Spain for events 2014

SUPPLEMENT SPECIAL SPAIN FOR EVENTS

Basquetour

Spain for events

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SPANISH CREATIVITY 04

MADRID 08

CATALONIA 28

VALENCIA 50

ZARAGOZA 54

ASTURIAS 57

BASQUE COUNTRY 60

COSTA DEL SOL 64

SEVILLE 70

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COVER FEATURE - Basquetour - Editor: eventoplus medios s.l., Diputació 256 5º 1ª, 08007 Barcelona España t +34 902 90 31 90 f +34 93 272 09 12 web www.eventosmag.com News and content: noticias@eventoplus.com Director: Eric Mottard Editor in Chief: Neus Duran Editorial Commitee: Elena Lea, Cristina Muñoz Soro Art Direction and Design: Maria Leone Illustration: Leo Paskarel Padula Events and Communication Manager: Lynn Wong Communication: Cristina Sentís Events Department: Beatriz Osorio, Laura G. Velasco Advertising: Alex Barbero, Christian Bergmann, Silvio Camafreita, Carmen Mallavibarrena, Agata Puigmal, Carmen Sánchez, Andrés Zavala International: Pilar Lafuente Corporate Development Manager: Laura Terzagui Post-sales: Esperanza Iglesias Subscription: suscripciones@eventosmag.com Administration: Noemí Ordóñez, Nabila Katira Advisory: José García Aguarod Legal registration: B-37.971-2005 ISSN 1885-4699 Printed in Spain.

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S P A N I S H C R E AT I V I T Y

From automobile to fashion, Spain is becoming the favourite destination for international brands. Is it thanks to the sunny weather, the “relaxing” Spanish lifestyle, or its overflowing creativity? Curious? ¡Que comience la fiesta!

Wine, urban art and cuisine at the ‘Streets of Colour’

Mercado de Motores: a vintage and original event The Campo Viejo wine brand turned the Santa Barbara Palace into an exhibition space around wine, colours, urban art and gastronomy, in an event that linked art with culinary experiences.

The Santa Barbara Palace was chosen for the third phase of ´Campo Viejo Streets of Colour´, a project based on the idea of colours in the wine world, that began last April in the very cellars of Campo Viejo.

Contemporary artists Remed and Okuda created the first sculpture inspired by the wines of La Rioja. A sixfeet tall piece was placed in the middle of the vineyards in Logroño.

The second phase of this project moved to London in May, where the brand organized a gastronomic feast during which a work of art was created (´live -painting´) including sculptures and a large painted wall in the cultural center SouthBank Centre.

In September it was Madrid’s turn to show the Campo Viejo DNA: creativity, colour, vitality and passion. Again the artists transformed the Santa Barbara Palace, both outside and inside. The fence around its facade was transformed into a colorful painted wall that caught the attention of passers-by who stopped to watch the artists work.

Wine, food and art attracted 1,000 visitors in this popup space in the centre of Madrid. During a weekend, attendees could stop by the Palace of Santa Barbara to enjoy the exhibition, the wine tastings and pairings with seven tapas inspired by the drink created by chef David Lopez.

It included craft works, design, live music, and a restaurant area, in the railway museum. More than a mere market, it was quite an event in the agenda of Madrid. Mercado de Motores showed us how a train station could be adapted to a highly original event.

The Railway Museum, in the old station of Delicias, hosted this event between trains. The stalls of artisans and designers were placed between tracks and platforms along with a dining space with different food stalls (“tapas”, world cuisine, burgers, gin & tonics) so that participants could rest after the shopping day and enjoy concerts held between carriages.

This initiative aimed to encourage decoration, clothing and design brands that are starting their business, based on an aesthetic concept. This vintage flea market held in an old station mixed the retro industrial in an environment with certain nostalgia.

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S P A N I S H C R E AT I V I T Y

A 25 meter cube plays the main role in a Ferrovial annual conference Expanding beyond our borders makes it necessary to convey the idea of unity and belonging under one view, to managers and employees who are part of the Spanish company worldwide. In the words of the client, they were looking for “a message to wrap them all.”

How to translate this in a single unifying concept? The solution was a simple geometric shape: the cube, which was the ideal technical and scenic resource. In the Palacio de Deportes de Madrid, an impressive cube whose edges were more than 25 meters long, and whose sides were projection screens, was built by agency Global Events. The 200 guests were gathered in front of the cube and took a seat. The front part of the cube was used as a large back-projection screen for the first two lectures, until the CEO invited them to know the “inside Ferrovial” arrived. At that moment a system of motors lifted the screen they had in front and invited them to a new space inside the cube, where new scenarios and seats were arranged. They were then, simply “wrapped” in the projection which transmitted the messages of unity. Wow…

It’s not just all work!

EIBTM not only provides networking opportunities during its exhibition hours: After exhibitions hours, networking and business go on as meeting professionals connect in different ambiences. We put on our party animal suits and check them all out!

EIBTM Welcome Reception

The official “kick-off” party was held in the same location of the show at the Fira Barcelona. Hosted by Barcelona Convention Bureau and organised by Apple Tree Communications, the party was dedicated to “The Changing Face of Barcelona” with images of the city projected on the walls.

Two white back-lit bars set the centre stage of the event, transforming the reception in a club when Barcelona´s female DJ Monica Mira started spinning the music live.

Meeting professionals had already broken the ice the night before the show officially started, with the EIBTM Forum. Its Welcome Reception was held in the Juan Carlos I Hotel where guests were greeted with human statues, a popular scene in the famous Rambla of Barcelona. Food was served as if you were in a traditional fresh market with stalls of fish, meats, eggs, vegetables and sweets.

Simply fresh and delicious!

Soft lighting created a relaxed atmosphere in the open space with no chairs to encourage guests to mingle around. The finishing touch of the event was the live band performance that got us all tapping our feet to the rhythm of Catalan rumba. Guests bidded farewell with muscatel served in a drinking spout (a challenge for foreign attendees) and bags of roasted chestnuts to face the heavy downpour outside.

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S P A N I S H C R E AT I V I T Y

The Market

Meliá Hotels International brought together 300 Hosted Buyers at the Meliá Barcelona Sky Hotel, which was transformed into a traditional market in Barcelona: typical food stalls serving original cuisines from the hotel while waiters acted as shopkeepers; a vermouth bar and a sensory atmosphere led guests to a real market with sight, sound and smell recreations.

The party was enlivened by Barcelona´s human tower - Castellers and a Jazz&Soul Quintet. Guests were given bangles and fluorescent pink sunglasses to add to the “pink party” setting of the event.

The Prohibition Days are back, with Accor

The French hotel chain got their Hosted Buyers to party set in the aesthetics of the 30s where the mafia ruled. Male guests became mafia bosses donning Al Capone hats which were given out upon arrival while the ladies glittered with cabaret stoles.

At the entrance of the hall nothing indicated that a party was about to begin. It was a clandestine meeting where drinks were banned. However, things took a turn when the guests went behind the curtain. Catering corners and drinks bars were discovered, live music from the 30s and silver balloons set the evening. The party was intended to promote the loyalty program of the hotel chain. The idea was to communicate the exclusiveness of its club to the guests.

“Be Water” by Expo Hotels&Resorts

Water was the main concept of the event organised

by Expo Hotels & Resorts. At the Princesa Sofia Gran Hotel, guests gathered under the “Be Water” theme, referring to the philosophy of Bruce Lee of being adaptable and flexible. In this case, it was focused on the needs of each event.

