised cultural activities) give off a buzz of glamour and sophistication.

It is also a city located right in one of the most beautiful stretches of northern Spain, with beautiful coastal towns such as Zarautz, Hondarrabia, Zumaia or Getaria located close by. There are

Fun facts

• During the Belle Époque, it was possible to find spies, opera singers, politicians, bull fighters, aristocrats and royalty rubbing shoulders in San Sebastian’s casino. Mata Hari and Trotsky are even said to have stopped by...

• The word “Txotx!”, when yelled by the owner of a cider bar, means he or she is going to open a barrel of cider and all the clients can gather around to taste it.

• Alfred Hitchcock, Ava Gardner and Audrey Hepburn are just some of the stars that walked down the red carpet at the San Sebastian Film Festival.

• In the 1930s, La Concha was the first beach with employees specifically dedicated to keeping it clean.

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even stunning vista points located right in the city itself, such as Mount Igeldo. Plus, like the rest of the Basque Country, San Sebastian has world-renowned chefs, with Arzak in the lead. Add to this the charm of its old town and it’s easy to see that San Sebastian is a destination to be reckoned with.

For example, in 2010 (and despite the crisis), the city has seen the number of meetings rise by more than 50%. And let’s not forget the city has proven organisational experience by successfully leading prestigious international events for decades, including the famous Film Festival and, later, the International Jazz Festival.

Famous for…

• The San Sebastian Film Festival, one of the five leading European film festivals, is held each September. The city also hosts a jazz festival every summer.

• The large Paseo de la Concha runs along one of the most beautiful urban beaches in the world.

• “Peine del Viento”, a sculpture by Basque artist Eduardo Chillida, marks the western border of the city’s waterfront.

• The beacc of Zarautz where international surf competitions are held annually.

• Cider production is one of the oldest traditions in the Basque Country. If you're in San Sebastian between late January and early May, a visit to a local cider house is a must.

• The surrounding region, which includes coastal towns such as Getaria, Hondarribia, Zumaia, Pasai or Mutriku. The latter has a 13th-century port, making it one of the oldest in the Basque Country.

Highlighted venues

• Palacio de Congresos - Auditorio Kursaal: this spectacular building, designed by Rafael Moneo and formed by two translucent glass cubes, is set right on the Cantabrian sea.

The venue has an auditorium for 1800 pax.

• Ficoba - this trade-show area also includes an auditorium for 390 pax and various meeting rooms.

• Kutxaespacio de la Ciencia: with attractions such as the Observatorio Astronómico and the Planetario Digital Multimedia, this venue has meeting rooms for up to 250 pax.

• Parque Tecnológico de San Sebastián: officially opened in 1997, it has an auditorium for 250 pax.

• Palacio de Miramar: this complex comprises a palace with a park and various buildings and gardens making for a total of 34,000sqm of space. It has meeting rooms for up to 950 pax.

• Teatro Victoria Eugenia: one of the most emblematic buildings in San Sebastian, it was opened in 1912 and renovated in 2007. Now this scenic venue with modern equipment can welcome 910 pax.

• Abba Hotel de Londres e Inglaterra: located downtown in front of the beach, it has spectacular views over the La Concha bay. It has a 500sqm hall with a capacity for 550 pax.

• Hotel Maria Cristina. One of the best-known hotels in San Sebastian, it is the lodging of choice for actors and actresses in town for the Film Festival.

• Hotel Barceló Costa Vasca: located in Ondarreta, this hotel has five meeting rooms for up to 200 pax.

• Hotel Husa Europa: in a Belle Époque building, this hotel featuring 68 rooms and a meeting room for 70 is located near the Conference Centre Kursaal.

• Hotel San Sebastián: this is a modern hotel which was fully refurbished in 2003. It has four function rooms for up to 100 pax.

• San Telmo Museum: it recently underwent profound conceptual changes and a revamping of its mode of operation. Now it is a cultural heritage centre with close ties to the public and is geared for tourism, education and recreational needs.

Capacity 140 pax.

• Auditorium Aquarium Donostia-San Sebatian: this facility offers a unique and comfortable venue for special events, capacity 164 pax.

• Hipódromo: an original and lively venue, this is one of the centres of San Sebastian’s social life.

This venue is ideal for cocktails, launches, parties, etc because is an open space. The capacity is 4,000 pax.

