Spain for Mice 2017 by Grupo eventoplus

Meeting organised by Mallorca Business Support (MBS) © Iván Pomposo

SUPPLEMENT SPAIN FOR MICE 2017-2018

SPAIN FOR MICE 2017-2018

spain for mice 2017-2018

COMMUNITY OF MADRID 08

CATALONIA-BARCELONA 26

ANDALUSIA 50

BASQUE COUNTRY 58

VALENCIAN COMMUNITY 64

ARAGÓN-ZARAGOZA 68

BALEARIC ISLANDS 72

CANARY ISLANDS 76

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COVER FEATURE - MEETING ORGANISED BY MALLORCA BUSINESS SUPPORT (MBS) IN MALLORCA. PHOTO BY IVÁN POMPOSO (PROTOGRAPHY&DESING) - Editor: eventoplus medios s.l., Barcelona Diputació 256 5º 1ª, 08007 Barcelona España t +34 93 272 09 27 f +34 93 272 09 12 Madrid Glorieta de Quevedo 5º esc. izda 1ª, 28015 Madrid España t +34 91 022 86 86 web www.eventosmag.com News and content: noticias@eventoplus. com Director: Eric Mottard Editor in Chief: Cristina Muñoz Soro Editorial Commitee: Gala Alberdi, Elena Lea, María Lapeña Art Direction and Design: Maria Leone Communication & Events Director: Lynn Wong Communication: Albert Gauchía Events Department: Mireia Coll, Naiara Ruiz Sales Director: José García Aguarod Advertising: Alex Barbero, Carlos Linares, Agata Puigmal, Carmen Sánchez International: Pilar Lafuente Digital Strategy and Postsales: Esperanza Iglesias Post-sales: Alexandra González Sales and RRPP Madrid: Carmen Mallavibarrena, Gonzalo Ulecia Subscription: suscripciones@eventosmag.com Administration: Noemí Ordóñez, Nabila Katira Legal registration: B-37.971-2005 ISSN 1885-4699 - Printed in Spain.

spain for mice 2017-2018

Spanish DMCs make your event work (and impact) Spain, as a key destination with a long tradition for events, has many talented DMCs, and an association to bring them together, promote their activity and stimulate the whole industry to always improve its value added. This association is SpainDMCs, which organizes various activities, such as its by-yearly awards during ibtm world, which aim to promote professional behaviours, and its yearly assembly which is also an educational moment, and lastly took place in Girona in February. We were there and took this opportunity to share with some DMCs their view of an essential subject, often misunderstood: the value of the Destination Management Company. Sure, we all know they can book a great restaurant and coordinate transfers. But DMCs do much more, bring ideas, contribute to your event concept and the full experience of your delegates. Here are a few of their benefits. Solve problems, facilitate local operations DMCs know the place, have setup many events before, know the authorities and processes. And this help may be priceless when you need something for your event. Sandra Grana (España Incoming & Incentives) explains it: “The DMC is familiar with the idiosyncrasies of fate and suppliers and the problems that may arise. I can give you examples of events that have been surprised by demonstrations, strikes and other events and in which the ability and flexibility of the DMC has successfully solved problems.” An example? Jaime Sánchez (eventisimo) remembers the world launch of the new Porsche in 2015 in Barcelona. To enable the construction of an ephemeral 3200m2 venue next to Hotel Arts, they negotiated for months with the authorities to convince them of the economic impact of the event. Finally, all the permits were obtained, something that would have been very hard without a DMC. Olga Navarro (ITB) adds another one: “In a car presentation in Saragossa, we got the local police cut a street every day at the same time for a month so that the vehicles could make a change of direction usually prohibited and thus save 10 minutes avoiding a route that did not add anything to the experience”. Your local partner’s commitment and flexibility is a key to the success in case of unforeseen events, as shows this anecdote of MTZ: “during a strike in the hotel, our staff themselves started to make beds since the pickets did not allow access to the hotel staff”, remembers Fay Taylor. Anything for the client!

experience that he wanted all his group (600 of them!) to enjoy the same one. After meetings with 16 restaurants and the help of the city council and police, we obtained that 600 Germans thought they had spontaneously sat in a restaurant and been invited to dinner.” Bring creativity or adapt it locally Provided you give them a decent briefing (a big “if” and something to be improved in DMC management, if you ask us), your DMC will not just coordinate activities, but come up with creative ideas which add value. Jaime Sánchez (eventisimo) remembers the convention of tobacco company Altadis, including a team building in which they had to collect 4,000kg of oranges and create the glass the world’s largest orange juice. Guinness World Record included”. Olga Navarro (ITB) adds: “most clients know their own reality but we have seen so many things that we can really bring value, like this client which we convinced to materalise the idea of a projection of their future message using a spaceship, or that other one to whom we told we could find a real village and organize the village’s celebration just for them, on a Tuesday. We love those challenges!”

Give them a proper briefing and your DMCs will come up with great local ideas

Ensure a great, smooth experience Probably more than any logistical skill, the key ability of your DMC is the ability to find what will make your event unique and make it happen. Olga Navarro (ITB) gives an example: “during an inspection we took a German client to have a paella in Altea, and walking back to the car through the old center, we bought an ice cream. He liked so much the

Financial optimization Especially with a VAT system which is more favourable to planning events in Spain, giving the possibility to get the VAT back (quite a savings), your DMC helps in optimizing your events’ overall cost thanks to financial help. Mercedes Illana (Dynamic & Partners) reminds that help in this fiscal management, as well as easy centralisation and control of costs, tickets, inc¡voices, are key values added of a good DMC. The team It all comes from a great team. Sandra Grana (España Incoming & Incentives) explains that “the DMC professional is a multilingual project manager, with capacity of effort and with great organizational abilities and emotional intelligence”. DMC and event agency eventisimo even launched their own event planning school, ISEMCO. Overall, Spain’s internationally-minded MICE professionals in the right DMCs, will be your local brain and arm. Overall… Mercedes Illana (Dynamic & Partners) sums up the value of the dmc: “advice and creativity adapted to the destination, profile and budget”. They are all waiting for you! Luis Diaz (the association’s CEO) concludes with an inspiring quote: “the advantage of having the services of a DMC, as one of our former members now retired used to say, is that when something can’t be different, the DMC does it better”.

spain for mice 2017-2018

MADRID

COMMUNITY OF MADRID

As the third largest city in the European Union, Madrid is in a good shape when it comes to tourism and meetings. Currently in the fifth position in the ICCA ranking, the city started 2017 with seven large congresses confirmed which will bring 81,000 delegates, and will generate 700,000 room nights and a spend of 180 million euros. Fun, dynamic and with one of the best night lives in the world, Madrid is one of the most open cities in Europe and bursting with creativity. International Gemalto Convention by Conventia. A group of 545 people stayed at the two hotels (the Madrid Marriott Auditorium and the Meliรก Galgos Hotel) where meetings were held. Leisure activities included dinner at Opium with a performance and a light show, and another exclusive dinner at Cocina de San Antรณn, one of the new eating places in Madrid.

spain for mice 2017-2018

Madrid Marriott Auditorium shows off its new look with a cinema night

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To coincide the presentation of its new look with the celebration of its first anniversary as part of the Marriott International chain, the Madrid Marriott Auditorium Hotel & Conference Centre, the biggest Marriott in Europe, invited 700 guests from the MICE sector for an evening of lights, clapperboards and glamour in true Hollywood style. “Extra, extra!” shouted a newspaper boy at the hotel entrance whilst handing out copies with a very special cover: the news of the party and the hotel refurbishments. At the entrance, guests picked up a number for a raffle and walked the red carpet while a camera recorded the arrivals. Inside, guests could dressed up with items to make them look like Humphrey Bogart or Ingrid Bergman and get their photo taken at a “Casablanca” themed photocall, and the photo with the best kiss received a prize at the end of the evening. Catering was also themed to the silver screen: the “Moulin Rouge” area with a Parisian flavour where guests savoured French cheeses; “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” served oysters; “Memoirs of a Geisha” with Japanese cuisine, and the “Pirates of the Caribbean” area with cocktails. Entertainment included two shows, “Saturday Night Fever” and “Bollywood”, and dance areas.

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Essilor’s new lens flies over Las Ventas The agency Eventisimo organised the launch of the new Varilux X Series Lens from Essilor at the Las Ventas bullring with 1,200 spectators. The launch played on the theme of the sharpness and transparency of the lens, so the bullring was covered with a transparent canopy. The content was integrated into the presentation using video mapping and augmented reality and the surprise moment was when a drone flew over the bullring with a camera that gave a blurred view of the proceedings. On stage, the master of ceremonies then fitted the drone with the Varilux X Series lens, and when it took off again, the blurred images became clear. The event finished with a concert and music by a DJ.

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Altadis organises a railway-themed event in Madrid With an urban aesthetic and graphics inspired by railway and underground networks, Eventisimo ran a two-day convention for the tobacco company Altadis. The Rolling ChamartĂn, an indoor skating rink, hosted the plenary sessions. The layout of the stage resembled a Roman amphitheatre, the arena was a catwalk surrounded by two grand stands with seating for the 400 guests. The presentations and videos were projected on two screens located over each grand stand, and the floor was an enormous mapping surface for visual effects projections as a visual aid during the speeches and to welcome the speakers. Projections of motifs inspired by underground lines and train tickets, as well as a performance by a rap duo contributed to the atmosphere. After the meeting, guests were taken to a logistics centre where dinner and a party were held amidst containers stacked up on train tracks. In a large warehouse, various old trains greeted visitors and the buffet stations took diners on a gastronomical journey through the areas Altadis works in on the peninsula. Entertainment included break dancers, street graffiti artists with paintings inspired by the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concepts, a live concert by Tina and the Turners, and a DJ performed on a large scaffold adorned with huge LED screens. On the second day, a gymkhana took the group to the Madrid underground where, in teams, they recorded sounds of the underground and performances by the street artists that were dotted throughout the network. The kilometres that all the groups covered on the underground were added up and turned into kilos of food that were donated to the Madrid Food Bank. With the sounds recorded by all of the teams, the composer Juan Zelada put together a song that was uploaded on various digital platforms for sale and all the money raised will go to an organisation that supports street musicians.

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EVERYTHING

YOUR

EVENTS

NEEDS UNDER ONE

ROOF

s p a i n f o r m i c e 2 0www.seproevents.com 17-2018 11 seproevents@seproevents.com

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Galderma, a beauty event Galderma labs held a meeting at the Royal Tapestry Factory where 250 plastic surgeons attended to give their different points of view on beauty and the most appropriate treatments. With beauty in mind, the agency Imagine Events decided on an interactive encounter in which proximity and debate would not conflict with the show. A multi-purpose stage was created with 3D projections, surround sound and a light show that changed completely for each speech. In addition, a video mapping summarised the values and philosophy of Galderma. Since the participants came from different countries, cinema was the common thread of the presentations where each country showed their vision on beauty. For each presentation, the backstage was converted into a movie screen with the projection of iconic films from each country which also served as an introduction for the speaker. Each speaker then explained their case and marking a real patient on stage while explaining the treatments used. The backdrop was also changed during the presentations. During the afternoon, the speeches gave way to debates and an expert panel who presented real medical cases. The interaction between delegates and speakers was made possible by an app through where delegates could ask questions were asked, rate and vote.

Wine, football and lots of history with Events by tlc Enjoying the culture and essence of Madrid was the objective of an incentive that Events by tlc organised for 300 representatives of a North American logistics wholesaler. The event had been held in previous editions in the Bahamas, Bangkok, Hawaii and aboard cruise ships like the Queen Mary 2, so the “wow” factor was fundamental! The incentive was organised in such a way that they could enjoy not just the city but also the surrounding area and even other Spanish cities, making the most of the AVE high-speed train which connects them with Madrid in 2-3 hours, and designed to give each participant to get some knowledge of the history of Spain. For this, the group went to Toledo, El Escorial, Segovia, Barcelona and Valencia. One of the most popular activities was the wine sampling routes in the region of Aranjuez, and visiting two wine cellars which are flagships of the Designation of Origin Wines of Madrid. Another trip that they loved (in fact, it almost never fails... and we recommend it) was the visit to the Real Madrid football stadium. The group enjoyed a private visit of the Santiago Bernabéu Museum, with a glass of champagne on the playing field and dinner in the royal box. After dinner, the Free Style show took place, followed by drinks and dancing in the stadium.

The new SEAT Ateca is launched among gastronomy, magic and video mapping During its launch, the new SEAT Ateca shared the spotlight with two other things: first class gastronomy and stunning audiovisuals. Organised by Parafina Comunicación, the reveal of the Ateca was preceded by a magic show in which an illusionist appeared and disappeared on the stage and on the walls of the Cibeles Palace. With the help of video mapping and a 60m2 LED screen on the stage, images of the illusionist were blended with images of the venue’s architecture, giving the impression that he was moving from one side to the other. The final trick culminated with the vehicle appearing on the stage and going round a walkway at audience level. A counter was also set up on the stage to where the chef Ramón Freixá prepared culinary dishes that combined the Mediterranean origins of the brand with the urban heart of the vehicle. While the audience was able to follow the cooking demonstration live, Life Gourmet Catering served them food. The night continued with a cocktail dinner and DJs mixing music.

spain for mice 2017-2018

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MADRID

Ballantine’s takes over the market of San Ildefonso Markets can be unique venues for meetings in the city. The San Antón and San Miguel markets are already two classics. Ballantine’s chose the San Ildefonso market to offer a visual show with music and its analogue and digital icons. The agency M&C Saatchi was responsible for the decoration complete with vinyl curtains, a wall made of CDs that created an optical effect with multicoloured lights, vinyl columns with guitar harps or stairs that simulated a never-ending piano were some of the most visual aspects. And in another event, Ovation Spain chose to host a dinner at the San Miguel Market which included Spanish wines and a wide range of tapas, complemented with a flamenco performance on acoustic guitar.

An international convention at the Círculo de Bellas Artes CWT organised an international convention for some 145 people from different countries who stayed at the NH Las Ventas hotel and also where the meetings took place. Before the gala dinner, they went on a private visit to the Thyssen museum, followed by a walking tour along Paseo del Prado to reach the Círculo de Bellas Artes. The gala dinner and award ceremony was decorated with lighting to match the corporate colours and projection of images of the most emblematic corners of the city throughout the dinner.

Turning a basketball court into a theatre with a ballroom Brava Producciones turned the Wizink Centre’s basketball court into a magnificent theatre with a ballroom for 6,000 delegates for the national Mary Kay Cosmetics seminar. The tricky bit was to convert these sport facilities into a glamorous, practical and safe venue for two days of talks, conferences, acknowledgements and an awards ceremony. The basketball court was split into two parts and with a 300m2 multi-image stage and a 1,300m2 ballroom for VIP events. The transformation made it hard to imagine that right on that same floor is where the Spanish national team plays its matches.