Instead of being quiet like water, guests were treated to a spectacular synchronized swimming show at Aqua Diagonal by Spain´s national team and directed by Anna Tarrés. This was followed by a soap bubbles show that left the guests impressed by some of the “water” surprises of the night.

Food and decoration was aligned also to the theme such as a seaweed salad or a “water” station where guests can get both water and wine to quench their thirst. A “floating” umbrella roof and yellow ducklings in the small pools add to the ambience.

Meet me upon the stars

With this suggestive invitation, guests were greeted at this intergalactic party held at the Barceló Sants Hotel

by Darth Vader and Princess Leia. The stellar setting was applied even to the waiters´ costumes who were dressed in cosmonaut uniforms. The spatial experience continued with guided tours through the universe of the meeting rooms of the hotel and ended with a live video DJ session.

Hollywood Glam Night

Catalan rumba in Palau Requesens

The DMC Wedgwood group dazzled its 120 Hosted Buyers in Palau Requesens, an original 12th century venue built on one of the towers of the Roman city wall, which recently opened for events.

In this medieval space, guests enjoyed a cocktail dinner amidst folklore music and performance by a Catalan rumba quartet. The event also served to thank and reward customers of the various Wedgewood offices and to present Spain as a meeting destination.

A great event to present the potential of our country to a very interested audience and in a very original venue.

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Marriott International offered a night of Hollywood glamour with star impersonators of Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp welcoming nearly 400 guests at the Renaissance Barcelona. Guests could also pose for photos with them and show their most stunning and glamorous side.

Nothing is more American than hotdog carts, popcorn stands and buffet corners serving mini burgers and sandwiches – so the catering was truly Made in USA! The highlight of the night was singer Rebeka Brown, who along with DJ Matt King, got everyone dancing the night away while DJ Wooky spun the soundtracks of the most iconic films in cinema history.

The event was integrated into the RLife Live programme of the Renaissance brand to raise awareness among the guests of the music and live entertainment options that are regularly offered to guests in the Renaissance hotels.

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MADRID

D I R D MA

The ESMO-European Society of Medical Oncology, with 18,000 delegates; the World Congress on Psychiatry, with 6,000; and the ATCA CANSO Congress, with 5,000, are just three of the major events hosted by the Spanish capital in 2014.

Dynamic, open, welcoming, home to Europe’s fifthbusiest airport, a culinary offering including 15 Michelin stars and hotel capacity for more than 80,000 guests, Madrid is a booming city which has just climbed to 2nd place in the ICCA ranking.

The city can take you to new heights, with its unique street atmosphere, stunning cultural offer, and nightlife

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

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

Photos courtesy of Madrid Visitors & Convention Bureau - Jose Barea

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Pabellón de Cristal, Palacio Cibeles

MADRID

From molecular gastronomy to the catering of El Bulli

Gastronomy You can organise a trip around some of the most charismatic restaurants and “mesones” in Madrid’s Cava Baja area, such as the Museo del Champiñón, Museo de la Tortilla, Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas and the Taberna de Alabardero.

Cooking live

In Madrid you can take courses in tapas and traditional Madrid cookery. For example, you can study at the Verdil restaurant, where Chef Juan Monje will take you on an entertaining journey through some of Spain’s most traditional tapas, combined with cutting-edge haute-cuisine techniques.

‘Undiscovered Madrid’ is a multi-faceted event created by Imagen Límite kicking off with workshops in a very special location, the Madrid stock market. This is followed by a cocktail in the most spectacular area of the refurbished Prado art gallery, a moment of exclusive relaxation with private viewings of some of the masterpieces, after it has closed to the public. The event ends with a cocktail dinner in one of the most historic and evocative buildings in the city, the spectacular glass dome of the Palacio de Cibeles. Here the guests enjoy a magical gastronomic experience at the hands of one of Spain’s leading chefs, Paco Roncero (two Michelin stars), who takes diners on a fantasy voyage of discovery into the secrets of molecular gastronomy. This will be followed by an unforgettable dinner served

by El Bulli Catering, run by Ferran Adrià, considered the greatest chef in the world.

The dinner will also feature a show.

‘The Botin Experience’

Botin is in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest restaurant in the world, it is one of Madrid’s veritable institutions. It has been visited by royalty, Hollywood stars and leading global politicians since it opened, way back in 1725! But what is it like if we don’t just go as ordinary diners, but enjoy a real personalised experience at the hands of the family that runs it? Insider’s Madrid is offering an exclusive ‘Botin Experience’, in which the González family takes groups on a tour of this historic place, uncovering its secrets and recounting some of the best anecdotes about its history. And what better way to end such a tour than by trying some of the ‘Botin classics’, a range of dishes that has to include traditional Castilian-style suckling pig and roast lamb.

Wine schools

Rebelión de los Mandiles is a wine school in the very heart of Madrid. In addition to guided tours and wine tasting courses, it is also available for events and private tastings. It has its own wine cellar with space for 70 people seated and 100 standing.

‘Cooking Madrid’

The best kept secrets of Madrid are revealed at an Imagen Límite event in which the group, armed with iPads, follows a route through old Madrid, discovering the ingredients that will be cooked for their meal in unique shops and markets. And along the route they will enjoy wines and beer in traditional bars. At the end of their journey, the group members become Spanish chefs for a day.

A private dinner at the San Miguel market

Why not check out one of Madrid’s most charming markets? Madrid’s markets are some of its most traditional and delightful places. Ovation Spain has chosen to host dinners for its groups at the San Miguel Market. The dinners will, or course, include Spanish wines and a wide range of tapas, with a flamenco performance on acoustic guitar.

A wine tour of the best of Spain through its wines without leaving Madrid, created

by Imagen Límite. Javier Gila, President of the Madrid Sommeliers Association and one of Spain’s leading wine experts, will lead the guests through a stunning world of emotions and flavours, with the nature of each region being defined through its wines. The experience takes place in one of a number of very special locations in the city, depending on the number of guests. This journey is accompanied by a selection of some of Spain’s most exquisite home-made products, from its best unpasteurised cheeses, olive oils and Iberian hams to Iberian goose products.

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Underground Madrid The ghost station

The Activic agency has exploited the dark charms of the underground for thriller activities. The ghost station is a terrifying game in the abandoned Chamberí station, which closed in 1966. Having been sealed up and interred, it has now been restored to how it was on the day it closed. This team-building exercise involves terrorists who have planted a bomb in the station. The group has to work as a team to defuse the bomb before it explodes.

The Devil’s Mine

Full-throttle team-building Spain’s passion for motor-sports is overwhelming...

Why not enjoy the city’s excellent motor-sport facilities?

Auriga Motor offers adrenaline-drenched team-building experiences, such as the BMW Experience: two and a half hours of test-driving on a specialist circuit, including theoretical training, testing in the paddock and on the track, and an open bar with fleets of BMW Series 1, BMW Series 3 and BMW M vehicles.

The Carlos Sainz Center has two circuits: go-karting in Madrid and Las Rozas, with team-building experiences on the indoor and outdoor Carlos Sainz tracks. The indoor circuit has 3,000sqm of track full of bends and real-time timekeeping, making the group, dressed in striking driver’s outfits, feel like real racing drivers. The scoreboard next to the finish line displays the results of the races in real time. The track is complemented by large halls in excess of 500sqm and paintball and minigolf facilities that can be used to enhance the teambuilding activities.