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SAN SEBASTIAN

Activities

• Experience a gastronomic society: Gastronomic societies are a distinctly Basque phenomenon. In these clubs, where membership is traditionally limited to men, the socios (members) gather to cook their own fine meals in the club’s communal kitchen. Today, most allow women, at least as guests, but some still don’t allow them into their kitchens. Furthermore, these clubs are only open to members and their guests, which makes it a very exclusive experience... an experience which, thankfully, is offered by DMC Gs Incoming.

• Groups can split up and enjoy two types of activities. In a pintxo class, guests divide into small groups where they have to cook five different pintxos (Basque tapas) and then score each other based on both flavour and presentation. Another activity is the wine tasting session, in which an oenologist chooses three kinds of red wines and participants learn about them before taking a quiz specially designed for the group. It all wraps up with a lunch or dinner at one of the city’s gastronomic societies.

• Rural sport exhibition and Cider House dinner: This activity is also offered

by DMC Gs Incoming. Strength and competitiveness are very valued by the Basque people, who for centuries evolved under harsh conditions. Basque sports, which derive from the daily chores of farmers and fishermen, tend to be sports focused on strength. Examples include rowing competitions as well as wood chopping, stone lifting or the famous Basque pelota. The agency organises a special “Rural Sport Demo” outside a family-run cider house. Guests see the wood chopping and stone lifting from up close and learn everything about these traditional sports, while all the while enjoying homemade cider. Afterwards, the group is invited to test their own strength and take photos with the professionals.

• Nocturnal orientation,by Gs Incoming. This activity starts with a walk along the beautiful coast of San Sebastian. During the stroll, one expert teaches people how to navigate at night while also explaining legends about the stars. While this is going on, another expert will “pair” specific wines with the stars!

• Jai Alai: tradition in the palm of your hand. Jai Alai is possibly the most internationally known Basque sport since it is played on several continents: it combines entertainment, culture and performance with group interaction. Two teams compete with woven baskets attached to their hands to catch and launch the ball. This experience starts with the presentation of the Basque Pelota players, known as “pelotaris”, as well as an explanation of the game and its betting system. Then the games begin! After the match, guests enjoy an awards ceremony, and a traditional meal set against the backdrop of Basque folk music.

Traditional products on the menu include pintxos, cod omelettes and cider. This activity is suggested by the convention bureau.

• Flavours of San Sebastian. Led by a professional guide, the group will discover San Sebastian’s must-see sights and best-kept secrets while hearing interesting anecdotes about the city. In San Sebastian’s Old Quarter, participants can then sample a pintxo and a drink in three different bars, allowing them to discover a cross section of the city’s rich culinary tradition. This activity is suggested by the convention bureau.

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One of the meetings at the Aquarium’s Auditorium

Connecting citizens with the smartest minds… in the Auditorium of Aquarium

Passion for Knowledge was the name of a festival organised by DIPC to promote the company’s passion for science. The event brought together ten Nobel laureates, the Princes of Asturias, winners of the Lorentz medal and figures from the arts and humanities. The goal of the event was to bring science closer to the public by encouraging citizen participation in the scientific community. This “contact” happened in different ways during three sections: Lectures, The City (which was open to the public) and Workshops.

A delightful congress

Last November, the city held “San Sebastian Gastronomika”, an International Congress of Gastronomy which brought the best chefs and caterers in the world to the city. This congress, which had New York as the featured guest city, brought together 2,000 delegates as well as world-renowned chefs such as Willy Dufresne, Drew Nieporent, David Chang and Neil Perry.

This congress, organized by grup gsr and Diario Vasco, which enjoyed considerable international media coverage, included many surprising activities such as lectures with food sampling or the “Tunel de la Parrilla”, among others. Social networking platforms were an integral part of the organisation of this event.

Surprising nooks • The Monte Urgull, one of the parks along the Bahía de la Concha, has spectacular views and the vestiges of an old fortress which now hosts the city’s History Museum.

• Parque de Cristina Enea: recently renovated, this is one of the city’s main parks. Rich in flora and fauna, it is famous for its peacocks.

• Basílica de Santa María: this church, located in the heart of the old quarter, dates to the baroque renaissance period and is an old-town landmark.

• Arzak: a house built in 1897 as a road-side tavern has since been transformed into a stylish restaurant which, in April, was nominated as one of the top-ten restaurants in the world.

• “Casco Viejo”: at the foot of Mount Urgull, the old town runs alongside the old port. This barrio is home to the old fishing district and has some of the oldest buildings in the city, though many were destroyed in the fire of 1813.

We have a chat with…

Marijo Beltrán de Guevara, Manager of San Sebastian Convention Bureau Unique activities to do in San Sebastian?

