Commitment, rigour, professionalism and quality by Synergias de Prensa, S.L.

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MIS PREVIOUSLY MICE in SPAIN

CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW SPAIN®

MEETINGS INDUSTRY IN SPAIN ®

#6 FIRST QUARTER ‘09

CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW SPAIN®

COVER

WHY IN

FERIA VALENCIA CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE? It is located in one of the Spanish cities that received the most international exposure in 2008 due to it having every type of technology imaginable. But the biggest selling point is that it has consolidated its growth by specialising in hosting any type of meeting, and by doing it successfully.

REPORT SPAIN, A COUNTRY OF CONVENTION CENTRES A comprehensive article that provides up to date information on the current situation regarding Spanish convention centres, as well as those centres that are due to open in the coming months.

CITIES ALICANTE Situated in the heart of the Spanish Levante, Alicante enjoys a mild climate, excellent temperatures throughout the year, and a notable Meetings Industry infrastructure which continues to make strides.

INCENTIVES WINTER ACTIVITIES IN LLEIDA Spain is not only about sun and sand. You can also enjoy the snow in the winter months and there are many areas that provide the perfect setting to carry out the most demanding of activities. The Lleida Pyrenees is one of them.

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EDITOR’S LETTER Commitment, rigour, professionalism and quality. These are just some of the adjectives we journalists often use to refer to Meetings Industry professionals. This is not an exaggerated description as these professionals can be identified by their efficiency and dedication to the client. However, it is difficult to qualify a M.I. destination, and even more so these days. For this to be possible, many factors have to be considered, destinations that accurately meet the demands of this tourism segment. When it comes to choosing a venue for events, these destinations stand out because of their reliability and high level of service. In general, a good M.I. destination must meet a certain set of criteria so that the professional does not have to take a gamble. The current economic climate leaves no room for trial and error, so professionals are obliged to find a safe bet to avoid letting the client down. In this regard, we believe that Spain innately satisfies these criteria. It boasts a long experience as a major world tourist destination, has excellent infrastructures, including those specific to the Meetings Industry, as shown in the report on its wide selection of convention centres published in this issue; a unique terrain, which has given rise to amazing and spectacular landscapes and places, and an internationally-renowned cuisine. All this, in addition to the wide variety of products offered by companies or developed by professionals for this type of tourism; make Spain a safe bet in the arena of international M.I. destinations. This is especially important as we face 2009, given the indications and advice that nothing should be left to chance. Issue after issue, and particularly during this financial year, M.I. will strive to prove this theory, by providing in its pages some of the thousands of proposals that make up the Spanish offer. We will also look at lesser-known products that the market has to offer, in the area of winter activities for example, with locations such as the Pyrenees and, in particular, Lleida. Happy destination 2009! JOSÉ ALARCÓN

Honorific Editor: Juan Robles • Director: José Alarcón • Adversiting: Antonio Melchor, Roberto Teigeiro, Tere Serra • Art Director: Sofía Alonso • General Coordination: Vanessa Jordá • Administration: Manuela Fuster • Editorial Council: José Alarcón, Sofía Alonso, Francisco de A. Carrió, Pere Camprobí, Estrella Díaz, Alberto Díez, Fernando Martorell, Joan Molas, Pau Morata, Fermín Pérez, Joaquim Sagués, Ramzi Shuaibi, Santiago Soteras, André Vietor, Antonio Wangüemert. • Writers: Marta Martínez, Pau Morata, Victor Puig Vilarrubís, Jesús Díaz Gámez, Daniel Bra • Edition: Synergias de Prensa, S.L. C/ F. Pérez i Cabrero, 11-B, entlo. 8ª. E-08021 Barcelona. Tel.: +34 93 241 73 12. www.meetingsindustryinspain.com Editorial Production: Publications & Meetings Industry, S.L. • COVER PHOTO: Salvador del Saz Salazar MIS ® MEETINGS INDUSTRY IN SPAIN ® #6. Barcelona (Spain) 2009 • Legal Deposit: B-47.057-2007

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SUMMARY News

Cover Feria Valencia Convention and Exhibition Centre, consolidated growth

Report Spain, a country of Convention Centres

Cities Alicante, pleasant temperatures among its many attractions

Incentives Winter activities in the Lleida Pyrenees

Hotels Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real, events with ocean views

Special Venues Hospedería Parque de Monfragüe

Incoming Pamplona Convention Bureau, ensuring a city for conventions

Events in Spain Spain 2009, a real motor show

Co. Events Useful guide

70 72

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News

WORKING IN A PUBLIC TOILET

ehind this eye-catching headline lies a very clear reality. Managers are struggling to find a suitable place to work in outside the office. The Regus Group, which has eleven business centres in Spain and over a thousand around the world, conducted a survey to find out where managers work when not in the workplace. The results revealed that 52% of managers worked from 3 to 5 hours a week outside the office and in public places. Of these, 65% of executives claimed to have worked in a restaurant, 51% in a bar, 35% in public parks, and 16% even acknowledged having worked in a public toilet. To avoid these situations and to facilitate their work, Regus launched the Businessworld programme. So, for fifteen euros a day you can rent an office in any of its business centres located in over 450 cities in 75 countries.

RENT OUT AN ENTIRE HOTEL FOR YOUR EVENT

ho wouldn’t want to be director of a hotel for a day? Now this is possible with the High Tech Hotel chain’s “Turnkey” proposal, which allows a hotel to be exclusively rented out for an event or convention. So, anyone can become the owner of a High Tech hotel or Petit Palace for a day or more. All hotel employees will be on hand for the temporary owner for the duration of the rental period. The chain also offers the opportunity to personalise the hotel to match the company’s corporate image, from the hotel entrance and reception area to the rooms and restaurants. Even staff uniforms can be personalised. The proposal offers a fixed package which includes accommodation, breakfast, meeting room with projector and screen, plus lunch and dinner. High Tech hotels are located in the centre of the main Spanish cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Getxo, Valencia, Malaga, Seville and Salamanca and allow you to enjoy a pioneering service as regards technology and equipment, as all hotels have Wi-Fi access, a laptop, plasma TV and an iPod base in every room.

FUENTEPIZARRO HOTEL OPENS

he Fuentepizarro Group opened their hotel in the Sierra de Guadarrama last November, aimed primarily at the Meetings Industry. The establishment has 28 fullyequipped rooms, with a further 27 to be added, as well as a new spa. Work is already in the second phase and is due to be completed in 2009. The hotel is located in the Fuentepizarro Complex, a place steeped in history and surrounded by more than 35 hectares of nature, right in the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama, making it perfectly suited for indoor and outdoor training activities.

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WORK BEGINS ON MADRID INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

COSTA DEL SOL BUSINESSES ON SHOW AT EXPOCOSTA

adrid Espacios y Congresos (Madrid Spaces and Conventions) has taken the first steps in beginning work on the City of Madrid International Convention Centre (CICCM). Once the bidding has been publicised and a contract awarded during 2009, construction will begin on the convention complex. The centre will be located next to the four La Castellana towers in the capital’s new skyline. The complex proposed for the International Convention Centre will consist of a large luminous structure of various floors stacked inside a huge circular tower. The building will be large and cylindrical, and be vertically shaped by two large, slightly convex surfaces open to the east and west. The access floor will have a spacious lobby with an open height of 21 metres, from where the different floors can be easily reached. The entire project was designed by a team of Madrid architects, Emilio Tuñón, Luis Moreno Mansilla and Matilde Peralta del Amo.

ore than a hundred companies from the various production, service, leisure and marketing sectors were present at Expocosta 2008 from 7-9 November. The event occupied 8,000 square metres of the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones de Torremolinos (Torremolinos Convention and Exhibition Centre) and represented the largest gathering ever of Costa del Sol companies, from sectors as diverse as tourism, automotive, gardening, food, leisure, construction and decoration. The fair included analysis and discussion forums for issues related to the tourism sector and allowed an exchange of views between the different players in the Costa del Sol business arena.

INTUR GROUP CREATES ALL INCLUDED CONCEPT

T 13TH AECIT CONGRESS HOSTED IN VITORIA

ast November, the 13th Congress of the Association of Scientific Experts in Tourism (AECIT) gathered together the sector’s main experts in Vitoria. In this edition, the focus was on Tourism R&D and was held under the slogan: “Technological Change in Tourism: Production, Marketing, Innovation and Territory.” Presentations, discussions and round tables served to deepen the knowledge of industry professionals and facilitated the exchange of information and experiences. The Congress included the inaugural lectures of Dr. Eugeni Aquila, of the University of the Canary Islands, and D. Juan Mulet, general manager of the Cotec Foundation for Technological Innovation.

he Intur Group, responsible for the management of Convention Centres in Castellon and Peniscola, has launched the campaign ‘All included, sin letra pequeña’ (All included, no small print) which aims to publicise both infrastructures and to promote the province of Castellon as a business tourism destination. ‘All included‘ offers potential clients a comprehensive service covering everything necessary for organising an event. This ranges from the initial notification of the event and equipping the rooms, to organising the catering and handling media relations. Through this service, the Intur Group can demonstrate the benefits of using the Castellon and Peniscola Convention Centres for hosting any event or convention.

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News

NEW LANZAROTEMOSCOW DIRECT FLIGHT

he island has had a weekly direct air link with the Russian capital, Moscow since last November, when an agreement was signed with the tour operator, South Cross. After the arrival of the first flights, the TV programme, Comedy Club, was shot on the island, the Russian version of the Spanish television programme, El Club de la Comedia (The Comedy Club). The aim is to publicise Lanzarote in Russia and to promote the new weekly air link. Moreover, the Tourism Council of Lanzarote has launched a promotional campaign in the train stations of major German cities which involves direct contact with the public. The main stations in Berlin, Frankfurt and Stuttgart have welcomed this mobile stand, aimed at enhancing Lanzarote’s image and tourism position in Germany through screenings, photographic media and promotional material. TUI (German travel agency) and Air Berlin collaborated in the campaign.

he Valencia Convention Centre’s commitment to sustainability was evidenced by its installation of a photovoltaic roof that supplies energy to the whole convention complex. At the same time, the Convention Centre was awarded the European Seal of Excellence +400, being the first Spanish convention centre and the second in Europe to obtain it. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the opening of the Centre, which during this period received 1.2 million attendees, and held 1,666 events that generated more than 435 million euros for the city.

VALENCIA CONVENTION CENTRE COMMITS TO SUSTAINABILITY

MEETINGS AMONG VOLCANOES INITIATIVE LAUNCH AT CATALONIA CONGRESS OF GRAPHIC DESIGN

ith the slogan “The skin of things. Beyond the packaging”, the city of Olot was the venue for the Congress of Graphic Design in Catalonia on 30 October, organised in conjunction with the Instituto Municipal de Promoción de la Ciudad (Municipal Institute for Promotion of the City). The conference served as a launch pad for the “Reuniones entre volcanes” (Meetings between Volcanoes) project, set up by Olot’s Tourist Office. The aim of the project is to encourage event organisers to take part in various activities to learn about Olot and the Garrotxa region. Among the many options proposed, the organisers of the Congress of Graphic Design in Catalonia chose to take in a tour of La Fageda d’en Jordà, one of the most important beech woods in Catalonia, led by a technician from the Parque Natural de la Zona Volcánica (Volcanic Natural Park). They also visited the municipal athletics track and Pedra Tosca Park, two projects designed by the famous architect firm, RCR (Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem and Ramon Vilalta). The “Meetings among Volcanoes” project involves more than forty companies, which all share the common goal of promoting the Garrotxa region as a venue for events, meetings and conventions. Also in October, members of “Meetings among Volcanoes” participated in a convention and subsequent discussion about emerging trends in the business tourism market with two members of the Barcelona company, Amfivia, which specialises in organising events. One of the main conclusions of the meeting was that companies are increasingly relying on end suppliers as they instil confidence and provide a quality service.

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THREE H10 HOTELS RECEIVE THE NECKERMANN PRIMO AWARD 2008

PALAU’S CHAMBER CHOIR GOES PROFESSIONAL

FASHION AND WINE TEAM UP IN FASHION WINE

hree hotels in the Canary Islands belonging to the H10 hotel chain – the H10 Rubicon Palace in Lanzarote, the H10 Costa Adeje Palace in Tenerife, and the H10 Playa Esmeralda in Fuerteventura have received the Neckermann Primo Award 2008, after being chosen among the hundred most popular hotels by customers of the German tour operator, Neckermann. The award was given in November in Frankfurt. The award, which is based on the opinions of customers of the German tour operator, is given in recognition of the three hotels as holiday destinations that provide a high-quality service. Moreover, the chain has launched the H10 personalised service Privilege, Exclusive Rooms and Services. This is a personalised service whereby H10 Hotel customers can enjoy exclusive rooms and services during their stay. The hotel chain has selected some of its best hotels in Spain and the Caribbean to form part of the Privilege service. Customers who subscribe to the Privilege service will enjoy unique and personalised attention and stay in the best hotel rooms with all amenities to hand. The Privilege services include late check-out, special identification bracelets, free Wi-Fi access, and a superior room with personalised extras such as a bathrobe, slippers, or daily newspapers. Hotels offering the Privilege service are: H10 Estepona Palace, H10 Andalucia Plaza (Costa del Sol), H10 Rubicon Palace, H10 Timanfaya Palace (Lanzarote), H10 Costa Adeje Palace (Tenerife), H10 Playa Meloneras Palace (Gran Canaria), Ocean Coral & Turquesa (Mayan Riviera), Ocean Blue & Sand (Punta Cana). The H10 Hotel chain was found-

ed in the early eighties and has 40 hotels in fourteen different destinations. It ranks among the top ten hotel companies in Spain.

ith the aim of professionalizing and bringing stability to the Palau de la Musica Chamber Choir in Barcelona, the Minister of Culture, Joan Manuel Tresserras, the chairman of the Consortium of the Palau executive committee, Felix Millet, and the chairman of the Chamber Choir, Josep M. Busquets, signed an agreement in December. The agreement intends to cover the deficit of professional choral and instrumental music in Catalonia’s cultural programme and to raise international awareness of Catalan choral music through artistic excellence. The Catalan government will provide 43% of the Choir’s budget and the Choir will dedicate part of their activity to public interest programmes.

esigners Andres Sardá, Lydia Delgado, Josep Abril, Carlos Antonio Lopez and Juan Ferrater have created the lables of five of the best Riojan wineries such as Cune, Finca Valpiedra, Muga, Sierra Cantabria and Valenciso. This initiative, called Fashion Wine, has helped fuse the wine and fashion world, reflecting the emphasis of innovation that is now so much a part of Spain’s wine producing sector. This is the second year running for this initiative to promote Riojan wines in an innovative way. The Fashion Wine presentation took place last October in the Lavinia wine shop in Barcelona. Lavinia has shops in Spain, France, Switzerland and the Ukraine, with more than 4,500 wines on offer and a wine club with more than 6,800 members.