But the underground is not Madrid’s only subterranean activity space... there are other unwelcoming places that are perfect for group terror and mystery games (20-300 people). Activic offers one very original option: they use a military bunker underneath the Geo-Mineral Museum’s mining faculty for Entombed, an activity where dark passages and sinister windowless rooms are transformed into 1,500m of terror. The unsuspecting group is taken on what is supposed to be an undemanding tour. But, suddenly the lights go out and they have to work out how to get out, discovering strange and mysterious apparatuses in the bunker as they do so. Another option is the Devil’s Mine, a gymkhana in a coal mine 50m underground, where the group shares centre stage with miners who died in 1960 in a gas leak.

1, 2, 3 Subway

The same agency is also responsible for 1, 2, 3 Subway, in the same location. This time, the group is travelling peacefully when the train suddenly stops in a tunnel. One of the passengers gets a call and then tells the others they have 60 minutes to escape from the train. They can only do this by following the instructions from the mysterious telephone call.

A train to the past

Madrid’s underground system offers a lot of possibilities for events, from personalising your own carriage for transfer from the airport to renting old stations and even the beautiful old metro engine hall.... One of the agencies to explore this option is Box de Ideas. It celebrated the 50th anniversary of one of its clients by organising a journey through half a century of memories, from 2012 to 1962. Chamberí station opened in 1919 as part of Madrid’s first underground railway line; it now has a screening room where the station entrance stairs used to be. The 60 guests met at Cuatro Caminos station and boarded a carriage decorated in 1960s style, personalised with images of the company from its creation to today. The guests were met by 1960s ticket inspectors who gave them a ticket for their journey to the past. The journey ended at Chamberí station, where the guests enjoyed a cocktail in the station, which had also been decorated in 1960s style.

ITB offers the opportunity to drive on a professional circuit, feeling like a real racing driver as you “fly” around the Jarama Circuit in a Ferrari. The experience starts with a drive around the track in a high-performance vehicle driven by a professional driver to get to know the circuit. After some instructions on how to drive a car like this that uses paddles rather than traditional gear levers, the guests then get to do a number of laps in a Ferrari F430 F1; whilst driving, a video is made showing how the guests drive and the speeds they reach.

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Audiovisual Services 路 Rental 路 Production 路 Events 路 Staff

visionarea.es Tlf: +34 91 499 8248 events@visionarea.es

Take your technical production to the next level

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MADRID

Do you want to play??

“Icy” team building

Build an igloo, have a cocktail in an ice cabin, race snow bikes... without leaving the city! Some of the city’s most original activities are to be found at Madrid Snowzone. From snow bikes and snow motorbikes to icy fashion shows, team-building and themed parties.

Groups can personalise the course with flags, lights, PAs, logos, or whatever they like, even ice sculptures. More ideas? How about screening trailers for action films to get everyone going before test driving cars? Or getting the group to build their own igloo whilst it is “snowing” on them? The whole snowzone area and track can be hired exclusively; and there is also a meeting room with full audiovisual equipment, space for stands and 8,000 parking spaces.

You can organise a tournament, a clinic or just a relaxing round of golf. Madrid offers numerous venues for playing golf, including the Las Rejas Open club, in Majadahonda.

On the other side of the law

Cinema Team-building: filming among palaces

Exploramás offers team-building activities involving intrigue, suspense, drama and humour against the timeless backdrop of the Austrias area of Madrid. Palaces and convents from Spain’s Golden Age provide the setting for a group experience in which the participants are film stars for a day.

Improvisation, acting, setting up scenes, editing… Divided into groups and equipped with an iPad, each team has to create its own début film, from the initial storyboard to cutting and screening. And of course, there is filming to be done. The groups can dress up, involve passers-by, sing, improvise... whatever it takes to get ahead on the road to an Oscar. The technological part of the experience revolves around an iPad and its applications.

Want to play? There is no shortage of fun things to do in Madrid... for example, the extravaganza agency organises indoor programmes that turn participants into ‘expert criminals’... The agency’s staff train and assess each team (all disguised in red and white-striped “robber’s” jerseys¬) in the skills needed to be the new “pink panther”: these include making and using skeleton keys, sabotage, assessing jewellery, forging works of art, escape and concealment techniques and how to behave like a “gentleman thief”.

Trains full of flavour

From steam to strawberries: truly authentic carriages

In addition to Aranjuez’s Tren de la Fresa, there are many other charming trains in the region, including the Cervantes train to Alcalá de Henares, the Steam Train to Arganda, which is still coalfired, and the Nature Train from Cercedilla to Cotos. The Cervantes train pays homage to the famous writer, who was born in Alcalá de Henares in 1547. The train travels from Madrid’s Atocha station to Alcalá performing and remembering some of the most famous parts of his great work, Don Quixote. The Arganda train dates from 1925.

It is a genuine steam locomotive powered by coal and water. It takes us to La Poveda station, journeying back into the past by recreating the era, with its canopy, barriers, signal boxes, coal heaps, bell and station clock on the wall. Finally, the Nature Train takes the group to the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains. This lets us discover nature in all its splendour just a few kilometres outside Madrid, as part of an educational programme in collaboration with the Environmental and Planning Department of Madrid Regional Council and Renfe Cercanías.

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Decorating a train is one way of making transfers much more interesting. Grass Roots has done this for companies like Avon. They hired a couple of carriages on the highspeed AVE train to Toledo and personalised them with the company’s logos. They provided traditional Spanish refreshments for the guests, who were entertained by actors dressed as Sancho Panza, Don Quixote and Dulcinea. The group, from 16 Latin American countries, visited the cathedral and the historic city centre. The day ended with dinner at Cigarral de Santa María, which was hired exclusively for the group of 250 people.

A journey through time

The Medieval Train takes groups on a journey through time to the Middle Ages of troubadours, departing from Madrid’s Chamartín station for Sigüenza on Saturday mornings. The passengers discover the history of the villages and cities on the route through music and theatre, whilst tasting traditional treats.

MADRID

Madrid with charm Matching all five senses

The stars of Madrid

One of Madrid’s great attractions is its terraces... Global Events takes full advantage of these by creating an ‘observatory of the stars of Madrid’ on the terrace of the Círculo de Bellas Artes.

The agency set up this event for Heineken, which brought a thousand of its major international clients to get to know the city from a different viewpoint. And they did it... The Círculo de Bellas Artes was chosen as the epicentre of the event, offering special experiences over a whole weekend. The observatory was set up on the Círculo de Bellas Artes terrace. It featured various telescopes and viewers focusing on “star” locations in the city, which were then visited in unorthodox ways: entering the Prado art gallery by the rear door; visiting the house of a famous designer; and wine-tasting in exclusive wine cellars.

A day in the park

Madrid also boasts some very attractive green spaces to enjoy. Ole Special Events created an activity for one of its clients to improve and promote the creativity of attendees: after 2 days of meetings they were looking for a more relaxed activity in a special, positive environment. And where could be better than the Retiro park, right in the centre of the city, with its unique sights, like the statue of the Fallen Angel, its wide green spaces and of course the skies of Madrid and its amazing light?