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A very Spanish flavour Feel like being a “Madrileño” for a few days? This was what ITB proposed to 150 international guests. The whole programme was based on local traditions, starting with a bottle of olive oil as a welcome gift, and the first dinner held at the Posada de la Villa. Guests enjoyed a demonstration of traditional flamenco dancing with Spanish dressage horses at La Finca Los Jarales. They had an “aperitivo” with ham slicers at the bullring and tasted sherries and cheese in a wine cellar. Then they learnt how to prepare (and enjoyed) an authentic paella, and in the afternoon they visited one of the city’s most coveted places, the Real Madrid stadium. Dinner was held in exclusivity at the Real Café. This is one of the agency’s favourite places, but they also recommend others such as the Westin Palace where they have organised sherry-tastings for up to 400 people, and the Cibeles Terraza, which can be reserved for dinners. The next day, guests enjoyed a panoramic tour of the city using GoCars and buses, and then a barbecue on the terrace of the Hotel Ayre Colón. Following a visit to El Prado, a gala dinner was organised at the Masía de José Luis with a giant screen to enjoy one of Spain’s other true passions, football. The event finished with a modern flamenco performance accompanied by a cocktail. Another activity to make the group feel even more like a local, they played “petanca” (Spanish bowls) in a park close to Requena. This was followed by brunch on the terrace of the Café de Oriente, a true historical reference among Madrid cafés.

CPhI Worldwide: mega pharmaceutical event As the main international trade fair for pharmaceutical ingredients, it was also the biggest international event held in Madrid in 2015: 2,500 exhibitors and 36,000 professionals from 153 countries. CPhI Worldwide occupied the whole premises of IFEMA and was split into 20 areas dedicated to diverse fields of pharmaceuticals. An event that combines exhibitions and the 7th CPhI Pre-Connect Congress, which covered the latest trends in this sector. The event, which started as a simple trade fair, also provided learning opportunities for those attending. For instance, the Pharma Forum was organised as a kind of Content Village where informative meetings were held; the “Innovation Galleries” also played their part where the latest breakthroughs were presented by exhibitors; there were also the Pharma Insight Innovation Briefings, brief insight meetings about the innovations identified in cutting-edge topics in the sector; and of course, the CPhI Pharma Awards ceremony.

RedBull Music Academy Bass Camp brings the party to the metro A pharmaceutical product launch straight out of the big screen Having relaunched their Toviaz treatment, the pharmaceutical company Pierre Fabre wanted to make it the star of their catalogue. And where do stars shine, if not in the sky? In the cinema! So Unit Elements prepared a communication campaign and an event that turned the product into a film star. For the in-house communication campaign, the image of the medication was incorporated with the most famous cinema billboards. The event, attended by 110 people, took place at the Círculo Palace. For the occasion, the hall was redecorated from scratch with classic cinema items, dominated by huge film reels that served as the stage. During the gala dinner, the guests enjoyed a ceremony hosted by a popular comedian, and film clips and trailers were shown. An Oscar awards presentation took place in which Toviaz, needless to say, triumphed.

Looking for unconventional venues? This was the case for the last edition of the Red Bull Music Academy Bass Camp, an event organised by Last Lap, where the energy drink celebrates new trends and talents in electronic music, choosing venues as varied as the Medialab Prado, the Madrid Casino or surprising underground locations. For the main attraction of this Academy Bass Camp, the party MC39, a night city tour was organised and it started at the entrance hall of the Príncipe Pío metro station. The producer Talktome provided the beats while those present waited to find out the secret location of the final party. Participants had to catch the metro. To ensure that they also enjoyed the trip, DJ Pau Roca played records on the train… the trip ended at the Chamartín metro station and they had to get off and enter the tunnel to access the MC39 party. The suspense of the participants increased upon entering the tunnel where they saw that everything was set up for a true underground DJ experience with lights and projections on the tunnel walls.

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Alternative Madrid. Las Ideas de Wendy brings us a different way of discovering Madrid. See the other side of the historical centre of Madrid and learn about its cultural background, history and modern life. The tour will take you through Malasaña, Chueca and Chamberi districts and will expose the depth of local cultural traditions beyond royal dynasties and the classical landmarks. Almodovar experience. Another experience from La Ideas de Wendy. The movie director’s success is a result of his circumstances: he began making films during the transitory period between the death of Franco and the development of the progressive/transgressive cultural movement “la movida”. His films have their own built-in language and mythology. The group can follow an itinerary and discover places where he has shot his movies.

Peugeot’s Motor Day took place at the Teatro Goya, organised by MDA Eventos and attended by 200 participants.

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Wine schools. Rebelión de los Mandiles is a wine school in the very heart of Madrid. It offers guided tours and wine tasting courses. Its premises are also available for events and private tastings, in addition to a wine cellar with space for 70 people seated and 100 standing. Tapas Hunter. An activity that puts participants’ orientation skills to the test. Their quest is to find the recommended taverns and enjoy a culinary trip eating some of Madrid’s typical tapas. Cafés de Madrid. A tour around the establishments that are the most popular among reputable writers, painters and intellects while sampling a variety of coffees. Churros & Chocolat. Learn all about the process behind making Spain’s typical churros and don’t forget to dip them in tasty chocolate. Touring Madrid in a Seat 600. In Out Travel & Events offers groups the chance to travel through Madrid in a charming Seat 600. A driver takes participants around while they sit back and take in the charm of the shops, gastronomy and sites. The tour can be extended with a walk through some of Madrid’s most famous neighbourhoods such as ‘Las Letras’. Choose your favourite place in the city and learn all about its history!

Highlighted venues Bulevar30 is situated at 30, Gran Vía; it offers panoramic views of the capital through its picture windows surrounding its 160m2. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. It has been available for events for a long time (Grupo eventoplus held a memorable Premios eventoplus awards ceremony in 2011 on its field), but the novelty now is Eventos VIP which is tailored to high-end meeting and incentive clients, which includes areas in the stadium as well as special VIP areas. Platea Madrid, the old Carlos III cinema has reopened with a gourmet area of 5,800m2 split between two floors and two amphitheatres that give a touch of theatre and show to food-related events. It has a capacity for 1,183 people and is inspired by the aesthetics from the 1940s and 1950s. It is equipped with its own kitchen for show cooking and cooking courses, in addition to a private dining room for twelve diners where a Platea chef can prepare meals for small groups. Events can be organised on the stage of the former cinema where enjoy gastronomy can be combined with aerial dance, performing arts, cabaret, theatre, live music or broadcasts on the gigantic screen. The monumental cultural centre of Madrid, the Conde Duque combines its cultural events programme with private ones. Its auditorium (250 people), theatre (260 people), south patio (2,200m2, 1,500 people) and the function rooms are available for meetings. First established in 1993, the Palacio Municipal de Congresos conference centre is a versatile venue who has hosted major events such as the International Nursing Congress attended by 10,000 delegates. The Bodevil theatre. Located in the business centre of Azca, it is an early 20th century theatre. The distribution of the space gives possibilities to set ups for acrobatic shows or aerial dances. The areas (the auditorium of 350m2, the amphitheatre and the bar area) can be independently used or connected to form a complete area.

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Wanda Metropolitano. From September 2017, the Wanda Metropolitano, Atlético de Madrid football club’s new stadium, will have 22 multi-purpose areas for meetings –from 250m2 to 3,500m2 - an auditorium for 400 people and 11,000m2 of VIP zones and premium suites.

The Palacio Neptuno has three main rooms: an auditorium, an open terrace and a VIP hall. It has a capacity for up to 600 people.

Autocine Madrid Race a 25,000m2 open air venue is opening in Chamartín where you can enjoy a vintage cinema experience with period cars, an American diner and foodtrucks. The venue has space for 300 vehicles parked in front of the screen.

White Lab. A multi-purpose venue in the Chamberí district. 200m2 divided between two floors: one for 50-60 people and another for 90 for cocktails or 35 in theatre-style.

spain for mice 2017-2018

Afterwork gathering at the Campari Red Suite Inspired by an afterwork gathering at a friend’s house, the Italian brand opened the doors of its Campari Red Suite at the NH Eurobuilding hotel. Organised by the agency Shackleton, an area of 150m2 was tainted in the brand’s red tones with views of the sunset over Madrid’s skyline. In the hall, a bellboy dressed in red was guided guests to the suite on the 15th floor, where a red carpet led the way towards the Campari Red Suite. Once inside, guests were greeted by the curves of the bottle and the balloon glass which Campari is best served in. A photocall allowed pictures to be taken and framed by the silhouette of a glass. A giant glass was also used as the canvas for an illustrator to portray the atmosphere of the event with a red marker. A piano bar set the stage not only for the band to play its swing themes and classic Italian tunes, but also for the bartender to perform his Campari Tonic making spectacle. The party continued at another corner of the suite where a caricaturist invited guests to pose on a large bed surrounded by cushions and red details. Caricature of the guests were drawn and framed in a glass. And in case guests were still in doubt about the theme of the event, there was a dressing room with red garments, mirrors painted with suggestive hashtags using crimson lipstick, a bathroom with ruby coloured dressing gowns and a bathtub full of bottles, ensured that they have entered the world of Campari.

Barceló Torre de Madrid is one of the most emblematic skyscrapers of the city, the Madrid Tower in the Plaza de España. It opened its doors after having been converted into a fivestar hotel with 256 bedrooms, two suites and eight meeting rooms, the majority with natural light and capacity for 30 - 70 people in classroom style.

Located on the estate where the Aragonese painter lived, the TeatroGoya offers a versatile space next to the Manzanares River. From the small meetings for 100 people, like the VIP space and the anteroom at the Lounge Bar, to medium sized spaces like the Goya Room for than 500 people in the auditorium, in addition to other versatile spaces, the venue can hold meetings for more than 1,500 people.

LaSede. The building of the Madrid Architects Association (COAM) is the result of the spectacular remodelling of the old Piarist Schools of Saint Anthony in the very heart of Madrid. It offers 12,000m2 distributed over several different areas, most of which can be hired for meetings. The new auditorium was recently opened on the second floor with capacity for 120 people.

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Windobona. Indoor flying is fashionable and the wind tunnels are open for meetings where guests can experience the sensation of free-falling. 2,000m2 of facilities split between restaurant areas, meeting rooms, parking, gardens and open areas. Windobona also has three rooms and an open area for 50 people.

Hotel InterContinental is situated on the Paseo de la Castellana, it offers 15 meeting rooms. The recent renovation of the adaptable rooms includes the sophisticated and neutral dĂŠcor with shades of grey to create versatile and spacious rooms full of light. Novotel Madrid Centre. The largest Novotel in the world is in Madrid and has been refurbished. It is one of the largest venues for meetings and events in Madrid: 790 rooms and 2,400m2 for holding meetings and events split into 23 halls. MeliĂĄ Castilla is another huge meetings hotel and an historic institution in Madrid, with no less than 903 bedrooms and 77,000m2 of meeting space.

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Madrid Río, more than one million square metres of event-ready recreational space Madrid might not have a beach, but it has a river. The Manzanares River has become the backbone of a new zone in the city known as Madrid Río, a park with more than one million square metres of space ready for a wide range of activities. But the area is not just for outdoor events: the Matadero Madrid Contemporary Art Centre (formerly a slaughterhouse) offers plenty of indoor options. Madrid Río came about as part of a new, more welcoming and sustainable vision of the city based on an urbanism project which put roads underground and brought together historical gardens and urban parks featuring 30,000 new trees, 42km of walking trails, 33 sports fields and a mountaineering school.

Eurobuilding hotel, the tech temple for meetings On a technological level, one of the most ground-breaking hotels in Madrid is the NH Collection Eurobuilding -7,800m2 and 35 meeting rooms-. Amongst its most appealing proposals is telepresence, which combines video conferences with interactive collaboration and 3D holographic technology. It is also available in other hotels of the chain. The hotel has the largest LED curved screen TV installed its vault of 300m2. The hotel chain also offers the ‘Smart Room System’ for video conferencing where interaction with the content and the system that is located in the room can be made through personal devices.

Full-throttle team building Spain’s passion for motor-sports is overwhelming... Why not enjoy the city’s excellent motor-sport facilities? Auriga Motor offers adrenaline-drenched team building experiences such as the BMW Experience: two and a half hours of test-driving on a specialist circuit, including theoretical training, testing in the paddock and on the track, and an open bar among fleets of BMW Series 1, BMW Series 3 and BMW M vehicles. The Carlos Sainz Center has two circuits: go-karting in Madrid and Las Rozas, with team building experiences at the indoor and outdoor Carlos Sainz tracks. The indoor circuit has 3,000m2 of track full of bends and real-time timekeeping. The group can be dressed in striking driver’s outfits and made to feel like real racing drivers. The scoreboard next to the finish line displays the results of the races in real time. The track is complemented by large halls totalling up to 500m2. Paintball and mini-golf facilities are also available.

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CATALONIA BARCELONA

Beyond cosmopolitan and sophisticated Barcelona, Catalonia has a lot to offer. Home of pioneers, it is a dynamic destination on an industrial and commercial level, and a cradle of great artists like Gaudí and Dalí and renowned chefs like Ferrán Adrià and Joan Roca. The region is full of charms: 500km of interesting coastline; a cultural heritage that includes Catalan modernism and Romanesque periods recognised by UNESCO; the Pyrenees, natural valleys and lakes; the areas of Garrotxa and Val d’Aran which offer sports and adventure activities. It has four major cities: Tarragona, Girona, Lleida and Barcelona.

Barcelona With its cosmopolitan and Mediterranean spirit, Barcelona has been an international star since the 1992 Olympics which breathed a new air to the city. It hosts the Mobile World Congress, the king of all events, ibtm world, the trade show of our meetings industry, as well as large medical and technological events, sports and cultural events such as Formula 1, Sonar and Primavera Sound festivals. The city occupies the third place in the ICCA ranking and first place in the number of people attending. Welcome to a meetings powerhouse! Some of the unique venues that you can find include medieval buildings such as the Casa Llotja de Mar or the Royal Shipyards; modern architecture like the Mies van der Rohe’s Pavilion and Catalan Modernist masterpieces such as the Palau de la Música or Casa Batlló. Other unforgettable options include the MNAC or MACBA as well as the famous Liceu theatre. The city keeps adding new venues for events like the Montjuïc Castle which overlooks the city and the sea, the Hospital de Sant Pau which is one of the most important modernist complexes in the world, as well as creative venues like Betahaus or Valkiria Hub Space.

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BMW Convention

BMW presented the new Series-5 in Barcelona to representatives from various countries. Parallel events for specific regions were organised by the agency Auriga, such as the convention for 500 attendees from Asia, Pacific and South Africa with two objectives: to consolidate teams and to communicate the technological dimension of the brand. The agency chose the Maritime Museum for its architectural uniqueness and its connection with the sea, a concept dear to

BMW. The gothic building, divided into different high-vaulted ceilings, housed the gala dinner and the convention. To consolidate teams, the motto “Shaping the future together” was implemented via graphic images such as one that grouped the silhouettes of the iconic buildings of each of these countries; invitations, posters in buses and within the venue. As for staging, a central stage was built to give a 360ª experience around the speaker. Led screens put other in a cube form were suspended above the stage

to project the presentations and videos. To project the technological dimension of the brand, videomapping projections were also used around the venue. For the gala dinner, guests enjoyed a choreography of music and lights, 360ª mapping on the walls of the room and the façade of the building. The agency also organised other regional events, dynamic driving tests and team building activities with iPads around the city.

Your audiovisual partner in SPAIN Passion to comunicate

T +34 93 340 42 68 www.area-tecnica.com / info@area-tecnica.com s p a i n

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Barcelona 360º: land, sea and air

The agency We Barcelona organised an activity for a chemical company of 150 guests to discover Barcelona from three different perspectives after a day of meetings: land, sea and air. Divided into 10 groups, the land experience included a walking tour through the historical part of town; the air with a helicopter ride and the sea with sailing the Barcelona Coast on board a Turkish Schooner.