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FERIA VALENCIA CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE CONSOLIDATED GROWTH Sustained growth. This has been the path maintained by the Feria Valencia Convention and Exhibition Centre since its inauguration in 2006. Its emergence into the domestic market first and then into the international market has positioned this facility as a spearhead in a business in which Feria Valencia also wants to gain strength as a leader. By P.F.V. photos from FERIA VALENCIA

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ersatility and spectacular architecture are the hallmarks of this space which is designed to host all kinds of events. The Convention and Exhibition Centre is a reference point for avant-garde architecture, an innovative and multipurpose building. It offers event organisers the best combined facilities, along with the trade fair and convention experience of its specialised and highly-skilled team. The building, designed by the prestigious Valencian architect J.M. Tomas Llavador, can accommodate over 15,000 people in one indoor exhibition space of 17,700 square metres. The four floors that make up the building have 24 rooms of various capacities and 2 auditoriums with seating for 390 and 718 people. All of these are equipped with the latest technology in order to be able to adapt to any requirements. The Centre also offers a fundamental differentiating element, Pavilion 5, annexed to the Convention Centre. Pavilion 5 boasts 10,000 square metres and a landscaped pedestrian area of 20,000 square metres which is adaptable to any kind of outdoor activity. “Very few events centres in the world,” says Stefan Kokkes, Head of International Markets and Events at Feria Valencia, will be able to offer what we offer: experience, versatility and a wide range of services. There is no doubt that this has drawn the attention of many business sectors.”

metres, a rest area and a catering service. We also laid on all the technical resources needed to cover the event: Internet access, photocopying and printing services, telephone service, etc.” The Centre’s versatility was demonstrated once again when it hosted the 16th National Conference of the Partido Popular (People’s Party), one of the biggest media events in Spain in recent years, with more than 10,000 people and 1,200 journalists involved in its coverage. Feria Valencia dedicated over 150,000 square metres to the event, which was attended by five television channels - four national and one independent - who broadcasted directly from Feria Valencia for an entire weekend. “Other events which showed this versatility – points out the Head of International Markets and Events at Feria Valencia, was the presentation of the new BMW one-seater Sauber Formula 1 race car, the International Exhibition of Ornamental Plants and Flowers, for which we allocated 50,000 square metres, accommodating 11,284 professional visitors and 305 exhibitors. Equally spectacular was the Gala Dinner we organised for L’Oreal, attended by 2,000 people, and the 23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition, which attracted over 20,000 visitors and 700 exhibitors from around the world. It was the biggest Photovoltaic Solar Energy conference ever.“

Entertainment time A big space for big events “We have been steadily increasing the number of events held here since our inauguration”, continues Stefan Kokkes. This year we hosted significant events such as the EMECA General Assembly (European Major Exhibition Centres Association), which took place for the second time in Valencia and in which the main European trade fair centres participated. Pavilion 5 has also provided a training track for the World Athletics Championships. We allotted over 500 square metres in the Events Centre for the Championship Press Centre, with a work room for up 200 journalists, a press conference room of over 100 square

The Valencian trade fair centre has also opened its doors to shows. Delirium, the latest and most incredible Cirque du Soleil show, was held at the facility and attracted over 28,000 people. For the first time, the Canadian company abandoned its traditional tent and made the leap to a large trade fair centre due to the sheer magnitude of its circus production. Also held in the Convention Centre’s Pavilion 5 was a big publicity event for the new Cutty Sark campaign under the slogan Shanghai-London since 1870. La Fura dels Baus (a Catalan theatrical group) put together a show for the campaign for Cutty Sark Scotch Whiskey, which was

This Valencian space has, in recent months, hosted many important international events and numerous events of significant media interest

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Feria Valencia has made a strong entry in the conference and meetings business, thanks to its Convention Centre full of colour, music, magic and surprises. Especially for the occasion, the theatrical company arranged a huge customised set for the show. A stage area of over 2,000 square metres, 40 performers, 50,000 watts of sound, 200,000 watts of lighting and an amazing wardrobe, on loan from the Opera del Liceu (Liceu Opera House). More than 3,000 people were able to enjoy the magic, captivating, spellbinding show created exclusively by the Fura dels Baus for Cutty Sark. Other spectacular moments in the complex were had with the Chemical Brothers concert, drawing a crowd of more than 5,000 people, and the T-Shirt Festival, which involved several days of concerts and performances by artists and disc jockeys such as Rinôcérôse, Erick Morillo, Fedde le Grand, Todd Terry and Mark Knight. The aim of the festival was that the audience would become one with the sounds of electronica and house. The idea of the festival stemmed from the need for a city like Valencia, with a culture so rooted in music and dancing, to have a big event which would set the standard for music forums. For the festival, in its first year, 2,250 hotel beds were allocated and 3,220 camping places. Feria Valencia has made a strong entry into the conventions and meetings business. This is thanks to the facilities offered by the Convention and Exhibition Centre which provides all the equipment and services needed to accommodate all types of conferences, conventions and other events. The trade fair institution is notable for the internationality of the events it organises, proving it to be the ideal meeting point between supply and demand. With its activities, the institution brings the offer of our sectors to emerging markets, resulting in stronger international trade ties. Increasingly, when people talk about Feria Valencia, they’re talking business. BIG SPACE, BIG EVENTS.

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SPAIN, A COUNTRY OF CONVENTION CENTRES With more than 250,000 spaces distributed over 59 sites, our country confirms its potential in this type of MIS infrastructure. After collecting and analysing recent data on the convention centres of various Spanish autonomous communities, as well as sounding out the opinion of professionals, this report throws up some interesting results. However, the primary objective of this work was to find out a little more about the current situation in which the offer of these types of convention venues finds itself. By EDITORIAL DEPT, Photos from CONVETIONS CENTERS and ilustrations by LINEO

hichever way you look at it, Spain is the top MIS (Meetings Industry in Spain) destination. Almost 254,000 full-capacity venues, as well as 257,000 square metres of exhibition space and 835 meeting rooms, confirm its undeniable position as the leading destination for meetings tourism. These are the figures that Professional EVENTS has obtained for this report, from 59 publicly and privately owned centres of this type in our country. Despite the difficulty in obtaining the technical data of some centres, this is the first time that a communication medium in this segment has carried out a study on

such characteristics on the current offer of this type of building for meetings. Professional EVENTS’ statistics confirm that Spain provides an excellent infrastructure for the Meetings Industry, especially with regard to what we call convention centres, also known in Spain as “Palacios de Congresos”, a very appropriate name given their high quality and full range of services for all types of events. These centres cater for mass audiences and more modest gatherings. Subdividing the absolute results by autonomous community, Andalusia is the clear leader in the ranking in most of the categories. An amazing

total seating capacity of 67,078 delegates and more than 61,500 square metres of exhibition space make this southernmost community in Spain the best prepared for MIS as regards infrastructure. Andalusia, the most extensive community in the territory, boasts no fewer than 11 convention centres. Despite its dominance in most categories, the community with the highest number of rooms is Catalonia, seizing victory with 160 spaces. The Catalan community is emerging as the most specialised in adapting to all kinds of meetings, from 10 delegates up to thousands. Catalonia is second in the ranking by com-

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MAIN FEATURES OF THE SPANISH CONVENTION CENTRES name

RANKING OF TOTAL CAPACITIES BY COMMUNITIES Total Capacity

Andalucía Catalunya Islas Canarias País Vasco Madrid Comunidad Valenciana Aragón Galicia Cantabria Islas Baleares Castilla y León Asturias Extremadura Murcia Navarra La Rioja CastillaLa Mancha

67.078 58.775 18.203 16.935 15.000 13.850 11.978 11.952 6.900 6.750 5.845 5.200 4.243 3.300 3.200 2.781 1.800

munity, with a total capacity of 58,775 delegates and 44,477 square metres of exhibition space offered by its seven convention centres. Third in line regarding absolute capacity is, surprisingly, the small community of the Canary Islands. Although trailing well behind the two leaders, the southern islands managed to get into the top three with their 18,203 delegates, overtaking other strong communities such as the Basque Country (16,935) and the community of Madrid (15,000). At the tail end of the ranking we have another unexpected surprise: the community of Castilla-La Mancha. Despite its vast size, this region only has the Albacete centre in operation. This will soon change however, with the new Toledo convention centre expected to open in 2010. In second-last position is La Rioja, which can only offer the facilities of the modern Riojaforum (2,781 delegates) and, third from the

ALBACETE ALICANTE AUDITORIO PAL CONGR ZARAGOZA BADAJOZ BADALONA BALUARTE (NAVARRA) BEC COVENCIONES CÁDIZ CAMPO DE LAS NACIONES (MAD) CANARIAS (ALFREDO KRAUS) CASTELLÓN CCIB CONGRESS PALACE PALMA CÓRDOBA COSTA DEL SOL (TORREMOLINOS) CTRO CONV GRAN VIA (BCN) CTRO EVENTOS FERIA VALENCIA ESTEPONA EUSKALDUNA FORO LATINOAMERICANO LA RÁBIDA (HUELVA) GIJÓN GIRONA GRANADA HUESCA IBIZA IFEMA CTRO CONVENCIONES INFECAR (GRAN CANARIA) JACA KURSAAL LA LÍNEA MAGMA MÁLAGA MARBELLA MÉRIDA PAL CONGR EUROPA (VITORIA) PAL CONGR VALENCIA PALACIO CONGR Y EXPOS GALICIA PALACIO DE CONGRESOS D MADRID PALACIO DE LA OPERA (A CORUÑA) PALACIO DE LA PAZ (FUENGIROLA) PALACIO FESTIVALES CANTABRIA PALAU CONGRESSOS BCN PALAU CONGRESSOS CATALUNYA PALEXCO PEÑÍSCOLA PIRÁMIDE DE ARONA (CANARIAS) PONTEVEDRA PRINCIPE FELIPE (OVIEDO) RIOJAFORUM ROQUETAS DE MAR SALAMANCA SANTANDER SEVILLA TARRAGONA TERUEL VALLADOLID (CONDE ANSÚREZ) VICTOR VILLEGAS (MURCIA) Y. ATAPUERCA TOTAL

Total Capacity 1.800 1.500 9.200 2.317 1.800 3.200 6.100 7.378 9.000 4.003 2.770 15.000 4.250 1.200 4.000 5.600 5.300 2.560 4.200 4.615 2.000 1.800 7.163 1.400 2.500 2.000 2.000 960 5.735 3.300 4.700 4.439 7.323 1.926 900 3.200 5.000 4.000 2.552 1.800 2.600 25.000 7.375 3.000 1.050 7.500 1.400 3.200 2.781 2.300 3.335 4.300 21.000 2.200 418 1.010 3.300 1.500 253.760

Build Area

Exhibition m2

Rooms

15.300 6.800 22.739 17.519

2.900 4.000 2.215 948 372 16.600 18.000 2.918 5.125 2.800 2.170 11.000

8 11 14 7 10 11 16 12 32 14 13 45 9 8 11 30 26 4 20

18.000 17.000 8.225 5.700 67.000 5.600 3.500 11.000 14.000 7.700 21.000

12.500 45.000

4.500 16.000

3.000 11.000 62.000 6.300 19.565

15.000 4.500 4.000 77.000 9.200 2.684 8.000 18.000 22.000 3.500 9.200 30.000 12.000 6.263

642.295

5.500 14.000 10.000 3.000 8.000 716 4.623 1.005 4.000 2.256 1.000 6.000 250 5.000 1.300 5.719 17.225 4.000 1.100 275 1.800 8.000 6.145 2.006

9 8 17 15 10 25 33 10 13 28 13 7 18

4.659 1.600

9 10 18 30 12 10 3 11 12 35 15 6 28 11 11 11 13 10 5 13 11 5 8 24 7

257.335

835

1.718 5.600 4.000 3.500 1.425 1.300 1.570 2.716 4.807 1.200 1.180 6.500 21.600 8.500 3.492

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Report Convention Centres

bottom, is Murcia, which also has only one, the Victor Villegas convention centre (3,300 delegates).

Sustainability, the current bone of contention With regards to sustainability, the Spanish convention centres are very green – but in the negative sense. This is undoubtedly one of the aspects to improve, and greatly, over the next few years if they do not want to lose their grip on leadership of the Meetings Industry. The future of events and meetings will inevitably involve implementing measures that are more respectful to the environment and reduce energy consumption. So far, it seems that little interest has been shown by our convention centres in becoming more environmentally friendly.