After a guided tour of the park, visiting the amazing Crystal Palace and other fantastic sights, the guests stopped at a picnic area set up on the grass. Once in the picnic area, the guests could choose from two different workshops: painting or lomography. After the theory, the teachers gave the guests some tasks to perform: the task of the lomography workshop was to create a picture of the Crystal Palace, the Casa de Vacas and the Lake; Meanwhile the task of the painting workshop was to create a painting of the Statue of the Fallen Angel. After 4 hours of fun, learning, teamwork and food & drink, the guests left the park for their hotel.

Can we smell colours, taste the streets, hear works of art or appreciate the creamy texture of a city? The Sankara agency’s Madrid Tasting includes a route that “attacks” all five senses of the group to get them to really appreciate the city and leave them with an indelible memory of it. This is a matching activity, but not with food and wine: this matches the city and the elements that make Madrid such a unique city - its architecture; famous art galleries; wines; tapas; and sunsets. This is a full-on day, where the group visits some of the city’s most distinctive spots, accompanied by musicians who interpret what the architecture evokes, with melodies corresponding to the era of the buildings.

Together with the cultural explanations, this matches architecture to live music. Next the group enjoys some local wines and tapas to match the famous paintings they visited in the Prado art gallery.

The final act takes place on one of Madrid’s famous terraces close to the Prado: either at the Palacio de Comunicaciones, the Thyssen art gallery or the Círculo de Bellas Artes. Here, after pairing the paintings with tapas and wine, the participants can match aromas to the colours of a Madrid sunset. Diffusers with bergamot, mandarin and lavender aromas are distributed around the terrace, and the guests decide on and activate the aromas that best match the colours of the sunset.

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MADRID

Madrid tours Shopping Tour of Las Rozas Village Madrid Green tour

This tour by Ole Special events combines sightseeing, fun and a green mentality.

Guests visit the old town of Madrid and the new Madrid Río green space (the recently renovated part of the city on the banks of the Manzanares river) using electric bicycles and Segways. The old town of Madrid is visited using Segways, and then the guests change transport and continue the tour to Madrid Rio, where they will be guided through this new part of the city ending the visit with an organic picnic lunch with smoothies and fresh fruit.

In Madrid we can organise routes along the Golden Mile, home to some of the most prestigious stores in the world, or we can head for Las Rozas Village, with almost one hundred luxury boutique outlets. Value Retail has launched a strategy for the MICE market, with new products such as organising special events incorporating everything from sponsoring to exclusive use of the village space for larger groups (between 300 and 2,000 guests). The Village is 40 minutes from the city, and there is a daily bus service, the Shopping Express® from Madrid.

‘iPad Tours’

Premium Incoming offers a theatre performance on wheels. The show is very interactive, making the audience part of the performance. The route visits some of the city’s most famous locations, whilst theatrical games take guests on a journey into the history of our literature.

iPad tours are the latest thing, and Madrid couldn’t possibly be left out. Cititravel offers such a tour based on a previously arranged route around the city. Walking through the downtown area, visiting some of Madrid’s most important sights, each group has to carry out a wide range of tasks using their iPad and 3G locator. Participants can be asked to meet specific challenges, such as: Taking a picture of the whole group at Km 0 (the point from which all Spanish roads are measured in the centre of Madrid); recording a video dancing flamenco in the centre of Plaza Mayor; answering questions about the sights they are seeing; answering questions on their company; getting a group photo eating “patatas bravas” (traditional fried potatoes in a delicious sauce); finding Don Quixote (an actor) and answering his questions; or having a tapas tasting session.

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Vintage Madrid tour

The ‘Vintage Madrid tour’ was created

by Ole Special Events for a small group of 15 French clients who were looking for a different tour, combining charm and elegance. At the door of the hotel, 5 Citroen 2CVs driven by professional guides were waiting for the guests, who were taken on a tour of the city with a special focus on 20th century Madrid. After the first part of the tour, guests left the cars and stopped for coffee at the famous Café Gijón, before continuing the tour on foot. The second part of the tour took the guests to visit 3 of Madrid’s century-old shops (Manuel Riesgo, Alsina and Bisuteria Otero). The tour ended with a fantastic lunch at Lhardy.

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MADRID

Highlighted Venues

In Madrid • Matadero. Since opening in 2007, it has become one of the capital's most dynamic destinations for creative meetings, events or art shows. This flexible, dynamic space is housed in one of the most emblematic examples of local industrial architecture from the early 20th century. The facility does open its doors to private events, though it's important to remember that meetings must sometimes be planned around cultural events. It offers several spaces, including the Plaza Matadero, with 5,000sqm of open-air space, a main hall of the Naves del Español theatre for cocktail receptions for up to 1,260 pax or the Café Teatro Matadero, with room for 350 pax. Nave 16 is another of its halls, with room for cocktail events of up to 4,000 pax.

Opened in October, the establishment belongs to the Palladium Hotel Group and offers 70 rooms in a 19th century building. It also has two meetings rooms, as well as a lounge and courtyard for events.

Following a brief closure, the Palacio Municipal de Congresos conference centre has now reopened. First established in 1993, this versatile venue has hosted such major events as the International Nursing Congress, attended by 10,000 delegates.

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In Malasaña, in Central Madrid, Espacio Mood just opened and offers a 160-sqm loft in an industrial style.

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

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

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

• Las Ventas: the largest bullfighting arena in Spain, it is designed in a Neo-Mudéjar style, which is the 19th-century version of Muslim-inspired medieval-Spanish architecture. The ring can host nearly 25,000 pax.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MADRID

Madrid is constantly being renewed and, despite the explosion of new event options at Madrid Río, there are other new venues as well... Here are a few examples.

• LaSede. The new seat of the Madrid College of Architects (COAM) is one result of the spectacular remodelling of the old Piarist Schools of Saint Anthony in the very heart of Madrid.

It offers 12,000sqm spread over several different areas, most of which can be rented for events. There is a garden floor and another separate lodge floor with a garden terrace.

• West Park Studios. Located in Plaza de España, it totals 1,600sqm and is divided into four different open spaces.

Conveniently located, this new meeting space also offers a lot for a full-scale production, including a hair salon, make-up room, art buying department, casting, tech staff, photographers, assistants and more.

• Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. It has been available for events for a long time (Grupo eventoplus held a memorable awards ceremony in 2011, on the pitch), but the novelty now is Eventos VIP, specifically tailored to high-end meeting and incentive clients, which offers both more familiar areas in the stadium as well as special VIP areas. Starting in April, clients will be able to organise a private event on the day of a match, where they will enjoy private access to a customisable room adaptable to a range of presentations or activities.

• Callao City Lights. This two-movie-theatre complex, which includes the Callao movie theatres, has a total capacity of 2,450 pax and sits in the busiest pedestrian zone in Spain, and the third most trafficked in Europe. Here, movie magic becomes real at film premieres as the indoor theatre can be combined with a private use of part of the square, with the help of two giant outdoor LED screens, for a high-impact outdoor event.

• Teatro Goya. This new avant-garde space is located near the “Deaf Man's Villa”, where Goya himself lived along the banks of the Manzanares, and is just five minutes from the Puerta del Sol. It features several halls and auditoriums, from small groups to 1,500 pax.