Cooking school with great chefs: San Sebastian, the cradle of gastronomy, boasts the greatest chefs worldwide. Therefore, the secrets of their kitchens are a privilege only few can enjoy. You will access these secrets in the kitchens of some of the world’s greatest chef’s, including Juan Mari Arzak, Pedro Subijana and Martin Berasategui. Use your five senses to enjoy flavours emanating from dynamic classrooms where these top chefs reel off their most acclaimed culinary creations.

Visit Marina: This trip combines a visit to the Museo del Mar in the San Sebastian Aquarium, one of the most modern in Europe. Located in the fishing port, it has more than 5,000 marine species and an “oceanarium” that offers a 360-degree view.

Later on, a Mini Cruise Catamaran will take you on a journey to enjoy the coast of San Sebastian and discover the natural wealth of the area. And did we mention that while enjoying the beautiful, rocky coast, you can also relax with a cocktail and see underwater through the boat’s special viewing ports?

Key success factors for planning a successful event in San Sebastian?

Contact us! Our network of professionals has extensive experience in advising, finding the right partners and giving you an overview of all city resources related to conference tourism. We will be of great help.

Make the most of the unique environment and local activities of the city. In addition to its rich culture, it offers the perfect balance between city and nature. The cultural and tourist resources (museums, concert halls, theatres, hospitality, catering facilities, etc.) combine with many natural resources that are exclusive to this city, such as three beaches, mountains, walks by the sea, etc.

Adequate communication: it is very important to efficiently manage the communication of an event so that it is a success.

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Contacts Transport entities RENFE (Railway company) www.renfe.es +34 902 243 402 AENA (Spanish airports authorities) www.aena.es +34 902 404 704 Meeting and event- related associations in Spain Spanish DMC Association www.aedmc.es info@aedmc.es Spanish PCO association www.opcspain.org info@opcspain.org +34 915 527 745 MPI Spain www.mpi-spain.org info@mpi-spain.org +34 934 459 729 SITE Spain www.sitespain.org olga.navarro@sitespain.org +34 609 062 124 ICCA Iberian chapter www.ibericca.com B+ (Barcelona network of DMC’s, now part of the Spain DMC Association) www.b-plus.es info@b-plus.es SIMA (Spain Incentives and Meetings Association) www.sima.es sima@sima.es Convention bureaus and tourism offices Spain Tourism Board (Turespaña) www.spain.info +34 913 433 500 Spain Convention Bureau www.scb.es info@scb.es +34 913 643 700 Andalusia Almería Oficina de Congresos www.turismodealmeria.org turismoalmeria@aytoalmeria.es +34 950 281 449 Cádiz Convention Bureau www.cadizcongresos.com info@cadizcongresos.com +34 956 290 313 Córdoba Convention Bureau www.cordobaconvention.com ccb@cordobaconvention.com +34 957 760 071 Costa del Sol Convention Bureau www.visitacostadelsol.com +34 952 12 62 72 Granada Turismo www.granadatur.com +34 902 405 045 Huelva Convention Bureau www.turismohuelva.org turismo@diphuelva.es +34 959 257 467 Jerez Convention Bureau www.jerezconventionbureau.com comercial@jerezconventionbureau.com +34 956 184 120 Málaga Convention Bureau www.malagaturismo.com convention.bureau@ayto-malaga.es +34 952 061 830 Sevilla Convention Bureau www.turismo.sevilla.org turismo@sevilla.org +34 954 592 915 Torremolinos Convention Bureau www.ayto-torremolinos.org turismo@ayto-torremolinos.org +34 95 2 37 9 5 12 Aragón Zaragoza Convention Bureau www.zaragozaturismo.es zcb@zaragoza.es +34 976 721 333 Asturias Turismo de Avilés www.avilescomarca.info info@avilescomarca.info +34 985 544 325 Gijón Convention Bureau www.gijon.info congresos@gijon.info +34 985 180 153