Accor takes meeting planners to the other side of the mirror

Itinerant conventions in Cadí –Moixeró Between the provinces of Barcelona, Girona and Lleida is theCadí-Moixeró natural park. The agency Unit Elements can organise conventions for groups of less than 100 people. The group will be divided into teams of up to five members each and will be given the keys to a 4x4 and a map on paper o in an iPad to get to different checkpoints. Upon arrival at each checkpoint, meetings are held in the natural surroundings and lunch will also be served en route at a traditional country house. The last checkpoint will be the hotel where the teams will spend the night and rest… and get ready to hit the road again the following day.

Accor Hotels offered a themed party for ibtm world’s Hosted Buyers at its Pullman Barcelona, organised by the agency LaLeySeca. Inspired by the world of Alice in Wonderland by Tim Burton and the famous phrase “We are all mad here!” Guests arrived with an invitation in the form of an ace of heart card and upon entering; they had to take the elixir to decrease in size in order to pass through a lock to the world of the Mad Hatter and the Red Queen. They could also put on accessories such as hats for ladies and great ties for men. Once inside the room, everything went crazy... A long tea table was prepared with tons of sweets, the queen’s room was the dance floor, a large chessboard with giant chess pieces was placed on one side of the room; playing cards flew across the ceiling; the DJ table was constructed in the form of a large cup of tea... A live music band, Diamond Sound System got everybody dancing the night away. Apart from a public relations action with the hosted buyers, the event also fulfilled another of its missions by showing that in a (Accor!) hotel, you can organise a highly creative event.

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The Palau Nacional and the Museum collections open just for you A Palace with versatile spaces adaptable for exclusive groups from 20 to 2,600 people. From a friendly little auditorium to one of the largest events rooms in Europe.

Leading the big wave A consultancy put the agency We Barcelona in charge of their convention with the objectives to strengthen leadership, team-building and transmit their corporate values. The agency created a two-day programme in Sitges under the concept ‘Leading the Big Wave’ which combined internal meetings, team-building sessions and activities outside the hotel. They also organised a Beach Camp where the group was divided into small teams and had to carry out different activities such as PadelSurf, Kayak or Pedalo, in which they had to show their skills and improve their team relations. They finished the afternoon with a fun and participative Mojito workshop before a beach dinner where the prizes where handed out to the winning teams.

A Revlon day by the sea

Venues surrounded by Art in Barcelona © Imagen M.A.S.

Abile Events organised an event for more than 250 Revlon employees at the Barcelona Swimming Club, which included a meeting, activities, dinner and a party. The most enjoyable part was the ‘1st Revlon Cup Regatta’ in which teams had to make their own boats out of cardboard boxes. The challenge? Not only did the teams had to be creative, but they also had to get their boats to float to the other side of the swimming pool of the venue. The teams were able to get changed in the club changing rooms and enjoyed an aperitif served by the sea. And before dinner was served, there was another surprise: the CNB’s synchronised swimming team gave a performance with LEDs worn on their bodies.

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Barcelonize hosted an event for 70 guests from Sinclair on the terrace of the hotel Ohla, where gastronomy was combined with an aquatic show. Mermaids appeared in the swimming pool with a performance as well as giving out gifts for the guests in a treasure chest.

The new SEAT Ibiza, an icon way up high in Barcelona SEAT entrusted Parafina Comunicaciรณn y Eventisimo with the launch of the new Ibiza in the dome of the Arenas Barcelona Shopping Centre. The event attracted 250 journalists and was broadcast via Facebook Live. To enable the cars to access the area, which is circular and on the top floor of the building, an enormous crane was parked in the street to lift the vehicles onto the 5th floor terrace. The venue separated the checkpoint and welcome zones from the reveal area, and the lounge space also had an area set aside for one-on-one interviews with company experts and executives. A 144m2 screen was installed with five platforms underneath to display the vehicles. The event was attended by press delegations from 23 countries complete with a photo shoot. During the morning, the journalists were able to get to know the Ibiza up-close. The media presentation was followed by a presentation to 280 representatives from the commercial network who were given the chance to discover the fifth generation of this iconic car in advance of its international launch.

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A wine event by Bacus Eventos Parallel events are always organised around the World Mobile Congress. Bacus Eventos created for Siris Capital Group, an American client who is an admirer of Spanish wines, a wine event with the aim to build relationships between the guests. Held at the Sant Pau Modernist Site, 280 guests gathered to network and close business deals. The challenge for the agenda was to come up with something that would surprise the guests but at the same time, something simple without entertainment or shows that might distract them. The decoration revolved around wine (of course!): table centrepieces with different types of grapes, tables made with wine barrels, plants to look like vines, bar centres made from corks, magnum wine bottles filled with LED lights, old wine cases as catering displays, etc.

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Renaissance offers its Global Day of Discovery Guests at the Renaissance Barcelona Fira got to experience the Global Day of Discovery, held at the El Cel terrace. This worldwide event, with the simultaneous participation of more than 170 Renaissance Hotels, aims to get clients, beyond a business trip, to discover something during their stay. One of the attractions of the more than 110-metre high terrace, is its 21-metre black swimming pool, so why not make water the star of the event? Guests enjoyed a waterbowl dance show of acrobatic dancers in the water which combined artistic elements with the beauty and sensuality of the human body. The magical views of the city skyline complemented the event’s slogan “The magic fusion of aquatic art”. Catalan magician, Magic Cambras, was present and hypnotised one of the guests and suspended her in the air. The evening also featured live pop rock from The Bob Standards group.

‘When vintage meets industrial’ by Google

A “street party” on the village’s main square in Barcelona Every town in Spain has its main square where one can witness its social activity, enjoy the open-air markets and celebrations. Building on that tradition, the agency BarcelonaEkspertene conceived an event for 1,400 guests of a Norwegian communication company in a venue which has its own main square: the Poble Espanyol. The group had its work sessions at the Hotel Hesperia Tower and decided to take advantage of the Mediterranean climate with a “street party”at the main square complete with music, entertainment and food. Different chill-out areas were setup in the event, including a mural where graffiti artists embodied their art; four food trucks serving different food (vegan, oriental, Peruvian and gourmet); a delivery food service and themed buffet bars by catering Cal Blay; DJs and an entertainment area with football included.

The agency Barcelonize combined two fashion styles for the 120 guests from Google under the theme “when vintage meets industrial”. At the BCN Nautic Centre, they recreated a vintage market with huge imperial tables as used in French villages, and organised various activities. The guests arrived at the port of Barcelona (the industrial part of the event) at 7pm, where they were served a glass of cava under a chill-out ambience. From there, they were moved to the BCN Nautic Centre and greeted with a decorated with electric garlands, vinyl records, old cameras, books, old newspapers and five vintage-styled food trucks serving different types of food. While the guests enjoyed their food, entertainment was also provided: live painting of a mural by a street artist; music from a soul/funk group and a photo booth. After the guests had finished their meal, the painted mural was turned around offering guests a graffiti workshop on the “clean” side. On the following day, they were divided into four groups for cooking workshops around the city centre. They had to prepare traditional dishes like tapas, bread with tomato, paella, and the dessert crema catalana. After enjoying the dishes that they had prepared, a surprise awaited them. They were brought to the Estación de Francia, where a Roaring Twentiesthemed café had been recreated: waiters dressed in period costumes, modern Charleston and ragtime music mixes, and projection of black and white films. The surprise? The company bosses were behind the bars and served cocktails to the staff. To end the event, there was a “cocktail war” where the teams used the ingredients available on the bar to make the best cocktail they could think of.

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400 American attendees experience authentic Barcelona

Highlighted venues Palau de Congressos de Catalunya and the Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I. With 25,000m2 of meeting space, a 2,000- people auditorium and beautiful gardens for events. 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 of 365,000m2 of exhibition space and a convention centre. Lots of accommodation options with nearby modern hotels.

Beer company Moritz opens new spaces on the first floor of its Moritz Factory. These recently restored rooms were the dining room of the Moritz family. With a capacity of 70 people for cocktails and 50 for banquets, the gastronomy will be an extra bonus in the hands of one Michelin-starred chef Jordi Vilà from the Alkimia restaurant.

One of the recent incentive programs delivered by SHE Spanish Heritage DMC in Barcelona was custom-designed for a US-based IT company. The goal was to delight the 400 demanding guests by unusual and authentic activities, smooth organisation and a unique event concept (result of numerous brainstorming sessions). The final purpose of the whole event was to make the guests completely fall in love with Barcelona and its multifarious spirit via some key concepts: Barcelona is modern & avant-garde, tradition, maritime and passion. Modern & avant-garde: welcome event at W Barcelona Hotel. On their first evening, the guests were invited to get to know the destination through a cocktail dinner with many things going on at the same time: live graffiti painting, Spanish dance battle, live music and DJ all through the afternoon and transiting into the evening with the stunning sunset over the Mediterranean Sea from the hotel´s terrace. Tradition. Apart from optional thematic tours and excursions, a unique iPad game inspired by the Amazing Race concept was designed for the three-hour competition for the teams. The goal was to complete the pop-up challenges from the iPad while exploring the streets of the neighbourhood. All the challenges were designed for the participants to get familiarised with some of the Barcelona’s highlights. Maritime Night. Picture the old shipyards of Barcelona: dim lights, faint sound of the waves and suddenly... the voice of Neptune, the God of the seas welcomed and invited the guests to dine at his table. During the dinner, the guests could enjoy the sweet and seductive voice of a mermaid, the dance of the water waves, the gentle sound of the harp and fine Mediterranean gastronomy, all honoring Barcelona’s historical link to the sea. Passion at the National Palace. The National Art Museum of Catalonia was the right spot to say “good bye”, with the Magic Fountain bursting into colours just for the group and opera singers filled the atmosphere with their voices when they sing “Barcelona” by Montserrat Caballe and Freddie Mercury. While inside, everyone got carried away by ´Bizet’s famous opera Carmen told by Spanish guitars and air dancers.

InGracia offers three rooms with a restored industrial setting, but also equipped with a lot of technology: virtual reality, interactive photocalls, digital mats, ultra short throw projectors (so the speaker can stand in front of the screen without throwing a shadow), an interactive display for writing on the presentation with a virtual pencil and sending notes to participants, etc.

Casa Capella, a venue in Las Ramblas, located between the La Boquería market and El Liceu, has a 190m2 space available for meetings.

A tournament with Messi for the presentation of the new football boots from Adidas The Arnold agency organised the presentation of the new Red Limit 16s in an “underground” setting. 300 football fans turned out to see Messi in action with the new boots and 50 youngsters were also selected by Adidas to take part in the Never Follow Tournament. A tunnel was created which led to a caged game area with a LED screen pitch on the floor and synchronised with a big vertical projection display. The winner of the tournament received a trophy given out by the great Leo himself. He also took on the challenge of shooting at a virtual goal criss-crossed by dozens of red lasers. He not only scored a goal without touching the lasers but broke the screen that was acting as the back of the net!

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L’Hivernacle de El Poble Espanyol is a seasonal area opened between the months of November and March. It is 1,350m2 hall styled as greenhouse with capacity for 2,500 people for cocktails, 1,100 people for banquet and 1,350 people for theatre. It has a transparent structure and a height of over five metres, which gives those inside the sensation of being in the open air, surrounded by vegetation.

Casa Llotja de Mar VENUE IN THE FRONT SEA OF BARCELONA

THE GREAT SPACE FOR YOUR EVENTS

Conferences / Congresses / Gala Dinners Business Lunchs / Receptions Enter at www.casallotja.com and discover your favourite spaces

Space rental Cristina Ymbern +34 932 956 414 events@cambrabcn.org Passeig d’Isabel II, 1 · Barcelona

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Capella del MACBA, the complex at the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) with its 18,000m2 of space, has opened its chapel, which was normally available for exhibitions, to events. With 380m2, it can cater for up to 350 people in cocktail, 250 people in theatre and 180 people for banquets.

Casa de les Punxes. Following a restoration project, this modernist medieval-inspired château has opened its doors for events. Surrounded by pointed towers is a 600m2 terrace with a capacity for up to 220 people for open-air events. It also has the penthouse, a 260m2 area with interconnecting rooms.

Open Camp, the first sports entertainment park in Europe, has an auditorium, an adjacent multi-purpose area of 300m², a VIP zone with a 360m² foyer, terrace space totalling 1,269m2 and other areas for meetings. It offers over 25 activities: immersion experiences in basketball and simulators for scoring goals. Experience the thrills of a MotoGP rider, boxing, and others.

Doble36 is a venue in the Poblenou area with 1,300m2 divided into three rooms with varying capacities. And right next door is Factory36 with 320m2 split between a hall and a terrace for outdoor activities.

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In the cloisters of the Monasterio de Sant Miquel, an area within El Poble Espanyol, 100 guests attended the presentation of the new collection from designer Inmaculada García.

Activities

The Hospital de Sant Pau is the most important Modernist building in Europe and is • also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Llotja de Mar, or old commodity exchange, is an historical building from the 14th century. Sitting near the sea, the facility is now • exclusively dedicated to business meetings. La Roca Village expanded its areas for meetings with a new building with room for 80 people and a VIP Lounge. 40 minutes from Barcelona, this is the largest of the Value Retail Chic Outlet Shopping® Villages, spaces with luxury outlet shopping, in Europe. Catalonia Barcelona Plaza just renovated its facilities: eight meeting rooms, a 674m2 • central area, and the foyer equipped with the latest technology including LED technology which can manage various sources of images and distribute them over various screens. The meeting organiser can control the lights of all meeting rooms via a tablet and personalise the images of the roofs.

Shop at the world’s most famous food • market—La Boqueria— and cook a suquet de peix (traditional fish soup) under the guidance of a star-awarded chef. And then, dig in! Learn about the tradition of “Correfoc” and the customs and fiestas at a nearby • town where at night, the tradition of devils and bonfires awaits you. On arrival you will discover an authentic celebration full of traditional spectacles. That’s when the drums and the “gralla” sound, announcing the coming of the devils. Join in the party, dance among the red and black capes, • jump beneath the sparks, or observe the spectacles well away from the fire. ‘Harvest morning’. Bodegas Torres offers this activity in Vilafranca del Penedés, awarded the prize for best wine tourism experience by the magazine Drinks International. It is a workshop to get first-hand experience about the traditional grape harvest, as well as enjoy a wine tasting and a bite to eat in the vineyard itself.

Seat 600 experience: Did you know that the SEAT 600 was Spain’s most used car during the 50s and 60s and that it was made in Barcelona? Get ready for a vintage experience with this tour around the alleyways of the Gothic and Born districts. Wine, gastronomy, tradition and human towers. This guided minivan tour includes a visit to a winery, entry to and active participation in a real “colla castellera”, or human tower-building , and an excursion on foot through the historical centre of Mataró or Vilafranca del Penedès. Live the traditions of Penedès (a wine region near Barcelona): Amfivia offers activities which include trencadís (Gaudí-style ceramic mosaics), sardana dances or a castell (Catalan human towers, an impressive activity especially for team building).