• Palacio Neptuno. The Palacio Neptuno has some classy neighbours: the Prado, the Hotel Ritz, the Hotel Palace, the Stock Exchange, the Bank of Spain and the Congress. Located in the heart of the financial and museum district, this venue has large rooms and an impressive stained-glass window in the central patio, complete with columns designed by Manuel Ortega. Its many rooms and opulent architecture add up to an exclusive venue.

• Oh! Cabaret. One of the hotspots of Madrid's nightlife is being renovated and offers more than 2,000sqm for meetings distributed among individual rooms, restaurants, terraces and a disco.

FBO Madrid is the new terminal at Madrid Barajas airport, with 1,900sqm available for events right by the runways. The indoor space covers 200sqm, and there is also a 1,700sqm car park where marquees can be erected.

Located in the Las Tablas business district, the new Hotel Dome offers 244 rooms and a 2,300sqm business centre.

Highlighted venues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The new building of the Madrid Architects Association (COAM) is one result of the spectacular remodelling of the old Piarist Schools of Saint Anthony in the very heart of Madrid. It offers 12,000sqm spread over several different areas, most of which can be rented for events. The new auditorium was recently opened on the second floor of the building, with capacity for an audience of 120.

Recent open venues

Madrid is constantly being renewed and, despite the growth of new event options at Madrid Río, there are other new venues as well...

Here are a few examples.

• Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. It has been available for events for a long time (Grupo eventoplus held a memorable awards ceremony in 2011, on the pitch), but the novelty now is Eventos VIP, specifically tailored to high-end meeting and incentive clients, which offers both more familiar areas in the stadium as well as special VIP areas.

• Utopic_US. This former fabric warehouse makes for an original space in the heart of Madrid. Measuring 1,200sqm and located at street level, this venue is divided into two floors of 600sqm each, with four customisable window displays.

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MADRID

Cultural Madrid

Private visits to the Thyssen art gallery and Casa América

In good company

The travel, incentives and corporate events agency BCD m&i and Erudita, a communications company specialising in creating leisure experiences, have launched an innovative alternative range of cultural corporate events. Both companies have presented a range of programmes based on cultural leisure activities in venues such as Madrid’s Royal Palace, the Thyssen art gallery and the Prado, featuring famous names from the cultural world, such as the writers Espido Freire, Carmen Posadas and Javier Sierra, and also photographers, architects and historians, who lead fascinating leisure experiences based on culture.

The CWT agency also explores the city’s rich artistic heritage. For example, it organises private visits to the ThyssenBornemisza art gallery with exclusive private viewings in small groups after the gallery has closed to the public. The visit is followed by dinner at the Casino de Madrid’s Neptuno restaurant or at the Thyssen’s panoramic restaurant. They also organise private visits to the Casa América with dinner in its Machado de Asís or Julio Cortazar dining rooms. The visit features a tour of the personal rooms on the first floor, filled with paintings by the masters of the period that evoke the fin-de-siècle lifestyle, together with the main floor reserved for the palace’s great events, with its ballroom, dining room and chapel.

Traditions of Madrid

Authentic live flamenco can be experienced at places like Casa Patas.

And if the group enjoys it so much they want to take their first steps in the art, the ‘El Horno’ dance centre and the Corral de la Moreira offer introductory flamenco courses.

Two ‘musts’: from a flamenco “tablao” to the tapas route

The Tablao Corral de la Morería, considered one of the ‘cathedrals of the art of flamenco’, was chosen by Índigo dmc for their groups to enjoy Madrid at its most joyous. The venue opened in the 1950s with an Arabic atmosphere, and is a winner with foreign groups. They complement these events with visits to the Bernabeu, tours in GoCars ending with tapas at the Los Galayos restaurant in the Plaza Mayor, visits to the Royal Palace and Toledo, and much more.

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A very Spanish flavour

If Espido Freire can show us the secrets of Madrid, why shouldn’t Goya himself reveal the history of Chinchón? These theatrical visits are an entertaining way to discover the city’s history, art and architecture. This activity features actors playing the parts of Francisco de Goya, the Vice-regent of Peru, and other historical characters. The actors perform a mixture of everyday and historic scenes reflecting life in the 19th and 20th centuries, with evening tours.

100% architecture

If we are passionate about architecture, why not enjoy the city’s rich architectural heritage on a tour led by an expert guide? This is the approach of Arquirutas, which runs guided tours with architects who explain some fascinating historical aspects and insights, taking us into some of the capital’s most distinctive buildings for which they have special permits. And they match the programme with suitable gastronomy. In COAM (the Madrid Architects’ Association), the Ahora Arquitectura association also offers tours led by leading architects.

Feel like a “Madrileño” for a few days. This is ITB’s idea for groups visiting the capital. They did this in the spring, for example, with 150 international guests.

The whole programme was based on local traditions, starting with the welcome gift, a bottle of olive oil, and the first dinner, at the Posada de la Villa. Guests enjoyed a demonstration of traditional flamenco dancing with Spanish dressage horses at La Finca Los Jarales. They had an “aperitivo” with ham slicers at the bullring, and they tasted sherries and cheese in a wine cellar. Then they learnt to make (and enjoyed) an authentic paella, and in the afternoon they visited one of the city’s most coveted places, the Real Madrid stadium, before dining at the Real Café, which had been reserved for them. This is one of the agency’s favourite places, but they also recommend others that they regularly use, such as the Westin Palace, where they have organised sherry-tastings for up to 400 people, and the Cibeles Terraza, which can be exclusively reserved for dinners.

The next day, guests enjoyed a panoramic tour of the city using GoCars and buses, in shifts, and then a barbecue on the terrace of the Hotel Ayre Colón. Following a visit to El Prado, there was a gala dinner at the Masía de José Luis, with a giant screen to enjoy one of Spain’s other true passions, football. The event finished with a modern flamenco performance, accompanied by a cocktail. And to make the group feel even more like part of the city, they went to play “petanca” (Spanish bowls), in a park close to Requena. Madrid Council provided the authorisations and police presence to monitor the six petanca courts that were set up. This was followed by brunch on the terrace of the Café de Oriente.

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Special venues and catering in Madrid for special events.

Make your event exclusive and different.

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MADRID

Madrid seen from another perspective Graffiti artists in the streets of Madrid

CWT presents Corporate Graffiti, an activity that shows you more about this peculiar urban form of art that has left its mark on several areas of Madrid. With the help of professional graffiti artists, we tell you about the story and techniques they use and then you can paint your own art on the city’s walls and really leave behind a mark of your visit to Madrid…

Madrid by helicopter

Exploramás proposes a trip high in the sky... with room for between thirty and forty people on board three 12-seater helicopters to take them to an estate in Chinchón. Once there, they compete on a multiadventure programme that includes archery, abseiling, climbing and a quad bike circuit.

Madrid Río, more than one million square metres of event-ready recreational space Beekeepers for a day

A day with the bees… One of the most original activities you can do in the Madrid region is to become a beekeeper for a day at the Sierra de Hoyo Beekeeping Centre in Hoyo de Manzanares. Fitted with the right protective clothing and after learning all there is to learn about these fascinating creatures during the thematic walk, you can visit the hives and inspect them with the help of experts.

On the day when the honey is extracted, the group discovers the different procedures that have been used throughout history to extract honey from the hives, using the tools exhibited in the Beekeeping Centre Museum.