Some of these, though still in the minority, already have ISO 14001 certification, which sets out how to implement an effective environmental management system and monitor its proper application. Of the 59 centres included in this report only 5 have international certification. This represents 8.4% of the total audited. Although the ISO 14001 is not the only environmental certification that exists, the data is more than significant. Many of the centres undoubtedly have good intentions, and when consulted by Professional EVENTS, their work on recycling and separation of waste was notable. However, we must remember that sustainability does not only mean recycling or more responsible treatment of waste, but that it affects each and every one of the aspects of holding a meeting or and event, namely: supply, energy, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, trans-

Catalonia is second in the ranking in number of delegates and square metres of exhibition space offered by its seven convention centres portation, food, documentation, gifts, etc. Particularly noteworthy is the environmental interest being shown by the convention centres in the north of the country, specifically in the Basque Country. This autonomous community is, without doubt, ahead of the field in

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sustainability, with spaces such as the Kursaal in San Sebastian or the Convention Centre, as well as the Music of Bilbao, the “Euskalduna”. They run complex environmental management programmes that affect the entire operation of the site and which has also lead to great saving on energy and consumption. In fact, the Kursaal itself states that in 2007, thanks to the launch of the environmental management program, 62% was saved on water, 16% on electricity and 41% on paper. Apparently, the imminent opening of new venues will reduce these unfavourable imbalances in the conventions arena as regards sustainability. All the centres being built, or about to open, present much greener credentials, with regards to both the materials used in constructing the building and the day-to-day running of the site. There is an urgent need, therefore, for convention centres in Spain to include sustainability in their list of priorities, as it is one of

The future of events will inevitably involve implementing measures that are more respectful to the environment and reduce energy consumption the factors that event and meeting organisers most consider when it comes to choosing a venue. This was confirmed in the survey carried out by IMEX in collaboration with the Green Meetings Industry Council (GMIC), which showed that 7 out of 10 organisers (73%) would reject a destination or meeting place for not having good sustainability credentials. It’s clear: Spanish convention centres must get down to work as quickly as possible as there is a lot to be done.

Design, real works of art One of the factors that makes an event unforgettable is the beauty of the location it is held in. The wrapping, the external appearance, is very important, and this is something our convention centres are perfectly aware of. It can even be said that in recent years architectural design has taken precedence over other values for the convention centres in our country, in a kind of competition to see who can build

APCE, the glue that binds the Spanish centres The Spanish Association of Congress Centres was founded in 1995 with the aim of upholding and respecting the interests of these conference facilities in the Meetings Industry. After 13 years of existence, 37 centres now make up the organisation. The data for last year is not inconsiderable, since the 37 centres together accounted for 4.5 million participants who attended 6,600 events, representing an economic impact of 1,700 million euro. Nevertheless, it is true that not all the convention centres throughout the Spanish territory are part of APCE. This is undoubtedly one of the topics of greatest concern for the association, something that was evident during the last Association Congress, held in Riojaforum last July. Faced with economic recession like the one currently being experienced internationally, the members stressed the importance of preventing “disloyal competition” and argue that some centres even offer their facilities free of charge in order to promote their city. It is worth pointing out the interest of the participants at the 6th Congress in adopting sustainable environmental measures and improving the accessibility of their premises. Both issues were discussed during the conference, which benefited from the presence of experts in these fields.

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Many of the Spanish convention centres are veritable works of art, worthy of inclusion in the most prestigious architectural books

the most spectacular, eye-catching, original and, of course, most expensive centre. Metal undulating forms that resemble waves, like those of the Palexco building, vivid colours reflected onto the glass walls of the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos in Malaga, delicatelycarved stone in perfect harmony with the landscape, at the Magma Congresos in Tenerife ... The architectural possibilities that shape our centres are endless and yet risky, because great liberties are given to the creative desires of the architect. Thus, many of the Spanish convention centres are veritable works of art, worthy of inclusion in the most prestigious architectural books. Many of these buildings also carry the names of the great professionals of our country, internationally renowned and admired, making them an attraction in themselves. Rafael Moneo with his imposing Kursaal opposite the beach of San Sebastian, Ricardo Bofill and Cesar Portela with the stylish Palexco in the port of A Coruna and Jose Selgas and Lucia Cano with the innovative Palacio de Congresos in Badajoz. In 2006, the latter was considered to be one of the 53 most representative buildings of Spain in the last 30 years by the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York. But convention infrastructures in our country not only nurture national architects. Design holds so much importance in this area that the most prestigious of international

architects have also left their mark on the Spanish convention landscape. This is the case of the English architect Norman Foster, known worldwide for the dome of the Reichstag in Berlin or the Swiss Tower in London, and whose signature the Palacio de Congresos in Valencia also bears. It is similarly the case of the Swiss architects, Herzog & De Meuron, famous for building the Tate Modern in London and more recently the National Stadium in Beijing, which hosted the Olympic Games last summer, whose unmistakable style is reflected in the auditorium of the Centre de Convencions Internacional de Barcelona (CCIB). The approved upcoming openings and projects

will further strengthen this trend which shows the significant importance of architectural design - and will certainly involve heavy economic investment. New centres are being planned by Santiago Calatrava in Oviedo and in Castellon, Rafael Moneo in Toledo, Dominique Perrault in Leon, and Norman Foster in Almeria.

Accessibility, beyond awareness Sensitivity towards people with reduced mobility is one of the most commendable of the Spanish convention centres. Although the information is contradictory depending on which source is consulted, it is undeniable that there

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The architectural possibilities that shape our centres are endless and yet risky, because great liberties are given to the creative desires of the architect

is more awareness and that centres are working to adapt their facilities. It is noteworthy that the vast majority of venues are free of steps or other architectural barriers that may hinder the easy movement of people with added difficulties. Adapted bathrooms and meeting rooms, as well as special seating and reserved parking, can be found in almost all meetings venues in the country, in an attempt to change the idea of conscience and awareness, which must prevail: that of pure functionality and practicality, nothing else. All the centres consulted by Professional EVENTS for the preparation of this report claim to have facilities tailored to the needs of people with reduced mobility. All of them have lifts and ramps to facilitate access to the venue and many of them also have adapted

3 questions for…

MARÍA LUZ ALONSO VILLANUEVA AENOR auditor, Convention Centre expert

HOW TO OBTAIN THE ISO 14001 What requirements must a convention centre meet in order to comply with the ISO14001 Environmental Management System? Any organisation that wants to implement an environmental management system according to the ISO14001 standard must meet a series of requirements that involve all levels of the organisation. The main objective is to integrate improving the organisation’s environmental behaviour as one of the parameters to be considered in the overall management of the company. For this to happen, you need to define methods of operation, which in many cases did not exist before, to develop ways to comply with requirements such as: Introducing an environmental policy that involves the commitment of management to pollution prevention and compliance with legal requirements. Establishing a periodic environmental improvement programme, defining goals, responsibilities, deadlines and resources needed. The identification and control of all environmental aspects that are generated as a result of the activity being carried out, such as atmospheric emissions, external noise emitted, consumption of natural resources, waste generation, land, effluent... Setting up internal and external communication channels to respond to all interested parties. Defining and implementing mechanisms for preparedness and response to environmental emergencies. Training of company staff in environmental issues to obtain the necessary expertise to carry out their duties. Adopting habits of monitoring and measuring environmental aspects identified by the organisation. What steps should a convention centre take to obtain it? First, the facility has to have implemented the system, which can be done by the organisation itself or, which is usually the case, with the help of a consultant.

Once implemented, the certifying body is contacted. To ensure independence, the certifying body should not offer consultancy services, as its credibility lies in the recognition of its independence and rigour by all those applying for certification. ISO14001 certification of an environmental management system first requires a check on the effective functioning of that system, for which an audit is conducted in person in the organisation and the result of such management is assessed. In the event of non-conformities being identified (breaches of the system provisions), a deadline is given to deal with them and they are audited again. Once certification has been obtained, an environment certificate is awarded, which is valid for three years, after which time it can be renewed. During this time, annual follow-up audits are conducted to check that the system remains in place. What are the results of implementing an environmental management system? Although you cannot generalise for all the convention centres, given their limited experience, there are certainly some competitive advantages obtained through adopting the environmental management system. For certification to be a worthwhile investment, it is vital that the certifying body act with due rigour. Among others, benefits include: As regards economic performance, reduced spending by the convention centre as a result of a reduction in the consumption of natural resources, a significant amount in some cases, namely electricity or water. An improvement in the centre’s external image, through identification with sustainability. Environmental awareness is raised for both clients and the general public. Also, within the organisation, there is increased motivation among the workers through having access to the necessary mechanisms for proper environmental management in their jobs.

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It is noteworthy that the vast majority of venues are free of steps or other architectural barriers that may hinder the easy movement bathrooms and reserved parking spaces. So far, the data is faultless. The contradiction arose when we spoke to Elena Ortega, technical director of the Plataforma Representativa Estatal de Discapacitados Físicos (PREDIF) (National Representative Platform of the Physically Disabled). This organisation recently published the ‘Organisation of Conferences and Exhibitions For All’ manual, which establishes the basic principles to ensure fully-accessible meet-

ing, and is available for free on its website. The Manual also includes a study on the current situation of accessibility in meeting centres, the results of which clash with the positive information provided directly by the centres. According to Elena Ortega, “much remains to be done” because there are still disparities between the autonomous communities as regards the different legislation stipulated by each region. Among the best, Ortega cited the Basque Country and the community of Madrid. According to the expert, “all the centres claim to be accessible but in reality they are not.” The basic problem, Ortega said, is that “they

do not really know what accessibility means.” Among the centres’ most common failings in this area, PREDIF highlights the non-existence of tools for those with auditory or visual impairments, poor adaptation to changes in level, ramps often with little regulation, or a lack of adequately trained customer service to deal with people with disabilities. If she had to give a positive opinion on a Spanish convention centre, Elena Ortega would highlight the Kursaal in San Sebastian, which has worked hard on improving its facilities to obtain the UNE170001-2:2001 global accessibility certification, which guar-

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antees the participation of people with disabilities in the venue’s facilities and services. It appears that sometimes the interests of design and those of accessibility clash. Ortega regrets that at times the centre directors want to adapt their facilities to make them more accessible but it is the architects who, brandishing intellectual property rights, impede reforms in the building. In short, PREDIF’s technical director describes Spanish convention centres as “fairly standard” with regards to accessibility.

Signage, you can never have enough All centres consulted claim to have various signs in the city in which they are situated, but from our own experience and that of others, we know that this does not guarantee anything. Who amongst us has never experienced, when

making our way to a convention, and undertaking arduous task of locating the centre, has not wished for more signals to facilitate our search and ensure that we are heading in the right direction? This is even more crucial when it comes to finding our way around an unfamiliar city. A centre with a few signs is no guarantee of being directed successfully to our destination, especially if it is a large city. Without doubt, this is work that should concern the centre itself, but which must be facilitated by the town council where the centre is located. It is not enough to have just a sign at the entrance to the town, one in the centre, and another once we are inside the centre itself. A route needs to be established - one that is convenient, direct and as simple as possible - as well as signs or directions to the centre. It’s not a question of pointing the finger at any city or centre but to provide a figure over

The image of Spain as a destination for meetings is one of the most dynamic and positive in Europe

What opinion do you have of Spanish convention centres? Nicolas Le Brun Chairman of EFAPCO (European Federation of the Associations of Professional Congress Organisers) “The image of Spain as a destination for meetings is one of the most dynamic and positive in Europe. There is a clearly different global offer, with not just the major cities offering a large number of spaces, but also other “smaller” destinations that boast attractive proposals. One of the most attractive destinations is, for example, Malaga, with an efficient Convention Bureau and a convention centre that is the envy of other European destinations. But when assessing different destinations for a future convention, it is not only the venue that is taken into account. Services are also crucial and, although in some cases they still need to improve their English language skills, the standard of providers has rocketed in recent years. Perhaps some hotels appear to be more dynamic than the majority of convention centres, hosting more international events. Whatever the case, it is true that Spain, especially through its diversity, has become a key destination for the conventions in Europe.”

Edgar Hirt Chairman of AIPC (International Association of Congress Centres) “Given that many convention centres have recently been built or reformed in Spain, the product is very competitive and lives up to the industry’s expectations. The success of the Spanish centres in attracting conventions and exhibitions proves this. At the same time, what we have seen indicates that the quality of management and services is also very high, which is a very important factor in the industry today. Many of the Spanish centres are members of AIPC, demonstrating their interest in quality management and continuous improvement of their facilities and services. At the same time, it is important to note that the destination is an important part of the meetings product; the location of many centres in the attractive and culturally diverse Spanish cities adds much appeal to the product too.”

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The convention centres in Spain demonstrate that they can live up to the demands of the international organisation

60% of all cases reviewed lacked what the experts consider good signage. This means that there must be a certain number of signs, depending on the size of the city. The signs must be placed where they can be easily seen and noticed, possibly with a distinctive colour which the visitor or delegate can quickly identify. Lastly, they should provide the easiest and most direct route possible.