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FC Barcelona Meetings & Events Your meetings will never be the same at Camp Nou because you can have your events, meetings or gala dinners in the largest football stadium in Europe and… play football too! The Club has a wide range of rooms and spaces where some of them have direct views to the field. Our production team offers you all the services your meetings need and can help you personalise all types of setups (cocktail, banquet, theatre…). Organise your meetings at Camp Nou and enjoy the exclusivity, atmosphere and history that the emblematic stadium offers. Discover why there is nowhere like Camp Nou! Corporate events: Mark a difference: Attractive and sophisticated, its newly-built rooms and halls are equipped with the latest technology and have capacity for up to 450 people. Other unique spaces available include the field, the Stand Auditorium, the Grandstand Hall, the Barça Museum… with capacity for up to 4,500 people. Play on Barça’s pitch: Walk onto the field and be an elite footballer for a day: Messi, Neymar or Piqué, the team at FC Barcelona’s Meetings & Events can make your dreams come true. Fairs and exhibitions: We have outdoor spaces around the stadium for exhibitions with the highest level of flexibility and accessibility. Organise successful exhibitions in a privileged location! Discover more at www.fcbevents.es • events@fcbarcelona.cat More than an experience. More than a club. FC Barcelona

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Girona Costa Brava The combination of the sea and the mountains is the distinguishing feature of Girona’s gastronomy, but if we add that this area has eight natural parks, Roman ruins, 220 km of Mediterranean coastline (the Costa Brava) which joins the Pyrenees at the Cap de Creus, beaches, volcanoes, lakes, mountain ranges and the legacy of Salvador Dalí, you can begin to get an idea of all that this destination has to offer.

One of the images most captured on camera in Girona is that of its coloured buildings on the river. Because of its size, it is possible to explore the Jewish quarter and the embankment on foot, and stop for an aperitif on one of the terraces of its squares. Girona is only 30 km from the Costa Brava, 80 km from the French border, and 100 km from Barcelona, which can be reached by the AVE high speed train in 37 minutes, and Paris in five and a half hours. It also has an airport.

Girona plays the Game of Thrones After eight months of planning with 78 suppliers and 170 participants, this team building initiative organised by Marca Condal was intended to lead participants on a journey into the world of clans and the battle for power, all with a pinch of fantasy and a sprinkle of creativity. The entire convention was set in the city of Girona, where part of the series was shot. Participants were accommodated in the city and the chosen setting was, of course, the medieval castle. To recreate the series, the organisers planned dynamic activities, put up elaborate decorations and wrote scripts for participants to star in. The future of their companies depended on their performance! The morning session was reserved for corporate meetings. Afterwards, the participants could get changed at the hotel and set out towards the cathedral in their GOT attire and take pictures before heading to the castle. Upon arrival, participants were greeted by medieval music, a gastro-themed cocktail and mingled with the doubles of Khalesshi, Jon Snow with his wolves, Ygrid, Khal Drogo and the shortest of the Lannisters, followed by the first test where bets were collected between clans and knights with bronze coins. The teams had to strike a deal and bargain. After that, more tests ensued which were arranged according to the company’s needs. • Film Set: Participants were asked to set up and shoot a scene under the stage manager’s guidance. • Winterfell Games: They had to compete in sword fights, javelin throwing and a tug-of-war. • Wall Towers: Building human towers with three levels. • Archery

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AEDEMO seminar: television and marketing professionals meeting Michelin Guide Gala on the Costa Brava

Girona hosted the meeting for 350 professionals from television and marketing who met for three days to attend lectures given by 37 speakers. After the intense mid-day session of the seminar, the delegates were able to enjoy a dinner at the Espai Mas Marroch, from the Celler de Can Roca. The pre-dinner reception was given in the great natural pergola, Ágora, made out of the stone and wood from the original outhouses of the mansion. Joan Roca gave a talk which completed the gastronomic experience of the finest restaurant in the world. On the first day, there was a welcome cocktail in the Monasterio de Sant Pere de Galligants to give a historic touch to the first meeting of the guests. The night-owls were able to carry on the evening in the Music Bar of the Girona casino. The closing cocktail was in the Palacio de Congresos, with catering by Local Market, who prepared all the dishes using local produce.

450 guests attended the Michelin Guide Spain and Portugal 2017 gala, held in Mas Marroch in Vilablareix, where the 22 new establishments to gain a new star were revealed. The new Michelin Guide was also presented. The event concluded with a meal prepared by eight Michelin-starred chefs from Girona. Within the territory of Girona, the restaurants with Michelin stars for 2017 are: El Celler de Can Roca, Les Cols, Miramar, Los Ramales, las Magnolias, Bo.TiC, Ca l’Enric, Casamar, Els Tinars, La Cuina de Can Simon, Fonda Xesc, Massana, Emporium and Ca l’Arpa.

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Activities •

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‘Arrozicleta’: Learn to grow, savour and eat rice. First, a bike ride on a stylish Burricleta (electric bike) through the rice plantations, and then get to know the product, its origins and its cultivation at first hand. With the help of a chef specialised in rice, it is cooked and then enjoyed. L’Empordà from the air: Travel the skies of L’Empordà and get a bird’s eye view of the region and flying over the Mediterranean. You even get a chance to take the controls! The Dalí Code: Discover the hidden enigma behind the work of the painter through a travel quiz round the most important places in the city where Dalí grow up (this can be extended to Púbol and Portlligat). An iPad is used to guide the teams using clues and challenges. Regatta in the Medes Islands: The Estartit Sailing Club organises regattas in the Montgrí Natural Park, the Medes Islands and the Baix Ter. The activity consists of a briefing with instructions on land and the competition at sea. Night of traditions, habaneras and cremat or daiquiri: Learn to make a cremat (or a daiquiri, in the case of Lloret de Mar). While each table prepares their own, the lyrics of a well-known habanera song have to be changed to refer to one of the meeting’s targets. The participants will be helped by musicians, and while they try the cremat or daiquiri, each team will present their creation to the other groups. From Earth to Table: In the Gavarres Natural Reserve, on the Costa Brava, is the Bell Lloc farm offering samplings of wines and home-produced oils, winery visits and a picnic based on ecological produce.

2,300 researchers on the Costa Brava For the third consecutive year, Gordon Research Conferences chose the province of Girona - Hotel Camiral - to hold some of their 2016 conferences and seminars where leading researchers in biology, chemistry and physical sciences presented their latest progress. From late May until the end of August, 23 conferences and seminars were held, bringing together 2,300 researchers from all over the world. Delegates were able to choose between options such as an excursion to the medieval town of Besalú, the seaside town of Tossa de Mar, a guided tour of Girona, a cultural activity at the Dalí Theatre Museum in Figueras, or a trip on a traditional Tela Marinera sailing boat along the Costa Brava.

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Tarragona – Costa Daurada

Tarragona boasts a Roman settlement with World Heritage Site status. The city has good communications and is less than an hour from Barcelona. It holds the TarracoViva festival which presents the history of ancient Rome and the meeting of Mediterranean civilisations. Another event that attracts huge crowds is the biggest ‘castellers’ (human tower) competition in the world. Tarragona will host the XVIII Mediterranean Games from June 22nd to July 1st 2018, with 4,000 athletes from 33 disciplines, 1,000 journalists, 3,500 volunteers and more than 150,000 spectators.

Photographs from Turisme Tarragona.

Along its 15-kilometre coastline of fine sand, you can organise a cocktail on a yacht or a team building convention at PortAventura. Ten minutes away from Tarragona, this convention centre overlooks the sea and golf courses. It is comprised of two vast floors covering a total of 13,290m2 for meetings, divisible to up to 18 halls with room for 10 to 4,000 people. The theme park also has hotels within its ground. Following the coastline southwards takes you to one of the major natural parks of the Peninsula, the Ebro Delta, famous for its ecosystem with a multitude of bird species and extensive rice fields. Towards the interior lies the wine region of Priorat; a mountainous zone recognisable for its terraced vines and full of natural hideaways: wine tasting, a tour around Falset in a 4x4 to see the vines, etc.

Annual Kids&Us conference at PortAventura This children’s English school held its annual conference for over 700 professionals at PortAventura. They were looking for a venue in which the institutional part could be combined –with the objective of communicating news and launching the new corporate campaign “Speak in Colours” - with networking and with everything taking place at the same venue.The speeches were given in the conference centre. In the Alexandria room, a projection mapping combined music and lights to produce movements and 3D effects. To enable the professionals to get to know each other, the third day showcased team building exercises and more personal activities. An activity to boost knowledge and to strengthen the feeling of belonging was organised, through games and the surmounting of obstacles: “Live your own Adventure”. Participants were divided into teams of 10 who had to answer questions and overcome challenges in the five worlds (areas) of the park.

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Highlighted venues The Monestir de Poblet. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it opens its doors to meetings with rooms for up to 200 people. Casa Joan Miret. An 1859 mansion in the centre of Tarragona with rooms that evoke the atmosphere of the mid 19th century, retaining the original high ceilings and cement tiled floors of the period. It has four rooms with a capacity of up to 60 people in cocktail and a 1,000m2 garden.

The Cambrils Park Conference Centre has a large hall available for 270 people which can be customised by movable panels. There are also tennis, paddle and basketball courts, football pitches, table tennis tables, minigolf course, and outdoor area for team building

The Tarraco Plaza Arena (TAP). The former bullring has been renovated as a multi-purpose space for major events like the 2017 Mediterranean Games. Conserving the neo-Modernist exterior, the inside is amazingly modern. With a surface area of 2,376m2, the arena can hold 5,800 people, in addition to seating 4,974. There is also a second gallery with 1,800m2. The Tarraco Arena Plaça (TAP) hosted the IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) annual gala dinner, with 1,300 guests from 62 different countries. Restored in 2010, it has seating for 5,000 or double that if you include the bullring enclosure.

activities.

Palacio de Ferias y Congresos. One of its special features is that every floor has a natural stone wall, in addition to its huge arches. There are two auditoriums and 12 well equipped halls with room for up to 1,145 people in the main hall, in addition to a 3,000m2 multi-function room.

Amphitheatre. An emblematic venue for hosting open air events with room for up to 250 cocktail guests. Camp de Mart Auditorium. This outdoor auditorium lies near the Roman walls and can house up to 1,787 people.

The Fair Ground. Spanning 2,100m2 with Castillo de Tamarit. Just 10 minutes away room for 1,800 people. from the city centre, the castle has an open hall bathed in natural light with room for 350 peo“El Seminari”, Centro Tarraconense. A ple, as well as an area for cocktails in the pool venue for meetings with up to 300 people. gardens by the sea. La Boella. A convention centre featuring a Hotel Termes Montbrió. 15 km from Tarrahotel with gardens and several halls, including gona, this venue offers 12 meeting rooms, 214 the Grand Hall for 900 people. bedrooms, a 17th century botanical garden, spa and a thermal recreation area.

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The Repsol MotoGP and trial riders with the Mediterranean Games To get the engines warmed up for the XVIII Mediterranean Games, the roar of motors can already be heard from some top-notch ambassadors: Márquez, Pedrosa, Bou, Fujinami and Busto, who showed their support for the city with their visit and exhibition in Tarraco Arena Plaça, organised by LastLap. The riders visited the Roman amphitheatre and emphasised the work of the volunteers. They also visited Repsol’s Tarragona plant and, to finish off this promotional event, had a warm up run in front of almost 4,000 spectators. Repsol, sponsor of these games, is closely connected with sporting events and this activity serves to demonstrate its commitment to the area around one of its industrial complexes. The day ended with a motor champions’ exhibition at Tarraco Arena Plaça. It was a charity event and the proceeds (11,781 euros) were donated to Escola Solc who is dedicated to the education of children with special needs. During the morning, the riders went to the school and learn about the work done with these children.

PortAventura Business & Events presents Ferrari Land This new park covers 70,000m2 and has 11 rides, the most spectacular being the Ferrari Experience, which gives an in-depth experience of the brand’s GT and F1 worlds - and the Red Force vertical accelerator, a ride that accelerates to 180 km/hour in only five seconds. There are also semi-professional simulators where anyone can test their skill as a driver, and three shows. The PortAventura meetings division is hoping that Ferrari Land will provide added value to events held there. Among other options, this new park offers the chance to enjoy open-air cocktails, dinners in an Italian trattoria, exclusive openings and team building activities.

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Activities • • • •

SoftwareONE held its annual Kick Off at PortAventura Convention Centre. Over three days, 850 staff from Europe, the Middle East and Africa met in the rooms of the Hotel Caribe and part of the Hotel PortAventura. On the first night, the delegates enjoyed the opening of an exclusive area in PortAventura Park and a themed dinner in the La Cantina Mexican restaurant. The night ended with a party in the Alexandria Room of the Conference Centre with food trucks and a DJ.

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Taking a themed tour to explore the Roman and medieval Tarragona. Revealing the secrets of Roman cuisine in a workshop. Taking part in the rehearsals of the city’s human castle teams. Visiting the area’s wineries and venturing into the world of wine tasting. Wines belonging to the Tarragona Designation of Origin were already famous in Roman times and were considered the finest in the Empire. Practising your swing on an 18-hole golf course. Spending the day at the PortAventura theme park, at the Ebro Delta Natural Park or on the beaches of the Costa Daurada.

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ANDALUSIA

Iberians, Carthaginians, Romans and Moors have all passed through Andalusia, leaving their mark and filling the pages of its history. In this region, you will find incredible monuments like the Alhambra in Granada and the Mosque in Cordoba. Another asset is its 900-kilometre coastline, which includes the famous Costa del Sol. But Andalusia is also mountainous and offers snow-covered peaks such as the Sierra Nevada. This autonomous community in southern Spain is also characterised by the open nature of its peoples, its intense and colourful folklore and traditions like flamenco and the processions during the Holy Week. In other words, plenty of memorable experiences for your meetings.

Seville The capital of the region is an established meetings destination, having risen 16 positions in the ICCA ranking, and reaching 100th position as host city for international conferences. Connections to the city are good: it has the AVE high-speed train, an international airport that has recently increased its connections and a very lively river port for cruises. As for meetings infrastructure, the Fibes Conference and Exhibition Centre stands out with a forecast for 2017 with more than 24 fairs and 40 cultural events, bringing some 900,000 people. Not to mention the vast selection of hotels, venues, palaces, country houses, and so on. If you are looking for a city that represents the classic image of Spain, Seville is the one. The city is full of colour and passion and has been the dramatic setting for more than 100 operas, including some renowned ones (Carmen, Don Giovani, Fidelio, the marriage of Figaro, the Barber of Seville... It offers an intense demonstration of religious celebrations during Easter Week and madness during the April Fair.