Madrid might not have a beach, but it has a river, and one that gets better and better. The Manzanares has become the backbone of a new zone of the city known as Madrid Río, a park with more than one million square metres of space ready for a wide range of activities. The MTV Madrid Beach Festival or the celebration of the Football World Cup, those are just two of the big-time open-air events held at Madrid Río. But the zone goes beyond outdoor events: the Matadero Madrid Contemporary Art Center (in the former slaughterhouse of the city) offers plenty of indoor options.

Madrid Río came about as part of a new, more welcoming and sustainable vision of the city Madrid Río came about as part of a new, more welcoming and sustainable vision of the city. The plan goes beyond the banks of the river, however, and one striking example is the M30 project, which will take parts of the city’s inner ring road and have them pass underground. In what is proving to be Madrid’s most important environmental project in recent memory, more than 200,000 cars that would be passing above ground will now navigate below the city, creating a green corridor stretching from the Prado Museum to Getafe, joining once-separate historical gardens and urban parks. This freed-up space includes 30,000 new trees, 42km of walking trails, 33 sports fields (including football pitches, tennis courts and skateboard and BMX parks) and a mountaineering school. There is even a planned dock for rowing fans.

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MADRID

A passion for football Convention on the turf

One of the most spectacular events we have seen of late combines football with typical Spanish entertainment: the annual convention of the Thai insurance company AIA. The agency Sit Events and the producer Fox Group designed two shows at the Bernabeu stadium and the Ifema trade fair centre to immerse guests in the most typical aspects of Spanish culture. Dressed like fans, with football shirts and scarves in corporate colours and a badge specially designed for the event, the 1700 attendees took their seats in the stadium.

On the pitch, a huge canvas with the AIA logo covered the centre circle. On the side-lines of the pitch, a 30-metre red carpet with two giant screens ensured that everyone could see the show. A show that started with a group of freestyle football players, some of whom were world champions, who came out of the players’ tunnel performing amazing ball tricks. The presenter of the convention also came out of the tunnel, but inside a huge plastic sphere that simulated a giant football. On the stage, he presented the company’s top five salespeople, who made their triumphant entry onto the pitch to shoot at goal from the penalty spot.

The convention brimmed with motivation with the employees as the real protagonists, including those who watched from the seats (all dressed in football shirts and scarves designed for the occasion) and those who were chosen as the top salespeople. They were treated like football stars and the top two hundred salespeople came out of the players’ tunnel to parade along the side-lines of the pitch and pose for a huge group photo on the stage. After an acrobatic show, in which a ballerina descended from the corner of the stadium with fifty huge helium balloons, the more formal part of the convention began and the company’s executives started their presentations. The morning session ended with lunch for the 1700 attendees in the different areas and restaurants at the stadium.

A typically Spanish closing fiesta at Ifema

A breath of country air

If you fancy leaving the city behind, there are hundreds of proposals to be found on the Madrid Region’s Environmental Education Network, which develops programmes and activities for information, awareness and environmental education: from workshops on recycling, composting, painting, organic vegetable gardening to guided tours of the El Hayedo de Montejo beech woods and the Luis Ceballos Arboretum, which has the largest collection of trees and bushes on the peninsula.

The multi-adventure parks also offer very ‘green’ one-day trips.

The extensive selection includes Aventura Amazonia, in Cercedilla, which involves three-hour circuits of pure adrenaline with an area set aside from the general public so that businesses and companies can enjoy more privacy; De Pino a Pino, with three parks and multiple activities that encourage participants to climb trees; and Forestal Park, in Guadarrama, with zip lines that are 235 m long and stretch across the La Jarosa reservoir at a height of 20 m, jumping across Tibetan bridges, footbridges and other games of skill at different heights.

Ifema’s Pavilion 2 was chosen for the convention’s farewell dinner. The theme for the evening was traditional Spanish entertainment. Flamenco dancers at the main entrance to Ifema, welcomed the group, with a huge carpet in the colours of the Spanish flag used to mark the route from the entrance hall to the pavilion, with flamenco singers and dancers creating a lively atmosphere. After the welcome cocktail and when everyone was seated at their tables, a video mapping session, screened on the 700 m² of fabric that covered the pavilion, completed a very typical-Spanish look at our culture, ending with a flamenco show. The dinner was served by Mónico Catering with entertainment provided by Thai singers. The evening ended with a second audio-visual show featuring acrobats on the pavilion walls.

The music continued and many guests were encouraged to get on stage and take part in their own version of ‘AIA’s Got Talent’, the karaoke competition that took place over dessert.

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One of the essential visits on any trip to Madrid is the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Interest in Real Madrid crosses all borders and even those who are not particularly interested in football find it hard to resist having their photo taken in this stadium, with its impressive size and height. Conventions on the turf, visits to the stadium, personalised scoreboards and even matches on the same pitch where the nine-times champion of Europe plays: the Bernabeu is a venue that offers many options.

Cititravel proposes a visit to the Santiago Bernabeu football stadium in quiz format.

Small teams of a maximum of 10 people are given a sheet of questions. The answers can be found by visiting Real Madrid’s Stadium.

All the teams end their visit in the Press room, where the jury tells them which team has won the quiz. The tour of the stadium includes: a visit to the famous football pitch, chairman’s box, players’ tunnel, changing rooms and the impressive Real Madrid Trophy Museum!

We won’t organize your event... but we will help you make it a hit!

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MADRID

Other important events Expomanagement Inspiring Leaders Convention

The city also hosted the ExpoManagement Inspiring Leaders Convention at the Municipal Congress Centre. On its tenth anniversary, ExpoManagement once again confirmed its importance as the leading event in executive training. A decade of shared ideas, practices and trends that have changed the way business is carried on in Spain and the rest of the world.

SAP Convention

Microsoft Tech-ED EMEA

Another of the main events to be held in Madrid in 2013 was Microsoft’s annual forum, designed to publicise knowledge on the construction, implementation and maintenance of IT solutions based on the brand’s technologies. Over four days, almost 5000 professionals met in the city. The event, which was held at the IFEMA trade fair centre from 24 to 28 June had an important economic impact on the city and involved 25,000 overnight stays. There were teamwork and practical laboratory sessions and master classes on Microsoft’s new IT solutions. Microsoft TechEd Europe chose IFEMA after valuing its capacity for and experience in managing its infrastructures and services for international congresses, such as SAP SAPPHIRE NOW and SAP TechEd. According to Microsoft, the convention areas also helped it to choose the city, together with the venue’s proximity to Barajas Airport and its metro connections to the airport and the city centre, as well as the climate and wide range of hotel options.

In November 2012, almost 10,000 people came to Madrid for the SAP Convention, an impressive event that meant more than 40,000 overnight stays for the city. For the second year running, the organisers chose the city owing to the ‘good experience’ they had at the 2011 edition, placing particular importance on the facilities and services provided by IFEMA, which was again chosen as the venue for the convention. They also highlighted the air connections, Barajas Airport, public transport, hotels and the unique venues available in Madrid.

Madrid’s surroundings feature some truly unique spaces… Dicom Events was behind the international press launch of the new SEAT Toledo in a strikingly different setting: an old church in Toledo. The internal architecture was respected while creating a “central strip” housing the presentation of the model and three high walls/light-filled gateways. One of the most impactful moments came when a sliding door opened to reveal the SEAT Toledo, which rolled forward, headlights ablaze, descended the ramp and took its place in the centre of the nave, below the Dome, atop the rotating platform. The event was rounded off by dinner at the Alfonso restaurant, its terrace overlooking the distinctive convention centre designed by Moneo.