How are we seen abroad? The audited figures from Professional EVENTS confirm the wide availability of MIS infrastructures in Spain. The question is though;

do these correspond to international standards? What is the perception of international events experts and organisers of the convention centres in our country? According to the definition of the IAEE (International Association of Exhibitions and Events), a convention centre is: “A facility that combines an exhibition space with a substantial number of smaller event spaces. The purpose of these buildings is to host trade shows, public shows, conventions, large food functions and other functions related to the convention industry. They may be purpose built or converted and municipally or privately owned. Given the IAEE’s general definition, we see that Spanish centres are fully in line with these characteristics. The framework is however very broad and therefore it may be useful pay attention to the recommendations that IAPCO (International Association of Professional Congress Organisers) provides for the creation of an international convention centre and its “relative measures”. That is, IAPCO es-

tablishes the required spaces and capacities essential for a convention centre catering for 3,500 delegates. According to IAPCO, an international convention centre must have an auditorium (with a capacity for 3,500 delegates of course), along with a main hall (theatre layout with capacity for 1,000 people) and another three with 400 seats, each with a theatre layout. It will also have ten rooms of varying capacities, with a maximum of 400 delegates and a minimum of 150, an exhibition hall of 5,000 net square metres of exhibition space, as well as other modular spaces for offices, secretariats, etc. The criteria established by IAPCO are more demanding, but the convention centres in Spain demonstrate that they can live up to the demands of the international organisation. According to data collected by Professional EVENTS, 25 of the 58 centres audited exceed the 3,500-delegate capacity; i.e. 43% of the total number of centres consulted.

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UPCOMING CENTRES Over the next few years Spain will expand its range of convention centres with different proposals throughout the territory. Some are due to open in the coming months and others are projects in progress and will open from 2010 onwards.

Almost here… The cities of Cartagena, Jerez, Leon, Lleida, Oviedo, Salou and Vigo will open new convention centres during the coming months. Some of these are designed by architects of international standing such as Santiago Calatrava and Dominique Perrault. Cartagena is due to open a new Auditorium and Municipal Convention Centre in 2009, with capacity for 3,000 seats spread over six rooms, most of which will be able to accommodate up to 1,500 people. A key feature of this space is that it will be fully accessible and that all its rooms and other areas will be communicated by gentle ramps. In addition, wanting a space that was in harmony with its surroundings, the whole complex is sunk into

the ground to reduce its height in order to avoid having an impact on the preserved Carlos III town wall. Jerez also joins the list of cities with new MIS infrastructures and in a few months will open a new convention centre with a gross floor area of 12,000 square metres. It will have a central auditorium for 2,000 people, plus a second auditorium for 500. In total, the Jerez Convention and Exhibition Centre will have fourteen modular meeting rooms with capacity for more than 600 people. The renowned French architect Dominique Perrault, who designed the French National Library in Paris and received the Mies van der Rohe Award for Architecture, designed the new Leon Convention Centre, to be opened in 2009. This is a cutting-edge construction with

more than 8,000 square metres where glass and steel play a crucial role. One of the building’s key features is its photovoltaic roof, showing the centre’s clear commitment to sustainability, environment and the latest technology. In the next few months the city of Lleida will open La Llotja, a brand-new convention centre on the banks of the River Segre with views of the Seu Vella de Lleida. It will have a main auditorium for up to a 1,000 people and two conference rooms for 204 people. In addition, the convention centre will offer the possibility of having small meetings of less than 30 people in fully-equipped rooms. One of the architectural features of the building is its rooftop, where there will be a large garden that will act as a heat regulator with hills full of climbing plants.

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The cities of Cartagena, Jerez, Leon, Lleida, Oviedo, Salou and Vigo will open new convention centres during the coming months Another great architect about to launch a convention centre in Spain is the Valencian, Santiago Calatrava, who designed the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, and who is responsible for the new Oviedo Convention Centre. The building, with its distinctive elliptical shape and helmet-like mobile roof, will have a total of 15,000 square metres over two floors, a large lobby and a main hall with capacity for 2,500 people. Visually, the entire complex will give the impression of a huge suspended prehistoric egg enveloped by a U-shaped building in whose base a 144-room hotel will be built,

36 of these being suites. The arms of the U will be allocated to offices for the Government of Asturias who will occupy over 11,000 square metres. The whole architectural complex of Santiago Calatrava is built in white concrete, white painted steel and glass which will lend it a spectacular appearance. The theme park, Port Aventura, in Salou (Tarragona) will open a convention centre in October 2009 in the park itself, with capacity for 4,000 people. The two-story centre will include a pavilion with a capacity of 1,800 thousand people and several modular rooms with capacities of 30 to 450 people. There will also be an amphitheatre which will accommodate 150 people. All of this with the incentive of having direct access to the park’s attractions. The city of Vigo will also open a new convention centre in the coming months. Its auditorium will be designed by the architect Cesar Portela Fernandez-Jardon. The building will have a surface area of 56,000 metres squared and an auditorium with 1,600 seats, plus an exhibition hall. At the same site, a hotel and a shopping area with different restaurants will be built.

Coming in 2010 From 2010, many cities are planning to build new MIS infrastructures. Cities such as Alicante, Castellon, Madrid, Mostoles and Toledo will have new convention centres and thereby enhance their bid to become the headquarters for meetings and conventions. The city of Alicante is planning to open a new convention centre in 2010 which will have a very avant-garde design, the work of the ar-

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Some of the Convention Centres are designed by architects of international standing such as Santiago Calatrava and Dominique Perrault

chitect Salvador Perez Arroyo. The building which will be 35,000 square metres will be able to accommodate up to 6,000 people and is to be located on the city’s northern waterfront, becoming the centrepiece of the redevelopment of that area of Alicante, booming with the construction of new housing and green areas. The architect Santiago Calatrava has a second convention centre undergoing construction as he is also responsible for the Castellon Convention Centre due to be opened in 2012. The building is 55,000 square metres with two exhibition spaces and various meeting rooms, the largest of which will have capacity for over 1,000 people. Calatrava’s building will have a truly avant-garde design and will consist of a 151-meter tower separating two different exhibition areas. The Convention Centre will be the tallest building in Castellon and surrounded by a large park with various ponds and a green area. With some of the most cutting-edge infrastructures in Europe, and Barajas airport providing connections to all major cities in the world, the city of Madrid continues on its path of empowerment for the MIS world with the opening in 2010 of the City of Madrid Inter-

national Convention Centre (CICCM). This new space measuring 33,000 square metres will be located between the large skyscrapers of La Castellana. With a height of 120 metres it will be the eighth-tallest building in the capital. The CICCM will have three auditoriums with a total capacity of 6,000 people and the whole building will be made up of modular spaces, giving more flexibility to the entire structure, and will accommodate meetings of all kinds and sizes. Mostoles is also preparing to be able to host conventions and meetings in 2010 with the opening of the Mostoles Convention Centre, which will be located on a plot of 67,000 square metres in the Mostoles Technology Park. The building will have a modern and functional auditorium with a capacity of 600 people and a multipurpose hall of 2,500 square metres with ten modular rooms, office areas, a restaurant and parking. The Convention Centre itself already estimates that it will see about 150 meetings a year, attended by close to 58,000 delegates. Palma de Mallorca plans to open a convention centre in December 2010, with a capacity for 2,500 people and a main auditorium with 2,000 seats and another for 400

people. The complex, ten minutes from the airport, will include an exhibition space of over 2,000 square metres and, to facilitate events and conferences, a four-star hotel with 268 guest rooms is being built adjacent to the convention centre. Another prominent architect, Rafael Moneo, is designing the new Toledo Convention Centre, where the Navarran architect is building a 21st-century space in the heart of the city. He was seeking out, and managed to create, harmony between the building and its sur-

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From 2010, many cities are planning to build new M.I. infrastructures and thereby enhance their bid to become the headquarters for meetings and conventions

roundings. The Convention Centre has made a major commitment to accessibility, as all five floors of the building will be connected by ramps going up and down. The building will have a central multipurpose hall with a capacity of more than 6,000 attendees, in addition to six small multipurpose halls with a capacity of another 600 and equipped with audio-visual systems. The Convention Centre will also house an auditorium for 1,200 people. Another of the centre’s attractions is that it will be only a ten-minute walk from the AVE train station. With Salou opening a new convention centre in a few months very near there, Reus is al-

so improving its M.I. infrastructures. It has been decided to relocate the Convention Centre from the centre of the city to Tecnoparc, the new Technology Park, on the outskirts of the city. The new Convention Centre will take advantage of this new location to expand its capacity and benefits, with an area of 42,000 square metres. The Reus Convention and Trade Fair Centre will have a main hall of 5,000 square metres which can be configured using movable walls to accommodate meetings and conferences of various capacities, plus a second auditorium for 800 people also divisible into smaller rooms. Among the convention centres where con-

struction has not yet begun, but projects are planned and in the pipeline, the Vitoria convention centre is being considered. It is currently in the bidding phase and is expected to open sometime after 2012. It will be a large complex of 40,000 square metres with a main hall with 1,500 seats. Meanwhile, in the Benidorm, the future construction of a convention centre is being looked at and which would be located next to the Terra Mitica theme park. The study envisages a convention centre that could accommodate up to 5,000 people, with a main hall for more than a 1,000 spectators and several secondary rooms for 500 people.

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Talking to…

JOSE SALINAS Chairman of the Spanish Association of Congress Centres (APCE)

“OUR CENTRES ARE HIGHLY COMPETITIVE” Professional Events - After 13 years of the APCE, how would you rate the Association’s performance? Jose Salinas - It is clearly a positive one. We have gone from 21 members to the 38 we have today. After this first initial stage we achieved a maturity that allows us to observe with a certain perspective all the work done so far, within the sector of meetings tourism, and this is reflected in the current facilities, the professionalism and leadership of our destination, which are, without a doubt, excellent. P.E.- Why is the existence of an association such as APCE important in the area of convention centres? J.S.- The APCE’s objective was, and remains, to share experiences and represent the common interests of the convention centres. Its existence has served to position the convention centres in the national and international meetings market thanks, in a way, to the generation of a brand image that gives added value to the quality and service of our venues. Common actions have also been developed, aimed at defending the centres as specific and specialised venues to host meetings. P.E.- All members in the APCE are convention centres. However, not all convention centres are in the APCE, why? J.S.- To be a member of the APCE certain requirements must first be met. These include the centre’s facilities. All centres must have an auditorium; several support rooms, an exhibition area, an accreditation area, a press room and technical audio-visual and simultaneous translation equipment. In addition, the centre that wants to become a member must have hosted at least 5 national or international conventions with a minimum of 400 attendees. P.E.-Increasingly, there are more hotels and individual places that have spaces to accommodate conventions and events. How does this affect the convention centres? J.S.- The meetings tourism market has grown a lot in recent times and with it the number of spaces intended for that purpose. The existence of hotels and other places can be compatible with that of the centres. In both cases there is a complementary offer, with different objectives. The centres are specialised venues intended only for events, whose resources are allocated to organising these events to the highest standard. Hotels and other venues, even though they may offer space for meetings, are not a specialised service, but have other priorities. P.E.- The number of convention centres built in Spain continues to grow. Is it really necessary to have so many of these? J.S.- It is true that the number of centres, and therefore the supply, has increased considerably in recent years, but meetings tourism is a tourism that is more or less stable with regards to the number of meetings. The proliferation of these spaces is gaining ground in many cities, and not only are they buildings of high architectural value, but they can also serve to meet other needs. The new spaces reinforce the competitiveness of our destinations, which undoubtedly has a positive effect. But it must be taken into account that a centre should only be developed after a careful study of whether there is ample demand in the area and without causing a saturation of supply.

P.E.- How do our convention centres compare to those of other countries? J.S.- Spain has an attractive set of venues to host events. In addition to the buildings, which are architecturally excellent, there are also the infrastructures, the technology available to them, and some highly qualified professionals that enable us to be highly competitive thanks to the price-quality relationship we can offer. PE .- How is the economic situation affecting the convention centres? Can some measures be put in place to alleviate the effect? JS- The convention centres are not immune to the current economic situation, but as the data we use at APCE is that of this year, 2008, the impact will be minimal and the slight decline detected for the next financial year is yet to be confirmed. It should be borne in mind that our customers plan their events in the medium to long-term, with the exception of certain business conventions that may be the most affected. Rather than taking steps to cope with the recession, we will seize the opportunities the situation offers us. It is time to anticipate market needs and trends and to commit innovative environmental services and policies. This will open doors to international markets. P.E.-Not only the big cities, but also small towns, are building convention centres. How will the creation of a convention centre benefit them? J.S.-For a city, having this kind of facility, means a contribution to urban development since the economic impact generated by meetings tourism is very significant. In addition, a new space is created, which is not only an isolated architectural landmark, but can also be used for fairs and cultural events, in addition to hosting meetings, generating improved infrastructure and quality at all levels. P.E- What areas of Spain do you consider to be leaders in the convention centres and which need to be improved in this respect? J.S- You cannot use a single measure to establish what the position of an area or a convention centre is in the national arena. To be able to do this, you would have to consider certain aspects such as economic performance, size, infrastructures and a number of other characteristics that might define various classifications depending on the parameter chosen. P.E.- What are the Association’s perspectives for the next few years? J.S.- The APCE intends to continue to be a platform for those centres that generate local income and which make a significant contribution to the national tourism sector. The centres must continue to be a forum for discussion and a cultural meeting point. And with their professionalism and quality to work to keep Spain in its leadership position in the meetings tourism sector, offering attractive destinations with a highly competitive service at international standards. And APCE is to be the cohesive link for all of this.

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Cities Alicante

Alicante PLEASANT TEMPERATURES AMONG ITS MANY ATTRACTIONS By: PAU MORATA, photos from P.M. and JAG

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Its annual average temperatures and mild climate are only part of the city’s appeal. Built on the ruins of former civilizations, next to city beaches with bathers and strollers all year round, the capital of the Costa Blanca (White Coast) offers numerous activities for meetings tourism. It also has an active convention bureau.