ANDALUSIA

Highlighted venues Palacio de Congresos de Sevilla (FIBES). The venue has a new conference centre and is linked to its three exhibitions halls by a 3,000m2 covered walkway. It is separated into three modules: a 3,577-seat auditorium, the largest covered space in Spain; a multi-purpose building that houses a 2,000m2 restaurant area and a 2,500m2 exhibition zone. Meliá Lebreros. This large conference hotel in the city was renovated towards the end of 2016. It has 15 meeting rooms and a 3,500m2 conference centre. Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento. This 5-star hotel offers 295 rooms, a convention centre and 25 meeting rooms, surrounded by inspiring gardens. Well-equipped to host congresses and conventions, product (including car) launches and incentives, it has four large open spaces that can be personalised. Box Sevilla. Formerly the Canada Hall at Expo ‘92, it is now fully revamped with an auditorium for 500 people. El Palacio Andaluz as well as being a flamenco venue, it has a wine cellar located on the ground floor of the building for meetings up to 350 people. Fundación Tres Culturas. Situated on the Isla de la Cartuja, in what was the Moroccan Hacienda Azahares. An estate just ten min- Pavilion during the Seville EXPO ‘92, it has • utes away from the city centre and resting on seven rooms with a maximum capacity of 1,500 a 127m ledge. It has four halls with room for people. 100 to 700 guests and a large square for 3,500 people. Real Venta de Antequera. Aseries of buildings and halls built for the Iberian-American •

Activities

El Cortijo El Esparragal. Located 15 minutes from Seville, it is a 3,000-hectare site dedicated to breeding Spanish horses as well as beef cattles. It was a Hieronymite monastery in the 17th century and today, it is transformed to a hotel with 21 bedrooms and meeting rooms for 20 to 300 people, 5,000m2 of gardens and a swimming pool. It offers a wide variety of activities - visits to the farm by 4x4, horse riding, horse and trapping excursions, mountain bikes and hiking.

Expo in 1929. Typical Sevillian architecture divided into ten halls with room for 800 guests and vast gardens.

Metropol Parasol, somewhere between an impressive sculpture and a “liquid” building, the Metropol Parasol is 150m long and 75m • wide and towers 28m above Seville’s city centre. “The mushrooms”, as locals have dubbed the building for its unique shape, has four separate levels. The second level has 3,500m2 of event space, the third has a restaurant and the The Chamber of Commerce of Seville. fourth has a balcony with panoramic views. • Close to the cathedral with 30 different-sized rooms and a maximum capacity of 1,500 people. The largest of the rooms has 525m2.

Sensory tasting sessions on the Guadalquivir: wine tasting and gourmet gastronomy experience aboard a boat on the river, serenaded by flamenco guitars and violins. The 18th century Casa de la Guitarra is steps away from the Cathedral. It is also home to the Flamenco Cultural Centre and spend one hour touring the main flamenco styles through its three disciplines: dance, singing and the guitar. There are Flamenco shows every day. In a genuine Sevilian ‘hacienda’, participate in the Flamenco Percussion Workshop, an experience designed by Exploramás based on Andalusian folklore. Teams learn about percussion and other instruments such as the flamenco cajón and caña, castanets, sticks and bottles. Bandolero Tours offers you the opportunity to sample the lifestyle of a 14th-century highwayman in the Sierra Morena.

spain for mice 2017-2018

ANDALUSIA

The Barceló Seville Renacimiento Hotel hosts the MRC Congress 2016 The international leaders in e-commerce payments and the fight against fraud met in the city with the participation of over 200 exhibitors and suppliers, expert presentations, 100 discussion panels, and 500 experts. The congress had a commercial exhibition area, a networking zone and held talks. Parallel sessions were organised in more than 10 rooms. In the exhibition area, there was a projection cube hanging from the ceiling with four 18m2 screens with each projecting different images. TCM Audiovisión has eight technicians setting up the cube over a day. 22 synchronised projectors drew a skyline on the walls. The images could be changed to fit whatever was being presented about during the event. For example, corporate images were projected during the cocktail reception. There was also a cocktail-dinner recreating the Seville Fair where images of the fair were projected, the doors of the hall and the chairs were also themed. A flamenco singing group was provided an authentic fair atmosphere for those delegates from abroad.

300 bank employees paint a market square It was paintbrushes and overalls for 300 staff from the Italian division of Deutsche Bank during its annual conference in Carmona. Spain Incentives organised a charity team building exercise with the collaboration of the agency Es.Cultura. The activity was designed according to the aim of the conference: teamwork and strengthening management relationships in a charitable activity. The 16th century Carmona market was given a new coat of paint covering 3,500m2. The activity not only left a mark on the place and helped to build ties; the participants also learnt the customs and traditions of Carmona from the locals. To prepare for the activity, scaffolds were set up with equipment and materials, appropriate safety measures were put in place and professional painters were consulted. The group was welcomed by the town band at the entrance to the town and some of the locals accompanied them to the market square where they got to work: some climbed up the scaffolds; others passed materials to their colleagues, while others prepared the paint, etc. The group also painted a huge picture for one of the town’s convents. Residents and associations from the town turned up with flasks of coffee and drinks for the volunteers. Even the nuns from the Santa Clara convent came and served some of their hand-made confectionery. A “bonding” lunch was organised with various people from the town followed by a domino tournament and (it goes without saying!) the traditional dance of the town fiestas. The team building finished with a thank you to the volunteers from the town hall.

VENUE MANAGEMENT EVENTS WORKSHOPS CATERING

HACI E N DA NADAL E S A few minutes from the centre of Málaga, a small 19th Century palace surrounded by 25.000 square metres of English style gardens, with 2 annex buildings (old stables and oil mill) with capacity for 500/1000 people depending on layout. In Hacienda Nadales, unique and special workshops take place for groups and corporate events in a wide selection of areas such as GASTRONOMY AND VITICULTURE, CULTURE, SPORTS (motoring, sailing, golf) THE WORLD OF HAM, PERFUME SAMPLING, FLAMENCO etc... HACI E N DA NADAL E S

LA ALMORAIMA

One of the largest estates in Spain with a CONVENT HOTEL dating back to the 17th Century located close to Algeciras, Gibraltar and Tarifa (Cádiz province). This outstanding venue surrounded by gardens and situated within the so called 'last Mediterranean jungle' is ideal for the celebration of events of up to 500.

HACI E N DA NADAL E S

FINCA LA ALMORAIMA

LA DULZURA

Located in Benalmádena Costa, 15 mins drive from Málaga, it used to be the Benalmadena HORSE RIDING CLUB, later on being transformed as a venue for corporate and group events. The halls, garden areas and marquees allow for events of up to 1000 people.

FINCA LA DULZURA

These three venues are managed by ESCA, a specialised group in VEN U E MANAGEM ENT | EVENTS | WORKSHOPS | C ATERI NG

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ANDALUSIA

Costa del Sol

One of the powerhouses of Spain tourism with its posh resorts, golf clubs and upscale shopping areas, Costa del Sol has a vast offer for meetings: Malaga has become one of the Spain’s cultural meccas with an explosion of museums and the recent opening of no fewer than 36 cultural centres for events. The Pompidou (‘El Cubo’), in the port of Malaga and the Museum of Russian Art in the former ‘Tabacalera’ building are the latest to come to the city and are two of the best options for meetings. Other venues include the Glass Museum, the Motor Museum, the Revello de Toro Museum, the Contemporary Art Centre and La Térmica. Malaga’s cultural identity is especially vibrant in March when it hosts the Malaga Spanish film festival. And its meeting DNA shows in its considerable infrastructure with four congress centres (Malaga, Ronda, Marbella, and Torremolinos) and meeting rooms in hotels as well as special venues.

Dreams Bikes: a team building with CSR In a room of the Hotel Puente Romano, some one hundred staff from a multinational company had a team building exercise. While outside, 15 youngsters from two children’s homes in Málaga enjoyed a quiz trail. Both groups, without realising it, made up the two sides of an emotional experience designed by Exploramás at the request of the DMC España Incoming. The participants in the team building had only been told that they were going to make a donation of bicycles to some children in foster homes. They were split into teams and given a colour and the name of a child. They had to design and make flags with the name of each child and a message, as well as undergo a mind games challenge around the hotel to gather the tools and materials necessary to assemble the bikes. The two groups finally met face to face in one of the hotel lounges.

Volvo Kempinski event 2016 in Estepona (Málaga) ITB organised a back to back event for Volvo which included a test drive of two cars before they went on sale. The challenge was to find a place for the test drives where different roads are needed: highways, mountain roads, motorways, tricky tarmac, etc. Held at the Hotel Kempinski Bahía Estepona and based on the model selected, international press members could take the long routes of four hours to the north and east or the short routes of two hours.

The Pompidou Art Centre is the first representation of the famous Parisian centre of modern art outside France. It is located in the Cubo building at the port of Málaga and houses pieces of modern and contemporary art.

Your Top Mice Destination The Costa del Sol (Malaga) is one of the few destinations that meet quality and long lasting experience in hosting and organizing any event. On the Costa del Sol you can come across settings and venues that exceed your expectations. visitcostadelsol.com/convention-bureau spain for mice 2017-2018

Highlighted venues Congress centres. The Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga’s avant-garde architecture has 60,000m2 of facilities with capacity for up to 20,000 people. The Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Marbella has a top floor that offers than 3,000m2 and a plenary room with 1,600 seats. The Palacio de Congresos de Torremolinos has its main hall divided into two floors covering 3,000m2 and 2,500m2. Plus, it has opened the first meeting room for smokers in Spain. Finally the Palacio de Exposiciones Finca el Realengo. A place with one of the Les Cubes is a window onto the Mediterraney Congresos de Estepona offers 21,000m2 of most majestic entrances on the Costa del Sol an right on Marbella’s Golden Mile, with four indoor space and a garden, a heliport and an created with Royal Palms brought from Costa rooms for meetings. all-purpose pavilion. Rica. It has gardens and rooms like the Chill Out (for 200 people) or the Conference Lounge Vincci Selección Posada del Patio. A new (for 400 people banquet or 1,200 for cocktails). hotel right in the historical centre of Málaga with four meeting rooms with natural light for up to 270 participants. Hotel Iberostar Marbella Coral Beach features two meeting rooms for up to 220 people. Abades Ronda. Situated in the heart of Ronda next to one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, it has two terraces for open-air events: the Crystal Lounge, an airy space of 300m2; and three other rooms for smaller groups.

The Málaga bullring can host conventions. So far, it was opened for festivals and shows (including a bullfighting museum). Now, it is ready to host meetings in the arena. Four million euros are to be invested for renovation and to make it into a cultural and conference centre to host meetings all year round.

Gran Hotel Miramar 5*GL. On the sea front in La Malagueta (Málaga) is part of The Leading Hotels of the World. The hotel occupies 13,000m2 and has 200 bedrooms, 9,000m2 of gardens where meetings can be organised among hundred-year-old trees, and 1,900m2 of terrace with sea views. In addition, there are 17 rooms with natural light with a maximum capacity of 700 people.

In addition to Madrid, TeatroGoya has a new venue in Puerto Banús. It has nine different spaces, seven of which are auditoriums for up to 475 people, as well as an all-purpose area, the Sky Garden and a terrace with views of the sea.

ANDALUSIA

Honda chooses Ronda for its incentive trip Towards the end of the year, Honda organised an incentive trip for its managers to experience the speed and energy that the brand exudes. The agency Unit Elements arranged a day at the private Ascari circuit in Ronda (Málaga). The 40 people attending were able to enjoy exclusive access to a first-class racing track driving radicals and Honda models on tarmac, or buggies in the mountains. At lunchtime, they stopped at a farmhouse where they enjoyed a relaxed barbecue. To round the day off, dinner was served at the Restaurante Dani García, where the two-Michelin-starred chef offered them a selection of dishes to show the contrasts of typical Andalusian cooking. The group stayed at the Hotel Puente Romano, a 5* in Marbella.

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Nilva in the town of Manilva offers ‘Senses workshop – an activity with an initiation to wine tasting’ and games related to knowledge and “training” of the senses of sight, smell and taste for wine tasting. Turismo Marinero offers sea-related experiences: sailing trips, visits to the quayside to experience fish auction, or be a sailor for the day and discover traditional fishing. Bodega La Melonera organises visits to wineries with sampling of white wine and tapas, as well as visiting the facilities and the barrel room. At Reservatauro, a farm with bulls and horses living in a natural environment located 5km from Ronda, you can immerse yourself in the bulls’ habitat and learn how they live and are bred—a 100% Iberian experience! Seaside activities are a popular request for business incentives, including beach Olympics and sea activities such as water bikes and parasailing.

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Driving 4x4s or convertible cars is a great way to explore the Sierra de las Nieves mountain area and the Valley of the Genal River. Traditions of Al Andalus. In Malaga, spas are a millenary tradition. You can take your group for a relaxing afternoon at the Hammam Al Andalus Málaga, a restored historic space that captures the essence of the ancient Arab baths of Al Andalus. Puerto Banús has some of the most ‘IN’ clubs in the Peninsula. Spend an afternoon shopping around the marina and let them drool over the beautiful sailboats belonging to Arab sheiks and Russian magnates, and of course, celebrity-watching. Looking for an adrenaline rush? Then pull over to the Ascari Club at the exclusive Race Resort. The track, the longest in the country, can be tackled with a Lotus, BMW, Racial, F3, F1 or even buggies and go-karts. What could be more fun for a group of grown-up “kids”?

Apart from strategy games and experiences, Experience Box recommends an activity in a private boat complete with a jacuzzi and a game of golf at sea with biodegradable balls.

The association MPI held its annual European Meetings & Event Conference (EMEC) this year in Granada. Each EMEC conference has a slogan and for its edition was “the human side of meetings”. For the conference Granada wanted to show human values, traditions, lifestyle…

spain for mice 2017-2018

BASQUE COUNTRY

Bilbao

No one has ever taken advantage of an opportunity as well as Bilbao did back in 1997 with the opening of the Guggenheim Museum which revolutionised the city including the recovery of the estuary and a face lift to make it friendlier. The economic, urbanistic and environmental change brought about the rebirth of this industrial city. It has gone from an industrial pole to a cosmopolitan city integrating different cultures while maintaining its dynamism and parliamentary tradition. For meetings, the offers 4,000 hotel rooms and various renovated venues such as the Euskalduna Palace, the Bilbao Exhibition Centre, the Iberdrola Tower, the Guggenheim, the Arriaga Theatre and the Alhondiga. Being a well-connected city with a very strong personality and reputable culinary fame, it is ideal for luxury gastronomic incentive trips. Bilbao host congresses like the Spanish diabetes congress or the 8th European Conference on Sustainable Cities & Towns, and also conferences like the Sol (festival of Spanish and Latinamerican advertising) as well as Skoda’s worldwide dealers convention in the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC).

Bilbao, an avant-garde metropolis; San Sebastián, the beautiful coastal city; and Vitoria-Gasteiz, European Green Capital. Which one to choose? All three! They are so close to each other that you can visit them in a few days: lighthouses, cliffs, old smugglers’ hideaways, an aquarium, prehistoric caves, romantic restoring old boats, marinas, traditional fishermen’s houses, txakoli wine and much more! The Basque Country (locally known as Euskadi), has 250 km of coastline with tidal wetlands, beaches, estuaries and quaint fishing villages. Bilbao and San Sebastián offer an array of options for meetings and incentive trips which can be complemented with water sports and a renowned wealth of gastronomical delights, including unmissable cooking workshops and gastro trails.

BASQUE COUNTRY

A striking proposal: Crusoe Treasure suggests discovering an underground bodega in the Bay of Plentzia and to combine tasting with a day’s sailing. It has a unique set-up with its barrels, bottles and hulls 20m underwater. Guests will sail to this underwater bodega, trying wines on board and discover (by underwater camera) this singular project comprising an artificial reef of more than a thousand species. DMC Euskadi Reception suggests turning the group into shepherds at Urkiola National Park. Patxi will show them how to milk the sheep, walk the flock accompanied by his border collie, and learn how to make traditional ointments with the local herbs. To finish, there will be a tasting of the Denomination of Origin for Idiazabal cheeses.

