A string of major international association conferences,
each attracting thousands of delegates, helped one of Europe’s largest trade
fair organisations post record results for the year ending.
The European societies of Medical Oncology (ESMO), Cataracts
& Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), Clinical Microbiology and Infectious
Diseases (ESCMID), Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) and Intensive Medicine
(ESICM), among others, held their flagship events in Barcelona this year.
Along with other major events, it meant Fira de Barcelona - which
owns Gran Via and the Barcelona International Convention Centre - was able to
post a pre-tax profit of €20m on revenues of €300m and a record EBITDA (a
measure of earnings) of €53m – 24% up on last year.
Some 270 events were hosted or organised by Fira Barcelona this
year and the diary is already busy for 2025 with world congresses on Lung
Cancer (WCLC), Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), Cardiovascular Radiology (CIRSE),
Rheumatology (EULAR) and Nuclear Medicine (EANM).
The chairman of the Governing Board of Fira Barcelona, Pau
Relat, said: “These magnificent results (…) reflect its economic strength,
allow it to gain international presence and strengthen its leading position in
the competitive European trade fair market.”
Meanwhile building works on Hall Zero, the new hall of the
Gran Via venue, continue to make progress. Once completed, it will expand the
venue to reach 300,000sqm of exhibition space. The 60,000sqm hall is expected
to be operational in 2027.
Prospects for growth
From January onwards, Fira de Barcelona will take over the
management of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, allowing it to host major
motor competitions such as the Formula 1 and MotoGP Grand Prix, while using it
as a setting for fairs, congresses and cultural events.
At the same time a remodelling of the company’s Montjuïc venue is in the
pipeline. It is expected that during
2025 the architectural firms chosen to carry out the first phase of the works
will be selected. A significant part of this refurbishment is expected to be
completed in 2029, coinciding with the centenary of the 1929 International
Exposition.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