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Cities Alicante

he tourist authorities in Alicante, the southernmost Mediterranean city of the Community of Valencia which occupies a prominent position in holiday and leisure tourism, have not renounced meetings and events tourism. Quite the opposite, Alicante continues to promote the city’s various attractions as a meetings destination, such as its favourable climate, its famed gastronomy, and its complementary offer of extra-curricular activities.

A convention centre and a castle for MIS activities The main venue in Alicante for meetings is the modern Palacio de Congresos del Colegio de Médicos (the Medical School Convention Centre). There are over 500 seats in its auditorium and 11 additional rooms of varying capacities, the smallest of which can accommodate 24 people. Three exhibition areas of up to 626 square metres each and a computer room complete this complex of spaces equipped for meetings. There are also several hotels in the town with meeting rooms, as well as the rooms of various public organisations and institutions. The walled enclosure of the Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Santa Barbara Castle), built on the top

The city has an international airport offering many intraEuropean routes, a wide range of hotels and adequate infrastructures for meetings and post-event leisure activities of Mount Benacantil, offers two spaces specially equipped for meetings and events. One of these is the Rey Felipe II (King Philip II) room and the other is the outdoor Patio de Armas (Parade Ground), which can be covered by a marquee. The castle also has other older rooms such as the Ingenieros (Engineers), the Noble (Noble), the Polvorin (Gunpowder), the Taberna (Tavern), the Cuerpo de Guardia (Guardroom), and the Calabozos (Dungeons), that are often used as exhibition spaces. Santa Barbara Castle is the result of the successive building works carried out between the 12th and 19th century. It is situated on a former 10th- century Arab alcazaba (citadel) which was preserved for a couple of years following the conquest of the city by the Christians. It was

later, in the 15th century, that the site underwent a huge transformation with the construction of the palatial compound, stables, hospital, store, dining hall and other secondary units. In the latter half of the 16th century, King Philip II ordered it to be expanded and reformed. By the beginning of the 17th century the castle had been converted into a huge fortress whose ancient walls, towers, and medieval buildings were replaced by more modern structures. The La Reina and Santa Ana bastions and the Bon Repos ravelin are points of interest for visitors, as well as the governor’s house, the hospital, the dungeons, the bakery, the gunpowder store, the new parade ground, the troops’ barracks and the large well, which resulted from the abovementioned expansion and reform.

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Other spaces for M.I. Below, and in front of the castle at sea level, right in the middle of the esplanade is the Casino de Alicante. This majestic building contains fresco paintings from the 19th century and many events and meetings are held in its impressive Modernist-style Salón Imperio (Empire Room). It also has the added attraction of being on the Explanada de España, a graphic symbol of the city. Indeed, the palm trees lining both sides and its ceramic tiling with a unique, undulating wave pattern is a much-reproduced image on postcards and city brochures. In the same area is another space for meetings, the renovated old Cruise Terminal. This is a 70’s building which has been adapted to host various events such as gala dinners, product presentations and meetings. The Museum of Archaeology, also called MARQ, offers an assembly hall and several multifunctional spaces for meetings, conventions and presentations. Before or after the meeting, or even during the breaks, participants can view the museum’s collections

in various rooms, which focus on the prehistoric periods, of the Iberians, the Romans, the Middle Ages and the Modern Age, and also holds temporary exhibitions. Before ending this account of event spaces we would also like to mention the Agora Panoramis. This venue is located in the Panoramis shopping mall, which has a wide selection of restaurants and entertainment, and can accommodate up to 3,000 participants in any one event.

A city with a rich historic and prehistoric past Alicante is a suitable destination for all kinds of meetings and holiday tourism and has a long tradition of receiving successive generations of travellers over its 150 years of tourism activity. By the second half of the 19th century, Alicante was already a tourist and spa destination for people travelling from the Spanish capital, Madrid, to the Mediterranean coast of Alicante. The opening of the new train line between the two cities by the year 1858 contributed to this flow of travellers.

These days, Alicante is a meeting point for people from around the world who, for professional or business reasons, come to the European headquarters of the International Patents and Trademarks Office (OAM). Many of these same business travellers then act as prescribers of the virtues and qualities of Alicante. The city benefits from its temperate climate, which is mild throughout most of the year: 18ºC average yearly temperature and annual averages of about 14ºC minimum and 26ºC maximum. And with 2,800 hours of annual sunshine and city beaches, it is one of the few Mediterranean cities where you can sunbathe or swim almost every day of the year. These climatic conditions influenced its early prehistoric settlers, whose former presence is reflected in the wealth of archaeological remains. Since prehistoric times there has been the assumption that there were already human settlements here in the fifth millennium BC, although the oldest remains with proven antiquity correspond to the third millennium before the beginning of the Christian era. The Ibero-Roman city of Lucentum, opened up to the public in 1998, is one of the places that

WATER ACTIVITIES AND GASTRONOMY Alicante has many attractions both on the coast and in the interior of the tourist area known as Costa Blanca, which are too numerous to detail here. However, it is worth mentioning those offered by the “nautical station” of the Alicante-El CampelloSanta Pola area. A nautical station is a partnership between companies and institutions to jointly offer visitors a range of activities from boat trips to wind surfing, kite surfing, kayaking, scuba diving, light and cruise sailing, rowing, motor boats, and yacht charters for sport fishing and leisure. And before we finish, we would like to highlight the rich cuisine of Alicante, with an unbeatable offering of over a hundred dishes with rice as the key ingredient, a wide variety of seafood, and wines of well-deserved prestige.

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Cities Alicante

The Ibero-Roman city of Lucentum, opened up to the public in 1998, is one of the places that attracts meetings participants during their leisure time.

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attracts meetings participants during their leisure time. The archaeological site of Tossal de Manises, in La Albufereta, is a museum complex with three distinct areas - Iberian, Roman and Muslim – and is managed by the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ). To sum up in a few words, the evolution of urban settlements that gave rise to the current city of Alicante includes the Iberian colony of Tossal de Manises, followed by the Lucentum of the Roman era, which was replaced in the 9th century by Muslim Old City or Madina Laquant and, finally, the city built after the conquest in 1247 by the then infant son of the kingdom of Castile who years later would reign as Alfonso X the Wise. From 1265, the city was repopulated with new residents from Aragon and Catalonia, from whom most of the people from Alicante today are descended. In 1296, Alicante was incorporated into the kingdom of Valencia, then part of the Crown of Aragon, by King James II. It received the title of City in 1490.

Stroll among monumental buildings

Finally, one of the recent additions to the architectural appeal of Alicante is the modern building of the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM) on the outskirts of town, where hotels of different grades and prices have been built in recent years.

Incentives and activities in the sea and the great outdoors One of the different activities that Alicante’s natives and its visitors can enjoy is a trip to the island of Tabarca, about 11 nautical miles from the mainland coast of Alicante. Boats set out for the island from the pier at the seafront promenade and the journey takes about 45 minutes. The island is about 1,800 metres long and about 450 wide and is shaped like an elongated number eight, with the port and the main beach at its centre. It is also geographically known as Isla Plana and Planesia (meaning ‘flat’ island), and was declared a Mediterranean Marine Re-

serve in 1986. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, it was the first area in Spain to receive this official consideration. Cited in ancient texts of Strabo and Ptolemy, it is the only inhabited island in the community of Valencia, with a permanent population of less a hundred people. Its story is as intriguing as it is interesting: Carlos III ordered the island to be fortified in 1760, to protect its people from future invasions. Its walls, dating from the latter half of the 18th century, together with its gates, the tower of St Joseph, which used to be Governor’s House now a hotel - and the church of St. Peter and St. Paul give it a unique personality. This was recognised in 1964 when it was declared a historic-artistic complex. In 1768, it was repopulated with fishermen of Genoese origin who had been freed from captivity in the town of Tabarka in Tunisia, which gave the island its name. Eating fish and seafood at the dozen restaurants on the island, caught by the island’s fishermen, is a unique dining experience……as is staying in one of the two dozen hotel rooms offered by the island’s three facilities.

The most noteworthy of Alicante’s monumental religious buildings is the Baroque-style co-cathedral dedicated to St. Nicholas. It is also worth mentioning the older Gothic-style Church of Santa Maria, with its Baroque main altar and façade. The civil building of the City Hall is also Baroque in style. It dates from the 18th century and was built on the remains of the Casa de la Ciudad (Town Hall), which was destroyed in 1691. It is flanked by two striking twin towers at either side. Inside the building is a plaque on the access staircase testifying to Cota Cero (Benchmark Zero), which was used as reference for the average level of the Mediterranean Sea to establish the altitude of any another point in the rest of Spain. Another notable civil building is the palatial, Modernist Casa de las Brujas (House of the Witches). It is currently the seat of the regional or autonomous government of Valencia.

USEFUL ADDRESSES ALICANTE CONVENTION BUREAU Explanada de España, 1 03002 Alicante - España Switchboard: 965 143 452 Management: 965 147 052 Sales: 965 147 066. Fax: 965 215 694 congresos@alicanteturismo.com www.alicantecongresos.com

PALACIO DE CONGRESOS DEL ILUSTRE COLEGIO OFICIAL DE MÉDICOS (Medical School Convention Centre) Avenida de Denia, 47-A 03013 ALICANTE

Tel: 965 261 011. Fax: 965 260 515 Manager: Jose Manuel Coloma Contact: Esther Zamora info@palaciocongresosalicante.com correo@coma.es www.palaciocongresosalicante.com

ESTACIÓN NÁUTICA ALICANTE-EL CAMPELLOSANTA POLA (Alicante-El Campello-Santa Pola Nautical Station) Tel: 965 200 089 and 606 013 351. www.estacionnautica.com

MARQ (Alicante Provincial Archaeological Museum) Plaza Dr. Gómez Ulla, no number 03013 Alicante Centro Tel: 965 149 002 Fax: 965 149 053 mlbotella@marqalicante.com

PATRONATO MUNICIPAL DE TURISMO Y PLAYAS DE ALICANTE (Alicante Municipal Tourist Board) Tel: 965 929 802. www.alicanteturismo.com

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Incentives

WINTER ACTIVITIES IN THE LLEIDA PYRENEES By Marta Martinez, photos from Lleida Tourist Office, Roc Roi and Boi Taüll Resort

Sun and sand are the first things that spring to mind when we think of Spain. But this country can be equally, or even more attractive in the winter months, thanks to its stunning mountains, where the snow offers endless possibilities for incentive activities. The Lleida Pyrenees boasts topquality facilities and services to accommodate business travellers, whatever their preferences: from relaxing sleigh rides to extreme skiing.

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Incentives Lleida Pyrenees

ow temperatures, rain, ice, hardly anybody in the streets... some only see the downsides to winter. But those who rejoice as the first flakes start to fall know the secret to enjoying this chilly season: snow. Perhaps because it allows the child inside us to come out to play, this miracle of nature has the ability to pull us away from our stressful daily life and to enjoy ourselves in a pure and innocent way. Given these qualities, the winter season proves to be the best ally for the incentives sector. Teambuilding activities, competitions, gymkhanas, and even dinners, all acquire a special charm

when they have a white background, making the experience a memorable one. One of the better-prepared regions in Spain for winter group activities is the Lleida Pyrenees. Located in the heart of the Pyrenean belt that separates France and Spain, this northwest corner of Catalonia offers 4,000 hectares over its 11 resorts, for both alpine and Nordic skiing. The resorts’ 30,000 hotel beds make accommodating large groups an easy task. Lleida offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the mountains during the winter months, and several spectacular valleys where specialised companies can organise corporate group activities.

Valle de Arán (Aran Valley) The most visited valley in Lleida is by far the Aran valley. Together with Baqueira Beret, probably the best ski resort in Spain, the region receives more and more snow enthusiasts each season. Skiing is undoubtedly the valley’s winning product and there are several incentives companies that offer ski learning and improvement courses, given by experienced instructors. For the more daring, a helicopter will take them to the highest peaks (often more than 2,500 metres high) in order to ski down the more

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For incentive activities, the snow offers much more than skiing. The Lleida Pyrenees are ideal for sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and gymkhanas of all kinds

BEYOND THE SNOW More than 4,000 skiable hectares in 11 resorts and the best quality management of outdoor incentive activities is what awaits you in the Lleida Pyrenees. But what is it that makes it really special? The added value hidden in these valleys is their gastronomic and cultural wealth that make the “après ski” activities as attractive as the team-building adventures themselves. The north of Lleida boasts a rich mountain cuisine based on game and countryside products. Substantial soups, rich stews, and succulent meats will delight the hungry athletes after a long day of activities. The valleys are also the proud owners of some architectural gems, the ideal complement to so much physical activity. In the Boi valley, a visit to the shrines of Sant Joan of Boi and Sant Climent of Taüll is a must, being two classic examples of international Romanesque art. Not surprisingly, these small and charming religious temples were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 2000.

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Incentives Lleida Pyrenees

rugged slopes of the young Pyrenean mountain range. Aranesi Alps is one of the companies that organises this high-risk activity, really only suitable for expert skiers. However, one of the most popular incentive activities according to the company’s Head of Events, Cesar Chesa, is the downhill slalom race. So, wearing their numbers on their backs, skiers get to be professional competitors for a day, and to feel the adrenaline rush as they balance at the top before bulleting down the piste, the route indicated by coloured poles. But incentive activities in the Lleida Pyrenees are not only designed for ski fanatics. Copos Events is based in Vielha, the capital of the Aran valley, and organises all kinds of incentive activities that do not need any prior knowledge. Walking with snowshoes on the forested areas of Arties, Vilamos or Orri, gymkhanas in the snow ... A particularly interesting service offered by the company is an excursion, in a sled pulled by dogs, also called mushing, to the charming sanctuary of Montgarri, one of the few remaining unspoilt enclaves in the valley. Once there, you can enjoy a memorable meal at one of their shelters, in the absolute tranquillity of the surroundings.

