Barcelona: A Leading Destination for Congress Tourism

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, has solidified its position as one of the top cities worldwide for hosting congresses, trade shows, and corporate events.

In recent decades, the city has strengthened its global leadership in the MICE industry (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). Every year, Barcelona consistently ranks at the top of international congress rankings, especially in terms of the number of participants.

Barcelona has spent over 20 consecutive years in the top 5 of the global ICCA rankings in terms of the number of events and number of participants, following only cities like Vienna, Lisbon, and Paris.

Why Marketers Choose Barcelona for Events

For marketing professionals, organizing events in Barcelona offers strategic advantages, while the city itself adds significant value for both organizers and attendees. At the end of 2023, Barcelona had hosted more than 450 congresses, and in 2024, the city is expected to match or surpass that number, according to the Barcelona Convention Bureau (BCB) of Tourism Barcelona.

See more information about congresses in Barcelona

Congresses of All Sizes and International Presence

According to recent data, in 2022, 75% of meetings held in the city hosted fewer than 250 delegates, while 18% had up to 1,000 attendees. Only 5% attracted more than 1,000 participants, with 80% of these events being international.

Corporate meetings, which constitute 80% of Barcelona’s MICE sector business, also play a major role. This includes corporate trips, incentive travel, seminars, workshops, product launches, and more. In 2023 alone, Barcelona hosted 1,639 of these events, with over 500,000 delegates in attendance. Most of these gatherings, however, aim for confidentiality rather than public visibility.

Corporate Events and Medical Congresses

Three out of every four events held in Barcelona are corporate conventions. For instance, in April, McDonald’s hosted a global corporate meeting with 15,000 attendees—the first time this event took place outside the United States.

Medical congresses have also gained prominence in recent years. During September 2024 alone, Barcelona will host 28 congresses and corporate medical events. Notably, three major medical events will bring 54,000 attendees to the city.

From September 6-10, the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) Congress will gather 15,000 specialists at Fira Gran Via. The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress, taking place from September 13-19, will host 33,000 professionals and cancer researchers. Additionally, from September 19-22, the Euretina Congress will attract another 6,000 delegates.

These three large medical congresses are joined by 25 smaller ones, most hosting between 100 and 500 attendees. Among them is the annual meeting of the Scoliosis Research Society, with 1,700 attendees expected, and DrupalCon Barcelona, with 1,500 attendees.

October will be packed with 21 congresses, while November will see an additional 22 events on the city’s busy calendar.

Seven Reasons Why Barcelona is the Perfect City for Successful Events

Barcelona offers numerous advantages to congress organizers and attendees, including:

1. Excellent infrastructure:

The city boasts large convention centers, auditoriums, and unique outdoor venues that can accommodate events of all sizes, from small meetings to large congresses.

2. Efficient public transportation:

Barcelona’s well-connected public transit system and proximity to El Prat Airport make it easy for congress participants to move around. Even on busy days, the compact city layout ensures that delegates can reach their destination within an hour.

3. A variety of high-quality hotels:

Barcelona offers a wide range of accommodations suitable for any event, ensuring that attendees’ needs are met.

4. Mediterranean climate and coastal charm:

The city’s pleasant weather and proximity to the sea make it a highly attractive destination for delegates.

5. Cultural richness and heritage:

Barcelona’s rich history and cultural sites, including masterpieces by Gaudí, Miró, and Picasso, provide an unparalleled experience for visitors.

6. World-class Mediterranean cuisine:

Barcelona’s gastronomy, internationally recognized thanks to chefs like the Roca brothers and Ferran Adrià, offers a top-tier culinary experience for congress-goers.

7. The Barcelona brand:

The city’s strong international reputation helps attract high-profile events, boosting its global standing and driving its economic growth in a highly competitive landscape.

Important Fairs for 2024-2025

Barcelona is home to globally renowned events like IBTM World, one of the most significant meetings industry fairs, which attracts over 12,000 professionals.

The city’s 2025 trade fair agenda spans technology, entrepreneurship, commerce, sports, food, medicine, fashion, and more.

As usual, the year kicks off with Barcelona becoming the capital of technology. Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), the leading audiovisual congress, will open on January 30, 2025.

Next, from February 26-29, the Mobile World Congress (MWC), the premier global tech event, will showcase the latest trends in telecommunications, connectivity, and AI. Simultaneously, 4 Years From Now (4YFN) will gather startups to present their products to investors, corporations, and institutions.

In May, IoT Solutions World Congress and BCN Cybersecurity Congress will focus on industrial transformation. For software enthusiasts, SPRING I/O in May and DevBcn in June will dive into programming languages.

Barcelona: The Capital of Sailing and Nautical Events

In 2024, the city will host the 37th America’s Cup, the world’s most prominent sailing competition, between August and October. This year’s event will introduce a women’s edition, the Puig Women’s America’s Cup, sponsored by the Catalan fashion and perfume company Puig.

Barcelona’s International Boat Show, held at Port Vell, is the premier global showcase for the nautical industry.

Industrial Innovation Takes Center Stage in Barcelona

Throughout the year, Barcelona will feature the latest trends in various industries. In March, Alimentaria will focus on food and beverage innovation. Meanwhile, B-Travel will highlight tourism trends, Construmat in May will cover construction, The District in September will focus on real estate, and Graphispag in October will showcase developments in graphic communication.

The Smart City Expo World Congress, held every November, brings together businesses, governments, and organizations to shape a better future for cities. Alongside it, the Tomorrow Mobility World Congress will provide insights and inspiration for sustainable, smart urban mobility.

In November, the city will also host IBTM World, one of the most important meetings industry events, drawing over 12,000 professionals from around the globe.

Barcelona offers the perfect combination of modern infrastructure, excellent connectivity, top-tier cultural and gastronomic experiences, and a pleasant climate year-round. These qualities make it an ideal destination for international congresses and trade fairs.

The city has demonstrated its ability to lead in the MICE industry, and with a packed schedule of major events in all sectors, Barcelona will continue to strengthen its position as a global reference in this field.

For marketing professionals, choosing Barcelona as the host city for events guarantees attendees a top-level experience and reinforces a brand image of success and innovation.

The best local partner for corporate events during congresses in Barcelona

If you are a congress organizer and you need a reliable partner to manage the leisure part of your events in Barcelona Local Experiences, since 2015, we are specialized in organizing exciting corporate events for your congress participants to enjoy the most of Barcelona and take a more pleasant memory of their participation in the event.

We have all the resources and local contacts necessary to make any event a success.

We provide transfers, restaurants and various excursions, and can offer many activities adapted and tailored to the needs and requirements of the client. We help you bring your ideas to life with local private consultation to help you through the whole process, whatever your requirements.

Our tours are perfect for team-building, as they help to unite your members in an unforgettable experience in Barcelona!

Why Choose Barcelona for Hosting a Congress?

Barcelona: A Leading Destination for Congress Tourism

Why Marketers Choose Barcelona for Events

Congresses of All Sizes and International Presence

Corporate Events and Medical Congresses