The Basque Country’s industrial and iron-and-steel past is extremely important. So much so that you can don a helmet, grab a pick and dig out your own minerals in the town of Zerain. Another suggestion from DMC Euskadi Reception is a visit to the Ordizia market, the oldest in Gipuzkoa. It dates from 1512 and is ideal for food shopping accompanied by a chef.

Sagardoetxea, Basque Cider Museum: The Basques pay tribute to their cider in the form of a fascinating ritual known as txotx. During the txotx season, from January to April, cider cellars open their doors to allow visitors to sample their new brew straight from the barrel before bottling.

The Ingenieros-Deusto Regatta is a traditional and unique event in Bilbao’s sporting and social calendar. It has been held at the estuary since 1981. An Olympic rowing competition, it pitches a crew from the Engineering School against Deusto University every year.

Bilbao Triathlon

spain for mice 2017-2018

Highlighted venues Guggenheim Museum offers a unique setting for 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 18,000m2 and a usable surface of 5,500m2 divided in three areas, this facility has room for up to 2,500 people. Alhondiga Bilbao. This modernist wine warehouse was declared a “Cultural Property”. Now, it is celebrating 100 years of existence after the restoration of its facade and interior, including new areas built under the supervision of Philippe Starck. Euskalduna Conference Centre this 58,200m2 venue symbolises the last ship built at the old Euskalduna Shipyard. With 2,164 seats, the auditorium is complemented by the Theatre Hall with 613 seats, an exhibition area and one of the most well-known restaurants in the Basque Country with catering service. The Torre Iberdrola is a reference point for sustainable businesses and it is open for events: the Business Centre has five halls totalling 320m2. The 24th floor has 1,000m2 of open space, 100m-high and offers spectacular views. The Campos Elíseos Theatre which dates back to 1901 and was restored in 2011. Featuring the latest technology in its various meeting rooms, this modernist building is also protected as a building of architectural and cultural significance. Other options include the modern Alhondiga, the 100-year-old Arriaga Theatre, the Ilgner building which is a unique industrial site or the University of Deusto which allows for gatherings in closed cloisters in the auditorium.

SEAT conference in Bilbao SEAT España dealers gathered at the Guggenheim city to be introduced to the new SEAT León model. Parafina Comunicación organised sessions at the BEC and fun activities for the 300 guests. To test their knowledge of the brand, a set of questions on the history of the brand, its models and sponsorship activities was designed. Guests were divided into small groups and each group had to press a buzzer when they knew the answer. The guests visited the Bizkaia Transporter Bridge, went on the Artxanda cable car, enjoyed a trip on an exclusive boat on the Bilbao estuary, visited the Guggenheim Museum and watched a vertical trunk-cutting exhibition on the streets of Bilbao. Gastronomic activities included a txacolí tasting session, a trip through the city’s tapas area, dinner at the three Michelin Star Azurmendi restaurants and a cooking demonstration.

Exploratorium: the San Miguel experience trip San Miguel Selecta launched Exploratorium, a collection of experiences of the brand which was full of curiosities. It was a travelling event which included visits to a number of Spanish cities, including Bilbao. What did it involve? Tasting dishes by local chefs on portable tables, and sensory tasting sessions. Guests congregated in unlikely places such as railway stations, barns, sheds and workshops and discovered tables with meals based on local ingredients and recipes from local chefs. One of the experiences was a sensory beer-tasting session presented by a brand master, of course!

BASQUE COUNTRY

Bilbao BBK Live is a pop and rock music festival held every year in July. The line-up

Basque FEST is the annual appointment with Basque culture held every April: music,

features well-known international artists.

design, gastronomy, sport, etc. In 2017 there have been over 200 different activities on offer. An unmissable event for anyone wanting to learn about Basque culture.

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Boat trip along the estuary. Euskadi Reception brings • us the chance to contemplate Bilbao and its skyline from the estuary, all the way to the mouth of the river, crossing by Euskadi’s famous Bridge of Biscay, a World Heritage Site. If the bridge looks impressive from below, wait until you get inside its metal structure and climb up to its pedestrian walkway and enjoy the fantastic views over the mouth of the River Nervi- • on. The visit is rounded off with some pintxo tasting washed down with txakoli wine. Discovering Bilbao by bike. What was once a grey and polluted industrial city has become a city with a cosmopolitan vibe and a lively atmosphere. This two-hour • tour along bike lanes and special cycling areas explores the city’s history and introduces visitors to a local tradition: pintxo-pote. Includes a visit to the Guggenheim Museum.

Surroundings. DMC STI proposes tours of the city with special attention to its architecture and structures such as the Bizkaia Suspension Bridge (declared Heritage of Mankind by the UNESCO), as well as excursions in the surrounding area such as the peninsula of Sant Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo fishing port, the Mundaka estuary which is the centre of the Urdaibai Reserve. The gastronomy Mecca. Whether with popular tapas routes or at high-society restaurants (many Michelin stars have been awarded in the region), you must take advantage of its gastronomic fame and give in to the local proposals. Luxury cars at an old fortress. Bilbao Paso a Paso proposes a visit to the Loizaba Tower in the Concejuelo Castle, a fortress that hides a collection of classical cars.

Professional event planning with a reliable partner Excellent fleet of 35 coaches. Bus and s p aservices i n f o r inmSan i c e Sebastián, 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1Bilbao 8 6 1Biarritz

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info@autocares-aizpurua.es www.autocares-aizpurua.es

San Sebastián

Beyond the beauty and mythical image of the Concha beach, summer base of Spanish royal family in the late 19th and 20th century, the city has carved its niche by attracting cultural festivals and consolidating its position as a meetings destination. Cocktail parties, gala dinners and receptions become exclusive events when held in an English “cottage” on the famous Concha Bay, such as the Miramar Palace, where two translucent cubes light up at night at the foyer to offer views of the sea from a completely different angle; or the María Cristina Hotel, which is frequented by stars during the San Sebastián International Film Festival. But even more than culture, the city is a paradise for foodies: it is the place with the most Michelin stars per square mile in the world and home to hundreds of ‘pintxo’ bars. Its renowned gastronomy secured this city status as European Capital of Culture for 2016.

City of meetings The capital offers incentive activities connected to its great annual cultural events, such as the famous Cinema festival or its Jazzaldia gastronomy. But gastronomy is the highlight here: in the Aula de Cocina or kitchen classroom, three Michelin starred chefs will reveal their secrets in interactive sessions; in the ‘Pintxos’ workshop, the group can also create and try their own preparations.

The world Mini capital Some 4,700 professionals from dealerships from all over the world visited Gipuzkoa to try out the new Mini. In groups of 165 people, guests arrived at Loiu airport and were given their trial Mini at the Azurmendi restaurant in Larrabetzu. They began a tour of Bizkaia, which included rural sports trials in Mendata and along the Guizpuzcoan coast, and a visit to Igeldo, Orio, Aia, Zarautz and Getaria. To get to know the Basque Country as well as the new Mini, there were gastronomic stop-offs at the Katxina in Orio and dinners at the Abeletxe in Zirzurkil.

Gastronomypacked convention for Mitsubishi in San Sebastián Auriga organised the Mitsubishi convention for dealers in San Sebastián. The event included a meal prepared by chef Eneko Atxa, who is awarded with three Michelin stars, as well as a pintxos trail, a driving test, a visit to the Balenciaga Museum, a cookery workshop, a visit to the Chillida Museum, and a surprise dinner on the stage at the Victoria Eugenia Theatre.

BASQUE COUNTRY

Highlighted venues Kursaal Convention Centre. This spectacular building is formed by two translucent glass cubes which overlook the Cantabrian Sea. It has an auditorium for 1,800 people. Tabakalera. Located in the building that once housed the tobacco factory, it was reopened in late 2015. In the heart of the city, this vast classic-style building can be arranged in a variety of layouts to hold events with up to 1,000 guests. GU is a new venue inside one of San Sebastián’s most emblematic buildings: the Royal Yacht Club, erected in 1928. GU contains a separate cocktail bar, a screening hall, exclusive areas and a breath-taking glass lookout area to the most magnificent views across the bay. The whole venue can be hired with room for up to 300 people.

The Aquarium. In addition to a 164 people auditorium, it has an area where 100 people can enjoy a cocktail surrounded by wildlife. Dinners can be catered by the restaurant Bokado and arranged with views to spectacular sharks. Its restaurant has a capacity for 80 people banquet style or 120 for a cocktail reception.

The Balenciaga Museum offers presentation spaces and guided visits which shed light on the golden age of haute couture. The atrium can host a cocktail for 1,000 people and the entrance hall is perfect for receptions of 400 people.

The Vitoria Eugenia Theatre has a main hall where events are held to provide a different perspective on theatre. The stage, together with the raised orchestra pit, can be transformed into an exclusive area for banquets with up to 200 guests who will get to see the Victoria Eugenia Theatre one of the most theatre through the eyes of the performer. emblematic buildings in San Sebastian, it opened in 1912 and was transformed in 2007 The Basque Culinary Centre in natural into a scenic venue complete with the most surroundings, it houses the first Faculty of Gasmodern equipment. It can hold 910 people and tronomic Sciences and has an auditorium for 200 people and other spaces. has meeting rooms for up to 195 people. San Telmo Museum. This 16th century Do- Some of the city’s classic hotels have been upminican monastery houses a church and clois- graded: the Hotel Londres & the Inglaterra (4*) completed the refurbishment of rooms ter. Group dinners for up to 670 people. and lounges, and Hotel NH Aranzazu (4*) has refurbished its 180 rooms.

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Basque Pelota and fishing tradition Basquetour brings us an activity christened “Sea & Cider”. The experience takes place in San Sebastián, where participants get to relive the adventure of whale hunting, discover what it has to do with cider and try the gastronomical delights linked to it. Participants will visit the Aquarium, sail on a boat around the bay and have a meal at a cider bar in Astigarraga. Another choice is the “Cheese & Cider” tour, which includes visiting the Sagardoetxe Cider Museum in Astigarraga with cider sampling, and a visit to a cheese house followed by cheese and cider sampling. Another option outside Bilbao is the new incentive trip around Bermeo and Elantxobe. In addition to visiting these two lovely towns, the trip includes an exhibition of the Basque pelota sport, a boat ride from Bermeo to Elantxobe and a visit to a preserve company to taste their preserves and some txakoli wine.

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VALENCIAN COMMUNITY Valencia hosts a healthy, sustainable and innovative congress on children’s diabetes

Your guests can visit the rice plantations and then cook the typical Valencian dish: paella, a must in Valencia.

The Valencian Community is located in central and southeastern. The region is divided into three provinces: Alicante, Castellón and Valencia –the capital of this region-. Valencia launched itself as a meetings destination in a very big way with large car launches, Formula 1 racing, America’s Cup and impressive infrastructure such as a huge trade fair ground and the immense City of Arts and Sciences. With the economic downturn, the city suffered a terrible bust. And like the country Spain, the city is now back in full swing again. Excessive it is: where else in the world will you find a city with inhabitants dedicating months to build huge and carefully elaborated figures— Las Fallas—to satirically represent reality and then burn them all in a single night of madness? Valencia is cheerful and unique, and is definitely worth considering if you want to add colours to your meetings. Valencia is logistics-easy thanks to its size: the city centre is 7km from the airport; in 15 minutes you are in country houses surrounded by orange trees; you can go to the beach without leaving the city, and often you can just walk from the venue to the hotel. Valencia has 15,780 hotel rooms and very low crime

and theft rates. Flight connections to the city have also been improved with new flights from Copenhagen, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Budapest, Marseilles and Milan. The city is also accessible via high-speed train. Valencia’s traditions and historic heritage (the city is more than 2,000 years old) is contrasted with the super modern City of Arts and Sciences. It boasts two gastronomy icons: round rice which grows close to the city in the Albufera area and is used to make the most famous paellas in Spain (cultural heritage since 2012) and its orange trees, which make it a perfect setting for incentives and meetings with an orange blossom flavour.

From October 26th to 29th, the Valencia Conference Centre hosted the 42nd Annual Conference of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD), the main international event of that field which came to Spain for the first time. It attracted 1,500 professionals from 60 countries. According to Dr Castaño, chair of the event, “Valencia is a good city”, with a congress hall that he says worked very well. Besides the congress centre and the climate, another plus is that Mediterranean gastronomy helps fight diabetes. During the congress, fresh fruits were given in the breaks and healthy food with fresh fruit and vegetables was given in the lunch bags. The educational programme featured more than 50 conferences, confirming the trend towards more and specialised sessions. There were two main topics: education of patients, and new technologies which are increasingly helpful in the treatment of diabetes. In addition to the plenary sessions and symposia, new formats were implemented such as “meetings with the expert”, a format in smaller groups (30 people) that allowed more interaction. This edition was also paperless and app-powered, in line with the sustainable policy of the congress centre. The app was used to provide information and the programme, but also to connect the attendees, conduct live voting, and pose questions during sessions where the moderator can select. In the age of internet, Dr Castaño reminded us of the power of congresses beyond pure sessions: the knowledge that is presented is very important, but so are the relationships established outside the room, where common projects are proposed and where information and knowledge were exchanged informally.

VALENCIAn community

Highlighted venues The City of Arts and Science is the flagship of the city’s renovation. It includes auditoriums, a stunning aquarium, the Palace of Arts, the Hemisferic (venue in the shape of a halfdome), the Agora, all located along almost two kilometres, following the Turia Riverbed. For three days, NBA held exhibitions and basketball displays open to the public at La Explanada de L’Assut. The event, which occupied more than 12,000m2, was also attended by Danny Green, with the San Antonio Spurs shooting guard. The Lords of Gravity’s acrobatics were featured throughout on the parquet surface. One of the most attractive options for events is to dine among sharks at the Oceanographic Museum. Guests have the privilege to observe sharks and stingrays during any event held there. This double structure is connected by a 30-metre, transparent acrylic tunnel that provides a full view of the submarine fauna. The 585m2 interior area has an 80-seat capacity, or 150 in the case of a cocktail. It also offers a 400m2 for outdoor events. Valencia’s conference centre is a pioneer in sustainable energy. In 2008, solar panels were installed on the 8,200m2 roof which was capable to generate 379,875 kWh per year, preventing emissions of 288,705 kg of CO2 (this amount would take 67,000 trees to absorb!). Come September, it will host the “International Symposium on Personal, Indoor and Mobile Radio Communications, PIMRC 2016”, which is set to turn Valencia into a research capital for the future of mobile communications networks.

CWT Meetings & Events organised a meeting where the client’s general manager got into the fish tank to give the welcome. The guests had no idea it was him until he emerged and took off his neoprene suit! Dinner was held at l’Hemisferic. The hall was carpeted in orange and decorated with hanging centrepieces of white flowers, orange and white lighting effects and fire jugglers entertained the guests. Tables were personalised with names of the products and features of the region: horchata (a milky drink made from tiger nuts), sunshine, beaches, paella, etc.

Feria Valencia offers 231,000m2 and a conference centre for 5,000 people. This year, it hosts the 50th Annual SEPA Meeting and the 6th SEPA Oral Hygiene Meeting for over 4,000 delegates. Other venues are the Mercado de Tapineria, a 360º creative area in the old town with 500m2 of space divided between two pedestrianised squares. It has three areas for meetings and two catering areas. De Wall has rooms for up to 100 people as well as a terrace. This Gothic-style construction retains its original structural elements and stands on top of the Arabic fortifications. You can also organise film events at Kinépolis, at the various La Rambleta rooms, or if you prefer a location within the suburbs, check out Masía Xamandreu, Masía Campo Aníbal, or the theme park Terra Mítica...