For the more daring, a helicopter will take them to the higher peaks, often more than 2,500 metres above sea level, in order to ski down the more rugged slopes Fun and Skills Training Other winter incentive activities provide a combination of fun and skills training. Risk simulation is one way of strengthening the team bond while at the same time learning first aid or how to use new technologies. Few people know what an Arva is, for example. It is an instrument designed to locate people buried in an avalanche through the transmission and reception of radio waves. This vital equipment offers an original and practical way to organise a gymkhana. Roc Roi is another company that offers similar activities. Originally based in Pallars So-

birà it has permanent facilities at the Andorran Grand Valira resort. Capable of organising activities at any location the customer wishes, the company can offer a wide range of educational and leisure activities for those who haven’t mastered the techniques of skiing. One of the most successful activities, besides mushing, is igloo building. The team works together to build one of these fun ice houses after receiving instructions on how to go about it. The funniest situations can arise in the process, both a unifying and educational experience. Roc Roi has also come up with an innovative activity that promises to be the star of the

season. With a wealth of experience in whitewater rafting on the Noguera Pallaresa river, the company has decided to move the inflatable boat to the snowy slopes, says one of its managers, Carles Rabaneda. They call it “snow rafting,” and it involves descending the mountain slopes on inflatable structures of different sizes, so it is well-suited for all kinds of groups.

El Valle de Boí (The Boi Valley) Another valley dedicated to incentive activities in the Lleida Pyrenees is the Boi valley. In the Boí Taüll

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The northwest corner of Catalonia offers 4,000 hectares over its 11 resorts, for both alpine and Nordic skiing, as well as 30,000 hotel beds

winter resort, groups can participate in traditional activities such as ski courses, races, sleigh rides, snowmobiling etc. along its 44 km of pistes and its 50,000 square metres of snowpark. The Boí Taüll resort also offers a wide range of activities off the slopes. Football, mini-golf and paintball in the snow, igloo building, sled bowling, archery ... The facilities for these activities are just a few kilometres from the slopes and a stone’s throw from the residential area, which consists of 6 hotels and apartment buildings which are 3 or 4-star and a recently-opened spa to relax in after a hard day of team activities. Only 20 minutes from the resort is the famous

spa resort of Caldes de Boi, a traditional hot springs centre which, for the first time, opens its doors in winter too. Visitors can enjoy the benefits of its 37 mineral springs, with temperatures ranging from 4º to 56º.

The other side Spain is emerging as an excellent destination for incentive activities at any time of year. With a skiable area of 4,000 hectares and a large hotel capacity, the Lleida Pyrenees is a fine example of the other side of Spain, a side that often goes unnoticed but is perfectly suited to corporate group activities.

The area’s rich cultural and gastronomic offer make for an attractive “après-ski” which is as stimulating as the outdoor activities themselves

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Selección de establecimientos que suponen garantía de éxito para cualquier reunión

GRAN HOTEL ATLANTIS BAHIA REAL EVENTS WITH OCEAN VIEWS By Victor Puig Vilarrubis Photos from VP and Gran Hotel Atlantis

This hotel complex on the seafront offers a spa, luxury rooms, convention and meeting rooms, and a spectacular beach. The luxury five-star hotel is located in one of the best spots on the island of Fuerteventura, part of the Canary Islands.

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Hotels

he volcanic island of Fuerteventura, measuring 1,658 km2, is the easternmost island in the Canary Islands archipelago. Due to its proximity to the coast of Africa (only 97 km away) Fuerteventura has a mild climate all year round, with 300 days of sunshine and an average temperature of twenty degrees centigrade. Fuerteventura’s 80 kms of beaches make the island a paradise for sun worshippers.

A luxury five-star hotel In the north of the island is the municipality of La Oliva, where the mountain of Tindaya rises up from the land. This mountain is considered to be magic, and on which the Basque artist Eduardo Chillida wanted to create an allegorical masterpiece. This is also where the luxury five-star hotel, the Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real is located, in one of the most beautiful settings on the island. It is right beside the Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo (Corralejo Dunes Natural Park), with its 1,250 hectares of fine, white sand forming dunes of up to 50 metres in height. In Spain, there are few luxury five-star hotels and the Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real is one of them. It is obvious from its fantastic location and meticulous service why this place is unique. The hotel has 170 rooms, with 72 suites of five different types of decoration and an exclusive Royal Suite of 150m2. All the double rooms are spacious and include the facilities you would expect of a five-star hotel. Apart from these facilities, the hotel has one other highly sought-after feature – all rooms have spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

A spa fit for a king The Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real also boasts the Bahia Vital spa, 3,500 square metres of health and relaxation, which includes a spectacular pool with hydromassage, various saunas, steam baths, and a large outdoor jacuzzi. The entire spa has natural light, out-

side views, and the neighbouring island of Lobos can be seen. Hotel guests can avail of the spa and sign up for one of the many massages offered by the centre, this being one of their specialities. You can have a relaxing massage at any time you wish, at the Bahia Vital, whether it is a facial, back, foot or physiotherapy massages. The hotel also includes a careful selection of restaurants with three areas catering to different palates. In the Cúpula restaurant, run by the renowned restaurateur Carles Gaig, you can have lunch or dinner. There is a varied selection of international cuisine and each dish is prepared to perfection - as much care is taken with the presentation as with the products used. Yamatori is another of the hotel's notable restaurants. This cosy Japanese restaurant is divided into two rooms, the Sushi Bar and the Teppan-Yaki, in order to savour the best of Japanese cuisine. Diners can also see some of the dishes being prepared in front of them. The third restaurant is the wellknown Il Giardinetto, which offers high-end Italian cuisine, with a careful selection of the best Italian products and fresh pasta prepared daily.

Venues for meetings and events The Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real is equipped for any meeting or event you wish to hold. You can avail of the fantastic location of this luxury establishment and the variety of rooms and spaces it has to offer. The hotel enclosure accommodates events for up to 600 attendees, occupying the 550m2 it has for meetings and conventions. Modular spaces of just 65m2 can also be created if required. A key feature of all meeting rooms is that they have natural light and are equipped with the latest technology for presentations, meetings or conventions. Also, the hotel’s various restaurants allow for lunches or dinners to be organised for attendees, or a catering service to be provided for those attending meetings.

Any meeting or conference has to be able to offer a wide range of incentives. The hotel can arrange anything from catamaran excursions and deep-sea fishing to mountain biking and horse riding. The hotel also offers guests the possibility of participating in activities outside the hotel grounds, which can provide an entertainment factor for any meeting or gathering. Other incentives arranged by the Gran Hotel Atlantis Fuerteventura include visits to places of outstanding natural beauty such as 'Las Peñitas' which is the oldest geological formation of the Canary Islands, or to witness the magnificent sunsets on the west coast of the island.

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More information: Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahía Real Avenida Grandes Playas s/n 35660 Corralejo, Fuerteventura Tel. 34 928 53 64 44 Web: http://www.atlantishotels.com

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Selección de establecimientos que suponen garantía de éxito para cualquier reunión

HOSPEDERIA PARQUE DE MONFRAGUE Located right in the middle of nature and with a great wealth of birdlife, this beautiful hotel combines modern interiors with a traditional exterior. Its facilities are ideal for accommodating groups wanting to hold quiet meetings or participate in outdoor incentive activities.

By Editorial Photos from Hospederia Parque de Monfrague

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he Hospederia Parque de Monfrague is located in the centre of the triangle formed by the historic cities of Caceres, Plasencia and Trujillo. It is situated in the middle of the Extremaduran grassland, at the gateway to Monfrague National Park. The building was built in 1999 and improvement works were carried out in 2006. The materials used were very noble: wood, slate and concrete; the classic elements that give the building a traditional appearance and are very typical of the Spanish countryside. Its interior, however, exhibits stunning avant-garde decor. Hanging on the walls are paintings by Extremaduran artists such as Vostell or Canelo, as well as furniture and rugs by known designers such as Mariscal, Le Corbusier or Moragas. Pure design by leading names, in contrast to the hotel’s traditional outside appearance.

Peace and tranquility The Hospederia Parque de Monfrague has 60 rooms, distributed into 48 double rooms,

Inside the hotel are pleasant spaces that invite relaxation, such as lounges with a fireplace, but others are ideal for business, such as the well-equipped meeting room 4 single rooms, 4 deluxe doubles and 4 duplex suites. All are equipped with complete bathroom, minibar, air conditioning, safe and television. Most of them have a terrace, where you can take in the wonderful views of Monfrague National Park. In terms of services and facilities, the establishment also has the restaurant “El Paraíso de los Sentidos” (Paradise of the Senses), where you can enjoy excellent traditional Spanish cuisine. The hotel also has a cafe and a terrace overlooking the National Park. Inside, there are pleasant spaces that invite relaxation, such as the lounges with a fireplace or the lounge with a billiard table, while others

are ideal for business, such as the wellequipped meeting room. The external facilities also allow you to enjoy nature and teambuilding activities: the large garden, outdoor pool, etc. Activities can also be carried out in an even more attractive environment: the National Park itself.

More information Tel: +34 927 45 52 78/79 www.hospederiasdeextremadura.es e-mail: recepcion-monfrague@hospederiasdeextremadura.es

THE BIRD PARK Monfrague National Park, reference point of the Mediterranean forest and scrubland, is located in the province of Caceres, in the centre of the triangle formed by Navalmoral de la Mata, Plasencia and Trujillo. Declared a Natural Park in 1979 and a National Park in 2007, Monfrague occupies an area of 17,852 hectares and is one of the largest and most representative enclaves of Mediterranean forest and scrubland. The Tajo river and its tributary, the Tietar, provide the waterway and sculpt the large quartzite cliffs. The crags will delight bird watchers, as they and the forests are inhabited by spectacular Griffon Vulture colonies and nesting Peregrine Falcons, Bonelli’s Eagles, and Royal Owls. On the banks and waterways, we can find Kingfishers, Long-tailed Tits, Cormorants and Nightingales, as well as other aquatic animals such as the otter. Not surprisingly, the Monfrague National Park protects the reproduction of more than 200 species of vertebrates, being one of the reserves for the survival of the Black Stork, Black Vulture, Imperial Eagle and many other protected species.

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PAMPLONA CONVENTION BUREAU ENSURING A CITY FOR CONVENTIONS The capital of Navarra has, as one of its greatest ambassadors, the Pamplona Convention Bureau. The entity’s main purpose is to promote the city and Navarra as a destination for congresses, conventions and incentive travel events. It provides in-depth evaluations for any company wishing to organise an event in Pamplona. By V. Puig V. Photos from Pamplona Convention Bureau

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avarra is an autonomous community in the north of Spain, on the border with France. It is very wellcommunicated with the rest of the country owing to the various dual carriageways and rail links, only three hours by train from the capital, Madrid. It is also easily reached by air, thanks to the Pamplona-Noáin airport which has daily flights to Madrid and Barcelona, and via the airports in Bilbao and Biarritz, connecting it to international destinations.

A city open to conventions Pamplona is geared up to host conventions, with a hotel capacity of more than two thousand beds, which enables it to become the headquarters of large-scale national and international conventions. The largest convention space in the city is the Palacio de Congresos and Auditorio de Navarra (Convention Centre and Navarra Auditorium), known as El Baluarte (Bastion), which opened in 2003. It has an area of 60,000 m2 and is located in the city centre. Baluarte has a spectacular auditorium which holds up to 1,600 participants, and an annexed room, the Chamber Room, which can accommodate over 450 people. In addition, one of the floors in the Convention Centre has a number of smaller rooms that are perfect for business meetings. Another important venue in Pamplona available for conventions and meetings is the Barañáin Auditorium, which has a hall that can accommo-

date up to 700 people and four other rooms of 100 m2 each with a capacity for eighty people.

Hotels to suit all budgets The capital of Navarra has hotels for all budgets, from a five-star hotel to several four-star and three-star hotels. The best hotel in the city is the historic Hotel La Perla, built in 1881, whose former guests have included Ernest Hemingway and the violinist Pablo Sarasate. Its walls recall important times throughout Pamplona’s history. The 44-room hotel has three meeting rooms with capacities of up to a hundred people. Moreover, it is very well located, just five minutes from the Convention Centre, making it popular with those organising meetings at the Centre. Pamplona also has several four and three-star hotel chains such as AC, NH, Tryp, Abba or Husa. And for nature-lovers, the Nobles del Reyno hotel chain has opened various quality rural hotels in cities near the capital, such as Barasoain, Olite or Viana.