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Oviedo Convention Bureau www.palaciocongresos-oviedo.com congresos@ayto-oviedo.es +34 985 272 307 Cantabria Santander Convention Bureau www.santanderconventionbureau.com congresos@ayto-santander.es +34 942 203 002 Castilla La Mancha Oficina de Congresos de Cuenca www.turismocuenca.com congresos@turismocuenca.com +34 969 241 050 Toledo Convention Bureau www.camaratoledo.es/tcb congresos@toledo-congresos.org +34 925 213 112 Castilla León Avila Convention Bureau www.avila.es congresos@ayuntavila.com +34 920 225 969 León Convention Bureau www.aytoleon.com turismo.ebl@aytoleon.com +34 987 895 453 Salamanca Convention Bureau www.salamancaconventionbureau.com congresos@turismodesalamanca.com +34 923 272 408 Valladolid Oficina de Congresos www.valladolidcongresos.com congresos@valladolidturismo.com +34 983 219 438 Catalonia Barcelona Convention Bureau www.barcelonaturisme.com/bcb bcb@barcelonaturisme.com +34 933 689 700 Barcelona Meeting Total Convention Bureau (Barcelona Region) www.meetingtotal.org meetingtotal@diba.cat +34 93 402 29 66 Girona Convention Bureau www.gironacb.com infoturisme@cambragirona.org +34 972 41 85 00 Catalunya Convention Bureau www.catalunyaturisme.com +34 93 484 99 00 Costa Daurada Convention Bureau http://cdcb.costadaurada.org cdcb@turisme.altanet.org +34 977 230 312 Lleida Convention Bureau 80www.turisme.paeria.es infoturisme@paeria.es +34 973 700 402 Lloret Convention Bureau www.lloretcb.org/convention-bureau/index.jsp lloretcb@lloret.org +34 972 36 57 88 Sitges Convention Bureau www.sitgescb.cat info@sitgescb.cat +34 938 944 251 Tarragona Convention Bureau www.tarragonacb.org tarragonacb@tinet.org +34 977 240 350 Galicia Turismo de La Coruña www.turismocoruna.com infoturismo@aytolacoruna.es +34 981 184 344 Santiago de Compostela Convention Bureau www.santiagoturismo.com sccb@santiagoturismo.com +34 981 555 129 Vigo Convention Bureau www.vigoconventionbureau.com info@vigoconventionbureau.com Balearic Islands Menorca Convention Bureau www.menorcaconventionbureau.org conventionbureau@menorca.es +34 971 368 678 Mallorca Convention Bureau www.mallorcacb.com info@mallorcacb.com +34 971 739 202

Canary Islands Lanzarote Convention Bureau www.turismolanzarote.com conventionbureau@lanzarotecb.com +34 928 811 762 Gran Canaria Convention Bureau www.grancanariacb.com info@grancanariacb.com +34 928 261 570 Tenerife Convention Bureau www.tenerifecb.com info@tenerifecb.com +34 922 237 889 La Rioja Logroño Convention Bureau www.lrcb.es lcb@logro-o.org +34 941 273 713 Madrid Madrid Convention Bureau (city) www.esmadrid.com info.mcb@esmadrid.com + 34 917 585 528 Madrid (Region) www.turismomadrid.es turismo@madrid.org +34 912 767 200 Murcia Murcia Convention Bureau www.murciacongresos.com murcia.congresos@murciacongresos.com +34 968 341 818 Oficina de Congresos de Cartagena www.oficinadecongresoscartagena.es oficinadecongresos@puertoculturas.com +34 968 341 818 Navarra Pamplona Convention Bureau www.pamplonaconvention.com pcb@pamplonaconvention.com +34 948 228 919 Basque Country Bilbao Convention Bureau www.bilbao.net/bilbaoturismo bicb@bilbaoturismo.bilbao.net +34 944 795 770 San Sebastián Convention Bureau www.ssconvention.com bureau@donostia.org +34 943 481 466 Turismo de Vitória www.vitoria-gasteiz.org congrestur@vitoria-gasteiz.org +34 945 161 261 Valencia Alicante Convention Bureau www.alicantecongresos.com congresos@alicanteturismo.com +34 965 147 052 Benidorm Convention Bureau www.benidorm.org turismo@benidorm.org +34 966 815 463 Elche www.turismedelx.com turisme@turismedelx.com +34 966 658 140 Valencia Convention Bureau www.turisvalencia.es turisvalencia@turisvalencia.es + 34 963 606 353 Touristic brands and programmes Silver Route (Ruta de la Plata) www.rutadelaplata.com info@rutadelaplata.com +34 985 185 189 Quixote Route (Ruta Don Quijote) www.donquijotedelamancha2005.com donquijote2005@jccm.es +34 925 283 496 Santiago Route (Camino de Santiago - Galicia) www.xacobeo.es informacion.xacobeo@xunta.es +34 902 332 010 Wine Tour Spain www.vintagespain.com info@vintagespain.com +34 947 310 126 The Rioja Alavesa Wine Tour www.rutadelvinoderiojaalavesa.com +34 945 297 004