One of the largest venues in the city is the Madrid Arena, which has held such events as Wella Trend Vision, organised by the Jack Morton agency. This was an international event attended by more than two thousand people from sixty countries. The event involved ‘ushers’ dressed in white coats, a stage transformed into a surreal world, colours related to sounds, screens displaying mathematical mazes and a disconcerting soundtrack. It was very interactive: to give just one example, the hosts were given flashing LED sticks in four colours, which they used for a celebration that was highly visual and linked to the theme of the event. At the end of the show, guests walked through the stage tunnel to the glass Pabellón de Cristal, where they enjoyed a theme party based on sound and colour, this time full of exploratory experiences, such as drawing their ideal hairdos on screens with coloured feathers.

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S PA IN FO R E V EN TS | E V EN TO S M A G A Z INE | 25 More info: empresas@kinepolis.com. Tel.: +(0034) 91 512 70 63. www.kinepolisempresas.com

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C ATA L O N I A

A N O L BARCE

Cosmopolitan, dynamic, cheerful, sunny... and yet, very very serious. Barcelona is one of the top-ranking cities in the MICE sector. Since 2006 it has hosted major events such as the Mobile World Congress, and is the sixth most important city in the world according to the Union of International Associations (UIA) and fourth in the ICCA ranking, making it a true magnet for events. And in constant reinvention... in recent months it has recovered spectacular spaces, such as the Hospital de Sant Pau, Europe’s most important Modernist building, for events. Moreover, the city is becoming a Mecca for major events for groups from Asia, and this year witnessed some spectacular events, from conventions to mass weddings, which literally ‘took over’ the city’s top venues.

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

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

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

C ATA L O N I A

Some brands have achieved spectacular actions in conjunction with Barcelona Town Council… The most spectacular was by Nike, which dressed up the famous statue of Columbus in the new Barcelona football shirt. MPG, the company in charge of the campaign, received authorisation from the Institut Municipal de Paisatge Urbà, paying approximately 100,000€.

Barcelona also offers exceptional options for incentive trips. Assets range from its spectacular architecture to its beaches, art and gastronomy. Participants can stroll the city’s legendary markets with a local chef in preparation for a tapas contest, organise a regatta in the Med, drive an F1 car on the Circuït de Catalunya or try their hand at building a traditional human castle, or casteller.

And we mustn’t forget to mention Barcelona’s selection of oneof-a-kind spaces. Medieval buildings such as the Casa Llotja de Mar or the Royal Shipyards stand alongside the cleaner, modern aesthetic of Mies van der Rohe’s Pavilion and the Catalan Modernist masterpieces such as the Palau de la Música or Casa Batlló. Other unforgettable options include the MNAC or MACBA as well as the famous Liceu in the heart of the city. Looking for a little nature? Why not try a masia, or traditional country house outside of the city?

Surprising nooks • La Pedrera (Casa Milà): the roof-top terrace of one of Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces impresses visitors for its unique character and magnificent views. In summer, enjoy a drink on the rooftop while listening to live music.

• The Mercat de la Boqueria: for many, this emblematic market is the city’s best, thanks in large part to its rich colours, smells, and vibrant human activity. Don’t miss its insect– selling booth, a surprising delicacy…

• Parc Güell: located on top of one of Barcelona’s hills, this park was designed by Antoni Gaudí. It is a Unesco World Heritage site.

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

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

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C ATA L O N I A

Five events in one at the CCIB

In 2014, the German supermarket chain Lidl celebrated its 20th anniversary in Spain and commissioned Eventisimo to design and produce a major event. This took place last April in the International Convention Centre of Barcelona where 1,500 guests were treated to a party over fifteen hours long. The Forum Auditorium hosted the inaugural sessions in the morning, while the convention took place after lunch.

The stage was fitted with a 13x26m screen, the biggest portable screen in Spain, to show a documentary on the history of Lidl in Spain. Lidl was concentrating on transmitting two messages: its national origin and the natural sourcing of its new families of fresh produce. To do this an 8,000sqm market was built in the multi-purpose hall of the CCIB. Surrounded by extras acting as the typical staff of a traditional market, guests were treated to a finger-food lunch using the food on display in the seven themed pavilions. Showcooking and master classes were held in each pavilion, with several highly prestigious chefs and wine stewards, led by Sergi Arola.

The day was rounded off with a gala dinner which included an awards ceremony, a Custo Barcelona fashion show and performances. After dinner the central square of the market became a large dance floor for an Efecto Pasillo concert, crowning an animated day with a party.

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1,500 Indonesians on an incentive in Catalonia... in search of the Guinness record

They were looking to break a new Guinness record: being the Indonesian company who mobilised the largest group outside their country. No less than 1,500 staff from Prudential went on a macrotrip around Catalonia. The group visited Catalan attractions such as the Sagrada Familia, Montserrat and Parc Güell, as well as the F.C. Barcelona stadium and La Roca Village, the ´shopping paradise´. One of the highlights was the visit to the Camp Nou, where they had a complete tour starting with a photo shoot outside the grandstand. After the photographs, guests were offered cava and cocktail aperitifs to welcome them to the Museum. Following this, the group went to the Grandstand Hall, where the main dinner was held.

The city can be explored in a thousand ways … Exploramás proposes some ‘multitransport’ routes where everything is electric: bicycles, scooters, cars and even a boat that runs on solar and wind energy. Alternative forms of transport which reduce impact on the traffic, offering a different way to enjoy Barcelona.

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C ATA L O N I A

Highlighted venues

In Barcelona • The Hospital de Sant Pau, which has just reopened and is available for events, is the most important Modernist building in Europe, designed by Domènech i Montaner and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. It houses international bodies specialising in sustainability, knowledge and health and offers various spaces for events.

• The Llotja de Mar, or old commodity exchange, is an historical building in the old town which dates to the 14th century. Sitting near the sea, the facility is now exclusively dedicated to business events.

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

• The Hotel Neri has yet another space for events: the Roba Estesa terrace. Located on the top floor of the hotel and decorated based on Feng-Shui principles, this space offers a relaxing sanctuary (it even has hammocks!) in the middle of the Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter.

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

• The Hotel Omm features the Lobby Bar, the Ommsession Club, and a terrace with views of Passeig de Gràcia.

• La Cúpula: a venue located on the top of Las Arenas shopping centre, that opened in 2011 in a former Barcelona bull fighting ring.

Two new spaces, the Mirador María Cristina and Mirador de Montjuïc terraces, are the latest proposals from the MNAC. This eclectic offer of spaces can be completely themed and ‘reinvented’ for each edition of an event, as happens with the annual Pronovias fashion show. This venue in a prime position for major events also has lesser known offers for smaller formats, such as the Òleum restaurant, its interior patios, or the Sala de la Cúpula.

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Where your event will match excellence The AXA Convention Centre is more than a venue: it’s a Barcelona’s myth.

Designed and built by the worldwide laureate Rafael Moneo the avant-garde design and quality emerge from each and every detail of this building: glasscovered walls, diaphanous bright spaces surrounded by panoramic windows, refined lines and advanced technologies to assure high-quality performances in all your presentations.

This is the AXA Convention Centre: a place to share excellence and to turn up your presentations in memorable events.