Specialists in the MICE world One of the characteristics of the Pamplona Convention Bureau (PCB) is that under the one umbrella, a company can obtain all the advice and information necessary for organising a convention, a meeting or an incentive event. The

The Baluarte has a spectacular auditorium with capacity for 1,600 delegates and an annexed room that can accommodate another 450

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Incoming

SPEAKING TO…

Elena Sanz Director of the Pamplona Convention Bureau

Which of your wide range of services is most requested by companies? Companies mostly ask for general advice about the destination. In the beginning, when they are weighing up various options, it helps to point out the different characteristics of each destination, such as the wealth of landscape and heritage in our case. Cuisine and Navarran wines are other important aspects of our tourist and convention offer. The next most-requested service is information on rooms, hotels and restaurants. This is followed by information about service companies at the destination. What do companies value most about Navarra and Pamplona when organising an event or convention? Pamplona and Navarra have a very competitive and varied offer that is adapted to the needs of each convention or event. We have the modern and functional Palacio de Congresos, equipped with the latest technologies, and there are also a large number of rooms in hotels, convention centres and universities. The hotel situation in Navarra is constantly changing and, in recent years, Nobles del Reyno has opened up new hotels in different locations in the regions. These have a lot of character and offer a meticulous service. But, probably what most companies highlight are aspects relating to the professionalism of the companies and the Navarran cuisine, which can be sampled in our restaurants, the finishing touch for any event. Heritage, nature and landscape are also valued. How important has the Palacio de Congresos and Navarra Auditorium been in promoting meetings tourism? The Palacio de Congresos and Navarra Auditorium-Baluarte has enabled us to go a step further in defining our destination as a headquarters for conventions. For the first time, we have an exclusive space for hosting events, one that is modern and equipped with the latest technology, which allows us to increase our hosting capacity for large conventions and events. What has been done to publicise the image and the activities of the Pamplona Convention Bureau abroad?

Our promotional activity remains intense throughout the year. We attend the most important MICE industry trade fairs, such as FITUR Congresos, IMEX, BTC, and EIBTM. Pamplona Convention Bureau also participates in direct presentations organised by the Navarra Government’s Department of Culture and Tourism. We also attended presentations organised by the Spanish Convention Bureau. Is there any country or region that you receive more positive feedback from, with regards to companies wanting to organise activities in Navarra? At a national level, most of the requests for information come from Barcelona and Madrid, as that is where most of the events companies are based. Internationally, it is Italy and Germany. And have you detected any particular segment within the meetings tourism sector that has a greater interest in hosting MICE activities in Navarra and Pamplona? There are three universities in Pamplona and Navarre, as well as prestigious hospitals and clinics, so the events sector in the area of health is the most developed in our Community. But there are others close behind, such as the economic-commercial sector and the university sector. How you would sum up 2008 and what are your forecasts for 2009? 2008 has been a good year for conventions in Navarra and forecasts for 2009 are very positive, as Navarra will host major events such as the National Congress of Nephrology and the National Congress of Nephrology Nursing, which will attract over 2,000 delegates between them. Does the Pamplona Convention Bureau have any new developments planned for 2009? Yes, we are planning to publish a new brochure for 2009. We are also updating our website, which aims to be a showcase of everything that Pamplona and Navarra have to offer to the organisers of Congresses, Conventions and Incentives.

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Pamplona Convention Bureau offers a wide range of options to help companies to decide what suits them best. For example, the PCB offers direct contact with various companies specialised in organising conventions and events, such as Congresos de Navarra, a PCO (Professional Convention Organiser) that can manage any type of meeting or event. With more than ten years to its credit, Congresos de Navarra can handle the organisation of any event, whether it is a congress, a seminar, or any kind of convention or incentive event. Another company involved in meetings and incentive tourism, and that forms part of the PCB, is Incoming Navarra, which specialises in offering a wide range of incentive options such as adventure, food and wine programmes, or bicycle excursions, to participate in during a convention or meeting.

A region that knows how to please the palate The city of Pamplona, and Navarra in general, undeniably have one of the best culinary traditions in the country, with a huge range of food products. Companies holding

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a convention or event in Pamplona are advised by the Pamplona Convention Bureau to take advantage of the gastronomic wealth of the region and visit one of the many quality restaurants available to them. Products are as diverse as the excellent Tudela cogollos (lettuce hearts), the famous Navarran asparagus, fresh fish from the Cantabrian Sea, tasty and traditional desserts such as cuajada (a type of curd), and the region’s many cheeses. All these culinary possibilities mean an excellent choice of restaurants, many of them ideal for a business lunch or dinner. The Europa restaurant is possibly one of the best in this area, as the Idoate brothers serve quality cuisine with the full flavour of the regional products, which has earned them a Michelin star. In addition, the restaurant has several rooms with capacity for up to two hundred guests. Another noteworthy restaurant in Pamplona is the Don Pablo which, under the leadership of Teresa Gil, has become a place of pilgrimage for lovers of precise, highly-creative cuisine. Its excellent location next to the Palacio de Congresos makes it an ideal choice for anybody attending the Baluarte.

Many famous people, such as Ernest Hemingway or the violinist Pablo Sarasate, have been guests of the historic Hotel La Perla, built in 1881 Looking further afield Another of the Pamplona Convention Bureau’s functions is to promote all the companies that make up its structure. To do this, it organises promotional events abroad or at trade fairs such as IMEX, in Frankfurt. Through this promotional work, Navarra and Pamplona are becoming increasingly important as destinations for international events, due to their excellent geographical location and wide range of infrastructures for events, conventions and meetings.

USEFUL ADDRESSES PAMPLONA CONVENTION BUREAU c/ Eslava 1 bj. 31001 Pamplona, Navarra Tel. 948 228 919 Web: www.pamplonaconvention.com Mail: pb@pamplonaconvention.com

HOTEL LA PERLA Plaza del Castillo 1 31001 Pamplona Tel. 948 22 30 00 Web: www.granhotellaperla.com Mail: granhotel@granhotellaperla.com

CONGRESOS NAVARRA PALACIO DE CONGRESOS Y AUDITORIO DE NAVARRA, BALUARTE. Plaza del Baluarte 31002 Pamplona Tel. 948 06 60 66 Web: www.baluarte.com Mail: baluarte@baluarte.com

Larabide 15 bajo 31005 Pamplona Tel. 948 27 40 11 Web: www.congresosnavara.com Mail: congresos@congresosnavarra.com Restaurante Europa Espoz y Mina 11 31003 Pamplona

Tel. 948 22 18 00 Web: www.hreuropa.com Mail: europa@hreuropa.com

RESTAURANTE DON PABLO Navas de Tolosa 19 31002 Pamplona Tel. 948 22 52 99 Web: restaurantedonpablo.com Mail: info@restaurantedonpablo.com

NOBLES DEL REYNO Pedro 1, 1º 1ª 31007 Pamplona Mail: info@noblesdelreyno.com

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Events in Spain

SPAIN 2009,

A REAL MOTOR SHOW By V. P. VILARRUBIS Photos from V. P. and JAG

Spain is one of the countries in the world with the most motorsport activities. Every year there are two Formula 1 Grand Prix races, three MotoGP World Championship races and a World Rally Championship race. So, if you like motorsport, then organise your events in Spain: you won’t be short of venues!

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Events in Spain

ames like Fernando Alonso, Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo, or Dani Sordo, have positioned Spain as an international reference point in the world of motorsport, and have served as incentive to fuel the passion for this sport in Spain. The Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix is part of Spain’s motorsport tradition and has fifty years of history behind it. It is held in various circuits around the country and is always a big hit with audiences. In the face of this popularity, many companies have been organising their events in Spain around motorsport fixtures, whether it be Formula 1 racing, MotoGP or even the World Rally Championship.

The pure excitement of Formula 1 There are several companies in Spain that organise events at Formula 1 circuits. One such company is Grand Prix Tours, which has been around for 15 years, and organises events for companies at all championship circuits, especially in Montmeló (Spanish Grand Prix) and Valencia (European Grand Prix). One of the particularities of this company is that it tailor-makes events according to the customer’s preferences. Any event organised around Formula 1 Grand Prix usually includes a stay at the circuit to see the practice sessions, the qualification races on Saturday and the race itself on Sunday, plus

a tour around the pit lane to see the teams’ pit boxes. And of course, you will be able to use the meeting and conference rooms at the circuits. At the Spanish Grand Prix, in Montmeló for example, you have the option of following the race from the Golden Paddock Lounge, from where you have a perfect view of the circuit and can avail of a catering service. Grand Prix Tours also organises activities outside the circuit, such as go-karting, where you can get

some hands-on experience and battle it out on the track with colleagues. They also arrange other off-track activities such as discovering the wines of Penedès or visiting some of Barcelona’s many museums.

Excitement on two wheels The motorcycle world also arouses great interest among many companies who want to organise an event or meeting during any of

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SIX MONTHS OF THE YEAR DEDICATED TO MOTORSPORT In Spain, the motorsport year kicks off in May with the MotoGP World Championship in Jerez (May 03), followed by the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Montmeló (May 10). A month later, Montmeló is again the motorsport capital for the Catalonia MotoGP (June 14). The European Grand Prix takes place in August, on Valencia’s street circuit (Aug 23), and in October, the Spain-Catalonia Rally is the big attraction (October 02-04). The calendar is rounded off by the Valencia MotoGP in Cheste (08 November).

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Each year, two Formula 1 Grand Prix races, three MotoGP races and a World Rally Championship event take place in Spain

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the world championship races. During any of the three MotoGP World Championship events held in Spain: the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez, Catalonia Grand Prix in Montmeló and Valencia Grand Prix in Cheste, there are always companies interested in organising an event. And among the companies that organise events around the MotoGP World Championship is Marsans Sports, which is present at all three of the abovementioned circuits. They can organise tailor-made events according to customer preferences. Events can be organised at any of the three Spanish circuits during a race weekend, which would include seeing the live practice sessions and the race on Sunday. When there is no action on the track meetings can be held. Other companies such as Grand Prix Tours or Mundotour, also have a presence in the motorcycle world and cover, along with Marsans Sports, the two competitions, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the MotoGP World Championship.

Rallies starting to gain ground Although there are currently no companies organising events during the World Rally Championship, this would clearly be a clever move. In early October, the Spain-Catalonia Rally takes place and, as this race has different stages, it would enable companies to propose a trip, to follow the various stages while meetings are held in each of the stopoff cities. One such option is already being offered by companies outside Spain, such as Rally Travel, who organises trips to follow the Great Britain, Ireland, Norway and Finland rallies.

An event based around a Formula 1 Grand Prix includes a stay at the circuit to see the qualification races and the race on Sunday, as well as the opportunity to use the circuit’s meeting and conference rooms location, you can see the Grand Prix from a boat with a direct view of the circuit. The company, Top Sailing Charter, rents luxury boats and cruisers from which you can view the race. Prices range from €2,000 for motor boats and up to €3,000 for the VIP offer - a luxury cruiser with all the facilities you would expect - swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, plasma screens and exclusive catering.

Follow the Formula 1 racing from a boat The European Grand Prix in Valencia is one of the few races on the calendar that takes place right in front of the sea. And because of its

USEFUL ADDRESSES GRAND PRIX TOURS SPAIN Tel. 902 347 377. Web: www.gptours.es Mail: marcel@gptours.es

VIAJES MARSANS Tel. 902 30 60 90. Web: www.marsans.es Mail: clientes@marsans.es

RALLY TRAVEL MUNDOTOUR

Web: www.rallytravel.com

Tel. 985 72 57 78. Web: www.mundotour.es Mail: mrodriguez@mundotour.es

TOP SAILING CHARTER Guifré el Pilós 11 17257 Torroella de Montgrí Girona. Tel. 972 75 92 90 Web: www.topsailingcharter.com Mail: info@topsailingcharter.com

FORMULA 1 CALENDAR 2009 29 March – GP Australia (Albert Park) 05 April – GP Malaysia (Sepang) 19 April – GP China (Shanghai) 26 April – GP Bahrain (Sakhir) 10 May – GP Spain (Montmeló) 24 May – GP Monaco (Monte Carlo) 07 June – GP Turkey (Istambul Park) 21 June – GP Great Britain (Silverstone) 12 July – GP Germany (Nürburgring) 26 July – GP Hungary (Hungaroring) 23 August – GP Europe (Valencia) 30 August – GP Belgium (SpaFrancorchamps) 13 September – GP Italy (Monza) 27 September – GP Singapore (Marina Bay) 04 October – GP Japan (Suzuka) 18 October – GP Brazil (Interlagos) 01 November – GP Abu Dhabi (Yas Island)

MOTORCYCLE CALENDAR 2009 12 April – Qatar Grand Prix (Losail) 26 April – Japanese Grand Prix (Motegi) 03 May – Spanish Grand Prix (Jérez) 17 May – French Grand Prix (Le Mans) 31 May – Italian Grand Prix (Mugello) 14 June – Catalonia Grand Prix (Montmeló) 27 June – Dutch Grand Prix (Assen) 05 July – United States Grand Prix (Laguna Seca) 19 July – German Grand Prix (Sachsering) 26 July – Great Britain Grand Prix (Donington Park) 16 August – Czech Republic Grand Prix (Brno) 30 August – Indianapolis Grand Prix (Indianapolis) 06 September – San Marino and Riviera del Rimini Grand Prix (Misano) 20 September – Hungarian Grand Prix (Balaton) 04 October – Portuguese Grand Prix (Estoril) 18 October – Australian Grand Prix (Phillip Island) 25 October – Malaysian Grand Prix (Sepang) 08 November –Valencia Grand Prix (Cheste)

RALLY CALENDAR 2009 29 Jan - 01 Feb. – Ireland Rally 13-15 February – Norway Rally 13-15 March – Cyprus Rally 03-05 April – Portugal Rally 24-26 April – Argentina Rally 22-24 May – Italy-Sardinia Rally 12-14 June – Greece Rally 26-28 June – Poland Rally 31 July - 02 August – Finland Rally 04-06 September – Australia Rally 02-04 October – Spain-Catalonia Rally 23-25 October – Great Britain Rally

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Co. Events

he Formula 1 driver, Fernando Alonso, was a hero in China with the launch of the Spanish brand Silestone, a world leader in antibacterial kitchen surfaces. The event was held at a fashionable Shanghai venue and brought together the brand’s customers and partners across Asia and representatives of Spanish public institutions in China. During the launch, Fernando Alonso assisted in the preparation of some typical Chinese dishes and had a go at writing Chinese. The Silestone brand, owned by the multinational Consentino, can be seen in some of the world’s most unique buildings such as the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai, the Wembley stadium in London and the Agbar Tower in Barcelona.