Valencia Premium offers cycling tours along the Turia river.

Mercedes Benz presented their new “E” Class in L’Hemisfèric. The cars were uncovered not only to be photographed, but guests were able to get up-close to see the details during the cocktail reception.

The Hamilton brand showed off their new diving watch at the Oceanographic. Its shark aquarium and 30-metre transparent tunnel were ideal. The guests enjoyed the exhibition given by the free-diver Pierre Frolla and several guest journalists had a free-diving lesson in the shark tank too!

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VALENCIAn community

“The gourmet iPad Valencia” Exploramás organised the “gourmet iPad Valencia” for 94 people from the food sector that combined a quiz with a tapas excursion. The group was divided into teams and had different routes, each with a tablet to find their way around and overcome challenges: to photograph hidden details in historic corners, record videos involving local people, identify wines, oils, etc. The teams were allowed to sabotage rival teams by blocking their tablets or making deals with serving staff to slow them down.

Activities Oriflame: working and playing hard in Valencia The agency Eventisimo organised an incentive experience for Swedish multinational, Oriflame where it brought 1,500 people from 35 countries. Guests were accommodated in seven hotels in Valencia, all close to the City of Arts and Sciences for the ease of transport. The event kicked off with a Welcome Dinner in the Jardines del Turia park, where Seville’s famous “Feria de Abril” was recreated in 5,000m2. There was even a scale model of the gateway to this popular fair made of wood and hundreds of light bulbs. Through the gate stood the various huts, and opposite these huts were four stages for performances: flamenco groups, traditional choirs and several Spanish dance shows. There were also a variety of Spanish craft workshops for guests to try their fan painting skills or go for a master class on flamenco taconeo and castanets. The caterers supplied some of the delicacies that are traditionally served at Andalusian fairs – as well as the local paella, of course! There were horsemen offering horse rides and the ground was even laid with albero, the typical sandy earth that covers the floor in genuine Andalusian fairs. Valencia’s Palacio de Congresos hosted the sales teams’ meetings. The business conference which was the main professional highlight of the event was held at the Palau de les Arts in the City of Arts and Sciences. Its modern stage was equipped with 16 huge screens combining LED technology and projections. For the fun part, the programme included leisure time combined with exercise. The wellness activity was held outdoor in the Jardines del Turia Park, involving a mass Zumba lesson where exercise, music and entertainment joined forces to tone the body and relax the mind. The icing on the cake was the Gala Dinner on the water at the City of Arts and Sciences. The stage was raised up over the South Lake where the water features and lighting designed for the scene added to the spectacle. The night’s entertainment involved various ocean-themed shows. When the time came to announce the winner of the best salesperson award, three powered paragliders swooped through the sky with the winner’s name printed out. Showers of sparks rained down from the gliders’ feet. Meanwhile, the big screens over the lake showed live images of the winner.

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Bike Tour along the Turia River. Valencia has a river that has been turned into a park. On bike, you can follow the river to its delta where the City of Arts and Science is located. Citrus tasting from orange picking to cocktail lessons, the groups were taught how to make the orange-juicebased Agua de Valencia cocktail or desserts using oranges, the typical fruit of Valencia. Fallas Team. To learn the art of building Fallas in workshops given by master falleros. The aim is to build one of the traditional Valencian figures known as Ninots and to compete for it to be the only Ninot that does not get burnt to the ground on the great day of the Cremà. Only one Ninot can win and the choice will depend on the figure’s originality and quality. Gastronomic experiences from a stroll by the central market with a Michelin-starred chef to cooking paella in the Albufera after visiting the rice fields, or tasting the famous local horchata drink in Alboraya. Sampling Tour at the Central Market. One of the city’s most interesting culinary activities is a visit to the Central Market, where guests can experience a tasting of local products or a tour through the various stalls. Activities for sea enthusiasts. Valencia Premium offers catamaran trips with Valencian wine tasting and dinner. Sailing competitions are also possible. Sports. Mini-marathons, running, F1 experiences on the Ricardo Tormo Race Track, etc. The Silk Road. Discover the hidden threads of the silk road on a walking tour of the Velluters district, the Silk Museum, the Silk Wharf (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and shops selling typical Valencian clothings.

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ZARAGOZA

Logistics and location are two of Zaragoza’s key advantages: a traditional crossroads between Madrid and Barcelona set against the spectacular backdrop of the Monegros desert. This provincial capital is the fifth largest city in Spain and is logically proud of its local traditions, especially the culinary ones. Taking a tapas route in its historical centre is almost a must.

The 2,000-year-old city has been coloured by nearly all the cultures that dominated the Iberian Peninsula over that period. Each one has left its own unique mark on the city’s rich architecture and culture and this has resulted in the perfect backdrop for the modern architecture of Expo 2008, located on the banks of the great Ebro River. The Expo provides more venue options for meetings and for companies who wish to associate their image with sustainability and its water theme. Zaragoza’s location and accessibility (right between Madrid and Barcelona on the high-speed train line) as well as its international airport make it accessible for large events. It has recently hosted the national congresses of cardiovascular diseases, cardiology (4,000 delegates), dermatology (2,000) and the World Agility Congress (5,000). Over the last years, the city has set its sights on drawing in Chinese groups by hosting a number of seminars and fam and press trips and by teaching local hotels and venues how to adapt to their Asian guests’ requirements. It has also organised conferences with 200 experts to discuss how to offer the best possible services for this target audience. Travel agency managers, Chinese embassy representatives and specialised journalists are among the guests who have been invited to discover the city.

ZARAGOZA

Activity by Zaragoza Servicios:

Think big! Volvo’s annual conference in Zaragoza The Torre del Agua was the venue chosen by Volvo Trucks to present its results and targets to 100 guests. The company also wanted to send a message to its dealers, workshops and internal audience: Think Big. The agency O2 Comunicación transmitted that concept through the staging and a range of activities, which were dominated by technology. The meeting was held on the seventh floor, presided over by the sculpture “Splash”, the soul of the building. It was incorporated into the set for the sessions suspended 21 metres above the stage, emphasising the conference message. Augmented reality produced a customer experience simulation with a virtual visit to a dealership. The presentation ended with a 3D printing demonstration. Delegates were shown the design stage, digitalisation, programming and printing and the possibilities this technique offers for the manufacture of parts, tools, etc. They were also given 3D prints of the conference message to take away with them as a souvenir.

Anuncio Palacio 2017 inglés.pdf

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The event recreated a casino with a variety of game tables of wine, cheese, ham, etc. Each participant had their own games route and a bag of tokens for betting at the different tables where their senses were put to the test. Every table had a gastro-croupier who gave a brief explanation of the products before the players could taste them and make their bets as to the product’s origin, source and most distinctive traits.

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Palacio de Congresos de Zaragoza �e best option.

Be Welcome! Palacio de Congresos is located in the most emblematic and modern area in Zaragoza. The city enjoys a strategic situation within the Peninsula, conveniently situated between Madrid and Barcelona.

The venue joins architectural design, funcionality and versatility, offering the possibility to hold both small and large-scale audience events.

www.palaciocongresoszaragoza.es

+ 34 976 976 441

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ZARAGOZA

Highlighted venues The Silver Patio. A mythical cabaret that offers its terrace for meetings. It can hold 700 people in cocktail. In 2016, it hosted a car presentation by Mercedes. Palacio de Villahermosa. This majestic palace (in Pedrola) has a glass hall for 300 guests, gardens and ballrooms.

La Zarola is a gastronomic venue offering “cooking party” activities where teams prepare lunch or dinner with the help of a chef.

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Cónclave. In the city centre, it has meeting rooms and kitchens to complete meetings with a gastronomic experience. Bantierra. In the very heart of Zaragoza, this jewel of modernist Aragonese architecture offers a variety of rooms on three floors, with a Function Room for 550 guests.

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Expo Palace of Congresses has been transformed into the Congress Hall of the city. Torre del Agua (Water Tower). The 76m high tower channels the water of the Expo site, creating a circuit in which various activities can be organised. It will be used as a museum. Zaragoza Aquarium has an auditorium for 120 people, an exhibition room and a terrace overlooking the Ebro River and the Pilar Basilica.

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Arte a Bocados is located in the city centre and offers catering service, workshops and fruit with chocolate tasting sessions.

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Stone Monastery with 12th century halls and garden areas. The plenary hall, which was once the monks’ dining room, has room for over 150 people. Outdoor activities and a thermal spa are available. Pabellón Puente (Pavilion Bridge) links the whole Expo area with the Almozara which can be used for exhibitions.

Bodegas Ignacio Marín offers personalised visits, wine tasting and accommodation. They also organise meals in the vineyard.

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

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La Gastroteca, inside the Puerta Cinegia Gastronomic Market, is a venue with a kitchen for 25-30 people for cooking workshops and can also be hired for meetings.

Running through the city is the Aguas Bravas Canal, which can be used for rafting, kayaking, paddle surfing and hydrospeed racing. You can also enjoy the 5,000m2 of beach by the Ebro River, with silica sand, a swimming pool in the river and a terrace for cocktails. Sailing down the Ebro in a canoe or inflatable raft with EbroNautas. Up to 100 canoers at a time and 70 people on inflatable rafts, or as many as 150 in combined activities. Participating in team building activities organised by Zaragoza Servicios such as the Casino Gourmet, Crazy indoor/outdoor Olympics, themed murder mysteries and more. Taking electric bike trips with Ebrobizi. The Zaragoza Convention Bureau included this activity recently in a fam trip with Belgian companies. Solving mysteries with Room 60 who offers escapism activities in its escape rooms or where the event is being held. For example, your groups can go to the hotel with a safe and they have to open it by solving clues.

www.grupoeventoplus.com | +34 93 272 09 27 | info@eventoplus.com |

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BALEARIC ISLANDS

There is no need to go to exotic destinations to find magical islands: the famous Balearic Islands offer amazing creeks, great nature and lots of activities for your groups. You will find old, quiet, traditional villages inland, beautiful fishermen villages and crazy nights in the cities. For groups looking for a quieter ambience, Menorca and Formentera are the perfect slow options. Majorca is distinguished by its capital city Palma, the Cabrera natural park and the Sierra de Tramontana Mountain. Ibiza, the international star with its DJ-paced nights, is a UNESCO Heritage Site for its biodiversity and culture.

Ibiza

Despite the vibrant electronic music scene, this modern and cosmopolitan island maintains its customs and traditions as well as great infrastructure for meetings: a congress centre right by the sea, the recently renovated FECOEF trade show ground with more than 10,000m2 for meetings... Go beyond the star-filled hotels and beach clubs, and you can complement your work programme with air balloon trips, a private party right in the middle of the sea, snorkel in the clearest waters, kayak along the coast. And there is nothing like enjoying its famous sunsets with chill-out music in the background. Ibiza’s appeal is growing, partly thanks to a rise in the number of flights and to the willingness of its authorities to help organisers to coordinate the logistics, which includes cordoning off roadways for the island’s popular vehicle shows.

From quad trails to limousine rides ITB DMC took a group from the Na Xamena Hotel to Sant Antoni on quads. The two-hour tour showed riders around the more rustic and least known part of the island. The ride ended with a visit to the Las Dalias hippy market and a barbecue in a typical Ibizan mansion. Another activity was drinks at the Cavalli restaurant that was exclusive to the group. Guests were picked up in Hummer limos complete with champagne and music onboard, to the Lio Club. There, two photographers were waiting to dazzle them with photos as they climbed out of their vehicles in true paparazzi style.

Dreams & Adventures provides a variety of the Island’s options of activities for events Nautical Activities offers an interactive course on meteorology and radio communication at the Meteo & Radio station, which is then followed by a trip out on a sailing boat. Ibiza Hippy Rally has visitors zooming around Ibiza’s hippiest locations in a vintage Citroen 2CV. Each team is kitted out with one of these two-horsepower vehicles, hippy outfits and a backpack full of gear including a Nikon camera and a pedometer. At Ibiza Food & Cooking, visitors will learn how to cook up a traditional Borrida de Rajada, a very popular dish in Ibiza and Formentera, as well as concocting Mallorcan and Ibizan “herbes”, which is a spirit that contains up to 30 different herbs.

BALEARIC ISLAND

Audi chooses Ibiza for its Q2 presentation During the days of the meeting, 2,000 guests were divided into groups of 200 and visited the island. The presentation took place at the FECOEV showground complete with driving tracks.

Highlighted venues 600 medical specialists gather at the Palacio de Congresos Conference Centre Ibiza became the point of reference for endoscopy and gynaecological laparoscopy at national level during the 10th National Endoscopy Conference which was attended by 600 delegates. The conference presented an organisational challenge: apart from the speeches, there were practical workshops and live broadcasts of surgical operations from various hospital sites.

THB Los Molinos Hotel close to the centre of Ibiza, it offers three meeting rooms for up to 140 people. Grand Palladium White Island a 5* on the Playa d’en Bossa Sol Beach House Hotel a 4* beach with 600m2 of meeting by the Palacio de Congresos. The rooms. hotel features a large room with adjustable panels to create three La Torre del Canónigo located separate halls for meetings up to in Dalt Vila, this 14th century tow110people. It also incorporated er was built on the walls of the old certain touches of the Desigual Roman acropolis and was declared brand, as well as two pools with a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Balinese beds.

Scapart escape room opens on the island with a 60-minute adventure where participants have to solve an enigma. This can be done on their premises or at any other location - villas, hotels, private houses, parties, etc.

OD Talamanca. Opened in 2016 and a stone’s throw from Ibiza Town, it provides views of Talamanca Bay and Dalt Vila. This 5* location has 117 rooms and conference rooms for up to 100people, as well as a roof terrace.

Seven Pines Resort Ibiza. This 5* location opens in 2017. Situated close to Cala Conta beach, it has 195 suites, restaurants, a meeting area, spa and 56,000m2 of gardens.

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Majorca

The largest of the Balearic Islands attracts visitors with its traditions, gastronomy, secluded bays and picturesque spots. But Majorca is not only coastal: its characteristic landscape and the Serra de la Tramontana (UNESCO World Heritage Site) offer a unique variety of scenery and colours beyond the sea.

The island lets you complete your conference with its cultural and gastronomic offerings and its many attractions. Larger conferences are now possible thanks to the recent opening of the congress centre and its airport is Spain’s third-busiest. For incentive trips, there are many options: exclusive hire and theming of one of the Sóller train carriages, jeep excursions to areas of the Serra de la Tramontana, classic car trips, winery visits with workshops and dining amongst the vines, sailing, expeditions amidst rocks, travel to Son Marroig to dine while enjoying panoramic views, town quizstyle excursions that offer the chance to discover different places in a fun way, etc.

The long-awaited congress centre…

El Falcao for events This classic 30m long yacht with classic design was commissioned by the Belgian royal family and is now available for meeting organisers. Built in 1967, the yacht was long considered as one of the finest in the world, lavishly equipped and carefully designed for smooth sailing thanks to its Rolls Royce engines. You can actually leave a coin standing on its edge while the engines are running. There are four areas on-board with room for 50people in total: the stern hall, the captain’s inner hall, the prow terrace with tables and sofas, and the fly bridge terrace with tables, large sofas and chairs.

After years in the making, the congress centre finally opened in early 2017 and offers an auditorium for 1,978 delegates, a smaller one for 462 and various meeting rooms. It is operated by Meliá Hotels, who also manages the 4-star hotel located right on top of the congress centre. Another recent addition is the Park Hyatt Mallorca, which got its inspiration from the local culture and imitates a Majorcan mountain village. It offers eight meeting rooms, dominated by a central patio which is perfect for coffee breaks.

BALEARIC ISLAND

Four days of work and play

Mallorca Business Support organised four days of meetings and fun activities for the 170 best sales staff of a German company. A welcome dinner was prepared at Bodegas Castell de Miquel in Alaró, where they sampled typical produce. The second day was for work, but surrounded by nature at the Finca Sa Canova in Sa Pobla. The morning was spent in meetings for the various countries as well as joint meetings, interspersed with rest periods: swimming, massages, coffee breaks, sun loungers, etc.

On the third day, the group was split in two teams: some went to the RennArena racetrack in Llucmajor to compete in go-carts and enjoy team activities; the other went to Santa Ponsa to enjoy various water sports, speed-boating, catamaran trips and jet skis, etc. During the afternoon, the teams swapped their activities. On the last day, there was a team building exercise. The group made Majorcan herb spirit and learned how to make different types of salt (rosemary, curry, etc.) using salt extracted from the Majorcan salt flats. Later, they formed

groups and were helped by local musicians to compose versions of well-known songs using their own lyrics. They had to sing about how the year had been in the company, the teamwork, etc. At the Sa Canova gardens, a circular stage was set up surrounded by candles, settees, blankets, cushions, etc., and the chosen member of each group went on stage, accompanied by the musicians, to perform their song.

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Exploring the most beautiful corners of the island with team building activities in jeeps or drop-top convertibles organised by iVents. Boarding a private boat at the Port de Sóller and discovering the hidden coves of the area. Riding on horseback amidst nature and enjoying the beautiful rural and coastal surroundings. Seeing craftsmen at 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.

Minorca and Formentera UNESCO declared Minorca a Biosphere Reserve in 1993. It offers an impressive variety of Mediterranean habitats occupied by species of animals and plants found only on the island. The island offers cultural excursions and gastronomic trips where you can sample and buy local products: the wine trail, the cheese trail, the traditional recipe trail and the seafood gastronomy trail. Groups with artistic leanings are in luck as they will find photography trails and can combine relaxation with open-air painting. For those who wish to explore the island on foot or by bicycle, there is the Camí de Cavalls, a historical route with 20 sign-posted stages that pass through coastal areas, pine groves and cliffs, etc.

Formentera can be visited for the most part by bicycle, via green routes, pine woods, junipers and the rural interior. In the crystal-clear waters of its beaches, you can try diving in idyllic surroundings like the Marine Reserve of Es Freus. Formentera has 32 multi-purpose routes that can be covered on foot, by Nordic Walking or bicycle. These green routes (opened in 2016) are a criss-cross of tracks covering over 100 kilometres.

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CANARY ISLANDS

Upcoming news: the opening of the Hotel Victoria Suites in South Tenerife and La Laguna Gran Hotel in the north, with 123 rooms and areas for up to 500 people.

Tenerife Canarian People are famous for being pleasant and open. No surprise there since they live in islands with an average temperature of 22ºC and mild winter. Sipping cocktails atop Mount Teide, under one of the world’s starriest skies, a spectacular aquarium as an events venue, or an ‘Indiana’ dinner out in the open air of La Palma are some of the treats that the Canary Islands have in store. The history of its seven islands (Gran Canaria, Tenerife, El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote) is alive with tales of aboriginal tribes, colonists, pirates and Christopher Columbus. They also boast of fabulous venues, a wide range of accommodation options (it is also a tourism powerhouse), great landscapes and roadways that make them the perfect setting for vehicle launches. Also noteworthy are the islands’ sustainable development strategies – El Hierro, for instance, is the world’s first 100% energy sustainable island. However, there is only problem: due to the delicate situation in many parts of the world, these islands have become a really popular destination – getting a hotel for your group may be a tough challenge. 76

The island is linked to the outside world thanks to two international airports which fly to 157 airports in 27 countries. The main historical attractions are concentrated in the north of the island and Santa Cruz welcomes a large number of the congresses to the island. For several years, Tenerife has strived to go beyond the sunny destination to attract meetings & events, investing in infrastructure which includes five congress centres. Mercedes, Ducati, Lamborghini, McLaren and Fedex have all had their presentations and incentive trips held at the island. According to the Tenerife Convention Bureau, the island has attracted 800 events last year with a total of 60,000 participants. The island’s must-sees? The Teide National Park and San Cristobal de La Laguna, as well as sailing excursions and whale watching. However, the true novelty is the chance to sip cocktail atop the summit of Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. A stylish way to enjoy Tenerife’s two star attractions: stunning skies and volcanic landscapes. The evening begins with a private group ascent up to Mount Teide’s highest station, where visitors can indulge in a glass of Canarian wine as they watch the red sunset bathe the volcanic landscape of the Teide National Park in a crimson glow. From that vantage point, the view spans the entire island and reaches all the way to La Gomera, La Palma, Gran Canaria and El Hierro. Following the magical sunset, the group returns to the base station by cable car to savour a typical Canarian meal. Then, once night has fallen, they can take part in a star-gazing experience. Expert guides unveil all the secrets of the sky and its constellations in a remote location free from pollution and aided by professional telescopes. Tenerife’s range of water activities is rich and varied: windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing, sailing regattas and boat trips to the cliffs of Los Gigantes (towering 600m high), scuba diving lessons and underwater excursions.

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Highlighted venues

Siam Park. A water park with fun water slides and the option to organise events on the private white-sand beach. With a capacity for 10,000 people, it is ideal for gala dinners and barbecues, etc. It also has an amphitheatre for Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife. Five minutes 2,000 people. from the Costa Adeje, it has 624 rooms, halls with capacity for 500 people, a sky lounge with ‘Indiana’ Meals. The Palma Princess Hotel views over the Atlantic for private events and has 625 rooms and six conference halls and a Beach Club for dinners overlooking the sea. is famous for its ‘Indiana’-themed meals and parties. Indiana is the name given to Spanish The Tenerife Adán Martín Auditorium. emigrants who set sail towards America. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, surrounded by the sea and designed by architect Santiago Calatra- International Conference Show Centre. va. It has 15 indoor and outdoor areas, includ- With a surface area of over 40,000m2, this ing a hall for 1,616 people. avant-garde multi-function space has an open 12,000m2 main hall and another of 3,800m2. Arona Pyramid. At the Playa de Las Améri- It also has a function room for 334 people and cas, it offers a large auditorium, 18 meeting a number of smaller capacity rooms. rooms and a 1,300m2 exhibition area. Other premium hotels include the 5-star Puerto de la Cruz Congress Centre of- Gran Meliá Resort Palacio de Isora and fers 10 halls for meetings surrounded by the Gran Bahía del Duque Resort, a Vic100,000m2 of subtropical gardens in Parque torian-style 5* hotel minutes away from the El Taoro. Bobo beach, with 356 rooms.

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CANARY ISLAND

Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur 5* is located between El Duque and La Caleta beaches on the Costa Adeje and has won the TUI Holly 2016 award. Its architectural layout is based on Tenerife’s colonial tradition and offers163 rooms and a 2,500m2 Nammu Spa area.

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Volcano Life offers the “Sunset and Stars” activity, see the sunset from 3,700 m above sea level on the Teide. You will see fumaroles, smell sulphur and be able to touch the hot earth. Options include dinners and star-gazing through telescopes. CSR. Options for volunteers include regenerating a micro marine reserve while discovering the beauty of the sea bed, recovering natural areas, forest walks, releasing turtles, hiking with people in Joëlettes (a wheelchair designed for hiking and rough terrain). Discover Cueva del Viento, the longest volcanic tunnel in Europe at Icod de los Vinos. Explore this maze-like cave and its many passageways on three different levels. Wellness on a sailing boat. Enjoy a yoga class, learn meditation techniques and watch the sunset from the sea. YogaYa offers three-day voyages between Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera. Descend the Masca ravine. Descend this natural canyon to the beach and take a dip. You can go by boat to see the 600 m high cliffs of Los Gigantes and, who knows, maybe even spot a whale or two! Group cooking. Visiting the Canaries and not trying papas con mojo (potatoes with mojo sauce) is unthinkable! But what about learning how to cook them? You can try your hand at this and other typical dishes, such as pella de gofio (toasted cornmeal balls). Swimming and snorkelling alongside turtles. Yes, as well as spotting dolphins and whales, you can also swim alongside these little animals. You can even make your first dive with them. Hiking through majestic laurel groves. A walk through the Macizo de Anaga Natural Reserve while listening to Guanche tales and legends.

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Google chooses Tenerife for its incentive trip

Tenerife on two wheels

A delegation of 50 Google programmers arrived on the island on an incentive trip organised by Inneventing with one clear aim: after working for so long in front of a monitor, they needed to disconnect for a few days to free up their creativity and get to know each other better. Inneventing wanted to give the participants something they would like, so they asked them - not just anyhow, but in the way Google asks when you do a search. Starting with the search engine’s home page, they had to input keywords of what the experience should include. After inputting

the words, they had to click, Google style, on “I’m Feeling Lucky” The result of the keywords was: nature, adventure, non-WiFi zones, genuine, local, trekking, etc. and based on that, Inneventing designed the programme. The group crossed volcanic craters at 3,000 m above sea level, descended hidden Tenerife ravines that were once pirate hideouts, enjoyed a mojo workshop, a blind wine-tasting session and a hike down to a secluded beach where a sailing boat was waiting for them for a relaxing end to the day.

One of the most recent vehicle launches on the island was the new Ducati to 120 journalists. Ducati was looking for a destination that could offer a variety of roads to test the cars but also photogenic settings that could transmit the power, technology and passion the brand represents. They found a reflection of the sensations they wanted to transmit in the volcanic landscape. Knowing that the weather would be good during the winter assured them they could do many of the activities outside as well as enjoy road tests under blue skies and spring-like temperatures. The journalists enjoyed the variety of landscapes: palm trees, laurel forests and pine trees as well as the Teide National Park.

Gran CanariaTenerife-Michelin Star Experience SpainUp proposes a pick-up from Las Palmas airport, a helicopter ride to Pico de la Nieve and then to Tenerife, skirting the Teide. After flying over these two landscapes, land in Tenerife North Airport. By now, it’s lunchtime and the group moves on to the Michelin-star Kazán restaurant.

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Gran Canaria

Barranco de La Manta in Gran Canary.

This island located just 200 km from Africa boasts three convention centres and unique venues such as the inside of a cave, colonial country estates surrounded by banana plantations. It is also a natural paradise, with 60km of its beaches and its western part declared as Biosphere Reserve: There is also the possibility to sail amongst whales or trek among Canarian pine trees. The island offers a variety of environments where you can experience in just one day with easy logistics as the maximum distance never exceeds 80km: from desert dunes to volcanic craters or even ice-covered peaks. It is also great for golf and nautical-based incentive trips. Also worth taking advantage of is its rich past including aborigines, colonists, pirates and Columbus’ voyages, all of which provide a great base to organise themed incentive trips. Gran Canaria also stands out as a sports destination: its favourable climate makes it a true outdoor gym. In 2016, it hosted more than 20,000 sportspeople from 65 countries, and this will grow in 2017 as the island will be hosting 24 large events, such as the Gran Canaria Marathon, the PWA worldwide windsurf championship, the Canary Islands rallye, the APB world bodyboard championship, and more.

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Treasure hunting in the Vegueta neighbourhood. Various teams will answer questions and meet challenges related to the city of Las Palmas, its monuments, its cuisine and its personalities. Oh, did we mention the thrill of finding a treasure? ‘Beach Olympics’on the Maspalomas Dunes. A group of visitors from a Norwegian company spent five days in the Canaries in search of a whole host of outdoor activities. The location chosen by Inneventing was the stunning sand dunes of Maspalomas. At the foot of the lighthouse, a series of team beach activities were arranged for the group. And you can even plan a (definitely) group meeting in this unique outdoor setting… Town to town. This adventure involves navigating a car through the island and trying to discover various checkpoints along the way based on a scenario. At these locations, participants will discover various aspects of the island’s living history, including cultural heritage or local crafts. After the specific points are found, guests will have to complete a quiz about the island.

Pure adrenaline in Gran Canaria for General Electric Oil General Electric Oil gathered its employees from all over the world in Gran Canaria to hold a team building exercise based on sheer adrenaline by Inneventing. First up, employees hit the race course in Maspalomas in their VW Beetle cars, clad in jumpsuits and helmets to battle for success. The following day, it was time for wind, ocean spray and tactics! Equipped with sailing gear, they took the helms of their vessels in a regatta and were even tasked with the challenge of climbing onto a buoy! At the end, delicious paella awaited them on the beach.

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CANARY ISLAND

Highlighted venues The Poema del Mar Aquarium in Las Palmas has 350 salt and freshwater species in more than 7,000m2 and is also a venue for meetings. It has a 373m2 restaurant, a 447m2 hall and an auditorium for up to 112 people. Alfredo Kraus Auditorium. Located in front of the capital city’s Las Canteras beach, it combines striking architecture and great location to provide a unique coastal environment. The best: the backstage opens with a view to the sea which is a definite surprise during your meeting. It has 25 meeting rooms with a capacity for more than 4,600 delegates. Gran Canaria Congress Centre. Located in Las Palmas, it offers garden spaces and a diverse range of halls for meetings totalling more than 7,500m2. Maspalomas Congress Centre. A modern building in the south of the island, it offers 24 conference rooms with electronic screens and mobile stages. Hacienda de Anzo. This old colonial mansion is suitable for small events. The La Cueva room is located in a natural cave that has been adapted to accommodate 250 people. Expomeloneras. Located in Meloneras, south of Gran Canaria the venue offers 14,000m2 for meetings.

4x4, archery, cycling… and even a Hollywood style gala! 200 participants from a food company spent four days experiencing what the island has to offer. InSuite Eventos started the group’s trip with a Jeep Tour around the rocky landscapes and along the dizzying mountain roads inland. Many participants were surprised to discover Gran Canaria’s golden sand dunes. The team building continued with activities such as archery, orientation games, memory tests, wood cutting, obstacle courses, hanging bridges, bike trails, and one added difficulty: some of the activities took place at night! After all the action, dinner was served in the breathtaking setting of the rocky Fataga ravine where a traditional Canarian music group provided the ambience. The following night involved an Oscar-style gala where guests became film stars. Guests were clad in glad rags with a jolly 20s theme, and walked the red carpet to the lively sound of the jazz band. The winners of the team building trials pulled up in classic cars to collect their prizes.

Lanzarote and Fuerteventura Freixenet Ice presentation in Fuerteventura The Barceló Castillo Beach Resort and Barceló Castillo Club Premium hosted the launch of the new product of Freixenet. Held at the El Faro Lounge Bar in the Castillo Marina in Caleta de Fuste, it was attended by 150 guests, who were invited to taste the drink by the sea accompanied by music from a DJ.

Opening of Hotel Occidental Lanzarote Playa This new hotel has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and is targeting the sports sector. Lanzarote has become a very popular destination for athletes who use the island to train and make the most of its excellent climate and natural surroundings.

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