SILESTONE LAUNCHED IN CHINA BY FERNANDO ALONSO

ANNIE LEIBOVITZ PHOTOS FOR LAVAZZA’S CALENDAR 2009

BARCELONA DEGUSTA PROMOTES REGIONAL GASTRONOMIC WEALTH

arcelona Degusta, the Food Fair for the Consumer, is getting set to hold its third edition from 6-9 March at the Fira de Barcelona. In this edition, the emphasis is on regional representations with the space, Paisajes (Landscapes), bringing together the gastronomic delights of Spain’s different regions. In this new space, rural tourism, ecotourism routes and tradition will unite to show the culinary wealth of the represented regions. The fair will have its betterknown Market area, where producers can advertise their food products and offer tastings, as well as sell directly to consumers.

he celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz has been chosen to reflect the essence of the coffee brand, Lavazza, with seven photographs. With this series of photographs, Leibovitz wanted to show Italian style and how Lavazza is a reference point in Italy and throughout the world. For her photographs, Leibovitz chose environments connected to leading names in the world of art, film, and fashion, using scenarios that evoke these places. For example, in the photo “Il Cinema”, the photographer was inspired by the movie “La Dolce Vita” by Federico Fellini with actress Anita Ekberg in the Trevi Fountain or, in the “La Moda” image, Leibovitz created an imaginative fashion workshop with spectacular Dolce & Gabbana evening wear and the sophisticated detail of a Lavazza espresso. Five top Italian models collaborated in the Lavazza and Leibovitz photo sessions.

FORMULA 1 RETURNS TO MADRID WITH MARTINI LEGENDS

ore than 20,000 people filled the Jarama circuit in Madrid to celebrate the latest Historic Formula 1 Grand Prix race, which included cars that participated in Formula 1 between 1968 and 1985. The race was held on Sunday 26 October and starred the Ferrari test driver, Marc Gene, who broke the Jarama circuit record at the wheel of the Ferrari that was proclaimed Formula 1 world champion last season. The race was also a big social event, with the attendance of a large number of celebrities such as the model Esther Canadas or businessman Rafael Medina. During the weekend of 24-26 October, more than 120,000 people participated in various Martini Legends events. Prior to the race on the 26th, some of the participating cars, including the Martini Brabham BT44, the Martini Lotus 80, the Martini Lancia 037 and two Martini Racing Porsches, were on public view in Retiro Park. Ferrari also joined in with a collection of vehicles from the Maranello museum, in addition to a presentation of the Ferrari California, the latest model from the Italian stable.

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tus eventos en Internet

CRUISE SHIP NAVIGATOR OF THE SEAS DONATES TO SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGES

he entire crew of the Navigator of the Seas took part in a charity collection promoted by the shipping company Royal Caribbean International’s GIVE programme (Get Involved Volunteer Everywhere). Because of its close relationship with Barcelona, given that the cruise ship is based in the city’s port, the donation went to the Spanish organisation SOS Children’s Villages Spain, which is involved in a number of global initiatives. The 13,000dollar check was handed over on the bridge of the Navigator of the Seas by the ship’s captain, Leiff Otto Bang, to the chairman of SOS Children’s Villages Spain, Javier Martin.

he 4th National Pincho Competition (pinchos are small snacks) was held in Valladolid in late October. It kicked off with an opening ceremony presided over by the town’s mayor, Francisco Javier Leon de la Riva. Valladolid was the pincho capital on the 21 and 22 October, where there was an opportunity to sample pinchos, see how they were prepared and to take part in various discussion panels about new trends in this area. One of the panels was called “100 years of Spanish cuisine” and covered the ingenuity and creativity of 20th century cooks and restaurants, many anonymous or no longer here, and their contribution to the national cuisine.

VALLADOLID HOSTS 4th NATIONAL PINCHO COMPETITION

EVENTOCLICK, PRESENT AT EIBTM

he events specialist portal, Eventoclick, was present at the EIBTM trade show, with an eye-catching stand that was busy with MIS professionals wanting to find out about the latest developments in the industry. The stand had a permanent Internet connection, which allowed people to check out the portal’s services. Eventoclick has one of the widest selections of top quality services offered by companies in the online events sector. In addition, company personnel were on hand at all times to respond to enquiries about the options that Eventoclick offers in an easy and organised way.

TALISMAN ORGANISES THE NATIONAL THERMOMIX CONVENTION

he events company, Talisman, organised the National Convention of Thermomix Users which coincided with the 30th anniversary of the brand in Spain and the 125th anniversary of the Vowerk motor company. The event consisted of a Mediterranean cruise over the weekend of 9 October, during which various activities were organised for the guests and there were awards for the brand’s best sellers. The trip was rounded off with a party at the Ibizan club El Divino and each participant received a summary journal which included a written and pictorial account of everything that happened at the convention. This is Talisman’s usual way of wrapping up their conventions.

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Useful guide

USEFUL GUIDE CONVENTION BUREAU Barcelona Barcelona Convention Bureau 34 93 368 97 00 bcb@barcelonaturisme.com

Bilbao

Murcia

Valencia

Oficina de Congresos de Murcia

Turismo Valencia Convention Bureau

34 968 34 18 18 congresos.murcia@congremur.com

34 96 360 63 53 turisvalencia@turiosvalencia.es

Palma de Mallorca

Zaragoza

Mallorca Convention Bureau

Zaragoza Convention Bureau

34 971 73 92 02 info@mallorcacb.com

34 976 72 13 33 zcb@zaragoza.es

Bilbao Convention Bureau 34 94 479 57 70 bicb@bilbaoturismo.bilbao.net

S.C. Tenerife Tenerife Convention Bureau

Gerona

34 922 23 78 89 info@tenerifecb.com

Gerona Convention Bureau 34 972 41 85 00 gicobu@cambrescat.es

La Coruña Consorcio de Turismo y Congresos de La Coruña 34 981 18 43 44 info@turismocoruña.com

Las Palmas Gran Canaria Convention Bureau 34 928 26 15 70 convention@laspalmasgccb.com

Madrid Spain Convention Bureau 34 91 364 37 00 femp@femp.es

Madrid Convention Bureau 34 91 588 29 00 congresos@munimadrid.es

Málaga Málaga Convention Bureau 34 95 206 18 30 convention.bureau@ayto-malaga.es

CONVENTION CENTRES Barcelona

Santander Santander Convention Bureau 34 942 20 30 02 congresos@ayto-santander.es

Centre de Convencions Internacional de Barcelona 34 93 230 10 00 ccib@ccib.es

Palau de Congressos de Catalunya

San Sebastián

34 93 364 44 00 marta.rodriguez@pcongresos.com

San Sebastián Convention Bureau

Centro de Convenciones Gran Vía

34 943 48 14 66 bureau@donostia.org

34 93 233 20 00 info@firabcn.es

Santiago de Compostela

Palacio de Congresos de Barcelona 34 93 233 20 00 info@firabcn.es

Santiago de Compostela Convention Bureau

World Trade Center Barcelona

34 981 55 51 29 turismo@santiagoturismo.com

34 93 508 80 00 congresos@wtcbarcelona.es

Sevilla

Bilbao

Turismo de Sevilla

Palacio de Congresos y de la Música de Bilbao ‘Euskalduna’

34 95 459 29 15 turismo@sevilla.org

Toledo Toledo Convention Bureau 34 925 21 31 12 congresos@toledo-congresos.org

34 94 403 50 00 info@palacioeuskalduna.net

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Burgos

Logroño

Salamanca

Palacio de Congresos Y. Atapuerca

Riojaforum Palacio de Congresos y Auditorio de La Rioja

Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones

34 947 00 11 22 info@palaciocongresosatapuerca.com

Cádiz Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones 34 956 29 10 17 cadiz2000@palaciocongresos-cadiz-com

Córdoba

34 941 276 200 riojaforum@riojaforum.com

Madrid Centro de Congresos Príncipe Felipe Hotel Auditoriu Madrid 34 91 400 44 00 info@hotelauditorium.com

Palacio de Congresos

Centro de Convenciones Feria de Madrid

34 957 48 31 12 palacio@cordobacongress.com

34 91 722 50 74 convenciones@ifema.es

Granada Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos 34 958 24 67 00 palacio@pcgr.org

Jerez Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones 34 956 18 07 32 ifeca@dipucadiz.es

La Coruña Palacio de CongresosAuditorio 34 981 14 04 04 director@palacongres.com

La Línea de la Concepción Palacio La Línea 34 956 769 950 info@palaciolalinea.com

Las Palmas de Gran Canarias Palacio de Congresos de Canarias 34 928 49 17 70 info@pcongresos-canarias.com

Centro de Convenciones Mapfre Vida 34 91 581 16 27 cc@mapfre.com

Palacio de Congresos de Madrid

34 923 26 51 51 congresos@palaciocongresossalamanca.com

San Sebastián Palacio de Congresos Auditorio Kursaal 34 943 00 30 00 kursaal@kursaal.org

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Centro Internacional de Ferias y Congresos de Tenerife 34 922 22 29 52 iftsa.iftsa@cabtfe.es

Santander

34 91 337 81 00 castellana.palacio@tourspain.es

Palacio de Exposiciones

Málaga

Sevilla

Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga

Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Sevilla

34 952 04 55 00 pfyc@promalaga.es

34 95 447 87 00 general@fibes.es

Mérida

Sitges

Palacio de Congresos de Mérida

Centro de Congresos Melia Sitges

34 924 007 308 palacios@palaciosdecongresosdeextremad ura.com

34 93 811 08 11 melia.sitges@solmelia.com

Murcia

Tarragona

Auditorio y Centro de Congresos Víctor Villegas

Palacio Ferial y de Congresos de Tarragona

34 968 34 10 60 congresos@ auditoriomurcia.org

34 977 24 55 77 info@palaucongrestgna

Palma de Mallorca

Torremolinos

Congress Palace Palma

Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones

34 971 73 70 70 info@congress-palace-palma.com

34 942 29 00 40

34 95 237 92 03 direccion@palacio-congresos.com

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Useful guide

Valencia

Bilbao

Salamanca

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

Hotel Lopez de Haro

Salamanca Forum Resort

34 94 423 55 00 lh@hotellopezharo.com

34 923 33 70 20 convenciones.hoteldb@grupomrs.com

34 96 197 45 00 rree@cac.es

Palacio de Congresos 34 96 317 94 00 palcongres-vlc@palcongres-vlc.com

Centro de Eventos de Feria Valencia 34 902 74 73 32 eventos@feriavalencia.com

Valladolid Centro de Congresos Valladolid 34 983 42 93 00 feriavalladolid@feriavalladolid.com

Burgos Hotel Landa Palace 34 947 25 77 77 landapal@teleline.es

Logroño AC Gran Hotel La Rioja 34 941 27 23 50 aclogroño@ac-hotels.com

Madrid Hotel Hesperia Madrid

Zaragoza Auditorio Palacio de Congresos de Zaragoza 34 976 72 13 00 informacion@auditoriozaragoza.com

HOTELS Barcelona Hotel Arts 34 93 221 10 00 info@harts.es

Hotel Barcelona Hilton 34 93 495 77 77 barcelona@hilton.com

G.H. La Florida 34 93 259 30 00 info@hotellaflorida.com

Hotel Grand Marina 34 93 603 90 00 info@grandmarinahotel.com

Hotel Majestic

34 91 210 88 00 hotel@hesperia-madrid.com

Hotel HUSA Princesa 34 91 542 21 00 husaprincesa@husa.es

Hotel Maria Cristina 34 943 43 76 00 hmc@westin.com

Santander Hotel Real 34 942 27 25 50 realsantander@husa.es

Santiago de Compostela

34 91 567 50 00 melia.castilla@solmelia.es

34 981 55 24 44 pcarmen@achotels.com

Hotel Miguel Angel 34 91 442 00 22 hma@occidental-hoteles.es

Sevilla

Hotel Ritz

Hotel Melia Colon

34 91 701 67 67 comercial@ritz.es

34 95 450 55 99 melia.colon@solmelia.com

Marbella

Toledo

Hotel Don Carlos

Hotel Hilton Buenavista Toledo

34 95 283 11 40 resa@hotel-doncarlos.com

Palma de Mallorca

Hotel Princesa Sofia

34 971 78 71 00 golfhotelsonvida@arabellasheraton.es

34 93 364 40 40 reservas@hrjuancarlos.com

San Sebastián

Hotel AC Palacio del Carmen

Arabella Sheraton Golf Hotel Son Vida

Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I

34 923 28 26 26 angela@hotelalamedapalace.com

Hotel Melia Castilla

34 93 488 17 17 recepcion@hotelmajestic.es 34 93 508 10 00 psofia@expogrupo.com

Hotel Alameda Palace Salamanca

34 925 28 98 20 info.buenavistatoledo@hilton.com

Valencia Hotel Melia Valencia Palace 34 96 337 50 37 melia.valencia.palace@solmelia.es

Zaragoza Hotel Palafox 34 976 23 77 00 hotelpalafox@palafoxhoteles.com

Proyecto2:Maquetaci贸n 1

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13:11

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Proyecto3:Maquetaci贸n 1

13/3/08

13:29

P谩gina 1