- Auditorium: 621 seats along two areas: stalls: 326 / amphitheatre: 295) Located in the main artery of Barcelona - Small meeting rooms: from 20 to 160 the access from the Airport and main train seats. station (Sants) are quick and easy: no more - A.V.: BARCO DLP R-12 (12.000 Ansi Lum) than 20 minutes. Moreover, as a part of L’illa and BARCO iQg-500 (5.000 Ansi Lum).

Diagonal, it is surrounded by a refined shop- 60 sqm Frontal Screen. ping centre, a huge parking lot, hotels bet- P.A. System: D&B Audiotechnik ween 3 to 5 stars, and near 30 restaurants. loudspeakers, five table microphones, six All services and products you may need for wireless microphones (inc. lapel, headband) your activity will be surely provided around.

- 4 booths for simultaneous translation.

- I.R. system for 11 channels We are convinced that the AXA’s Convention Centre is the perfect setting in the city of Barcelona to host your next event: from a small meeting to a big convention, from a concert to a catwalk. Visit our website and get convinced. Wellcome on board!

Auditori AXA Diagonal, 547

Planta Deu i Mata Deu i Mata, 111 (revolving door)

(Centro Comercial L’illa Diagonal) pere.alvarez@axa.es

info.auditori@axa.es

T. 93 290 11 02 Fax 93 290 96 88 www.auditoriaxa.es

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

• CCIB: this convention centre, created for the 2004 Culture Forum, offers 100,000sqm of exhibition and meeting space and a 3,000 pax auditorium.

• Historical venues: the Drassanes (old shipyards and current maritime museum), Gaudí’s famous Casa Batlló, the impressive Castell de Montjuïc and several museums such as the contemporary art venue MACBA… All these venues can be rented for events.

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

• The Mandarin Oriental is famous for its luxury and the cuisine of chef Carme Ruscalleda. Other luxurious options in the centre include the renovated Palace Hotel which has maintained the style of the glamorous 1920s.

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

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

• Fira de Barcelona: the trade show grounds are divided into two areas: one next to Plaça Espanya and the other closer to the airport. Together, they boast 365,000sqm of exhibition space and a convention centre. Lodging needs are met by nearby modern hotels like the Congress or the Porta Fira Barcelona, or the Catalonia hotel which features a vertical garden (opening mid 2012).

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

The Llotja de Mar

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Here cava is an institution... HC Passeig de Gràcia is a new establishment, in the former headquarters of a major cava company located in the city centre

This year Axel Hoteles opened their second hotel in Barcelona, in the Eixample district, with 88 rooms and the Sky Bar The SB Plaza Europa is a new 242-room hotel in the Fira de Barcelona area. The lobby features an 8-metre high wooden bookcase which can hold 10,000 books, a curiosity that makes it the largest hotel library in Spain. It boasts six rooms for events on the ground floor, from 24sqm to 175sqm.

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Highlighted venues

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

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

• Badalona: next to Barcelona, this city has the BCIN convention centre with 1,600sqm for meetings.

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

Activities

In Barcelona • Taller de Trencadís. A piece of Barcelona in your hands … Exploramás proposes making the most of the city’s cultural baggage to create an artistic puzzle. The Taller de Trencadís is an activity in which participants have to use their own hands to create a collective mural using the trencadís technique, made famous by Gaudí, who used it in many of his projects such as the Parc Güell and Casa Batlló.

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

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

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

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

• Barcelona from above: helicopter tours can be arranged.

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

Barcelona in a bag… Exploramás suggests discovering the city through unknown and surprising objects. The participants, divided into teams, have to walk around the city centre, carrying a bagful of objects used to help them overcome each challenge. Reproducing a Barcelona icon in plasticine, finding out where Barça fans celebrate victories, and celebrating championship wins there…

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Activities

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

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

• Let CWT put your driving skills to the test at the Castellolí race track. Participants can try ten different cars from marques such as BMW, VW or Audi in both hands-on and theoretical classes.

• Test a Carver One on a race track! E&TB organises activities in the Can Padró circuit, found near a country house from the 13th century. Driving these vehicles, a sort of combination between a motorcycle and a car, can be a fun option.

• CWT suggests discovering the famous Codorniú Winery in an exclusive guided visit followed by a lunch. During the train tour through the winery and subterranean cellars, the group will be able to admire the architecture of the facility, designed by Catalan Modernist legend Josep Puig i Cadafalch.

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

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

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

European Conference & Incentive Services, S.L.

A professional DMC at your service Personalized services for conferences, meetings, seminars, incentives and special interest groups Hotel research and contract negotiation Research and selection of venues for private events Ground transportation services Taylor made tours and activites Creative entertainment proposals On site co-ordination services

ECIS (European Conference & Incentive Services, S. L.) C/ Francesc Carbonell 36, loc. (08034 Barcelona) - Spain S PA IN FO R E V EN TS | E V EN TO S M A G A Z INE | 37 Tel. (+ 34) 93 206 04 04 • Fax. (+ 34) 93 280 61 30 www.ecis-dmc.com • e-mail: ecis@ecis-dmc.com

Gran Via Conference Center Contact The cutting-edge Gran Via Conference Centre , designed by the acclaimed Pritzker Prize architect Toyo Ito, is the largest in Barcelona in terms of conference rooms and exhibition surface.

CAPACITIES Total Surface 24.000 sq Surface of Largest Room 14.000 sqm Number of Rooms 70

Located 10km from the airport and 3km from downtown it is linked to public transportation and is surrounded by sophisticated and functional hotels.

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Guest Events

Phone +34 932 332 000 guestevents@firabarcelona.com www.firabarcelona-guestevents.com/ en/corporate-events Avda. Reina Maria Cristina, s/n 08004 Barcelona Catalonia Spain

Centrally located and easily accessible with a wide range of hotels, restaurants and bars nearby, against the backdrop of the iconic and beautiful Montjuic fountains, the Italian Pavilion is spacious and completely clear columnless space. Its versatility is able to cope with any type of event.

CAPACITIES Total Surface Capacity

2.397sqm 1.720 pax

Italian Pavilion

The Magic Fountain, with its water, lights and music show, is the main feature of the collection of waterfalls and ponds on Avinguda Maria Cristina, which stretches from the Palau Nacional to Plaça Espanya in Montjuïc. The fountain is an unforgettable welcome to the attendees of dinners and launch campaigns. Its versatility allows the organization of catwalks, anniversaries, conventions, dinners, championships, weddings, shootings... Previous clients include Accenture, L’Oréal, Roche, Puig, Grünenthal, Synthon Hispania, BMW, Mango, Audi, Pronovias, Nike, Pepsico, Altadis, Stage Entertainment and Belron.

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Local symbolic elements at the Allianz convention

The Oval Room of the MNAC was the space selected for an Allianz convention for 250 people from all over Europe, which included a gala dinner and performances organised by Dicom. The space was divided into three areas with mobile curtains and featured the olive tree as a natural decorative element. The event incorporated symbolic elements from the city of Barcelona, with a performance of castellers and a show at the Montju誰c fountains.

Barcelona is also becoming fashionable as the stage for family macro-events. This includes Indian weddings, which are now becoming more frequent, thanks to a highly successful Bollywood film on the city. One of the most spectacular celebrations, that of the Mittal family, gathered over 500 guests in various spots of the city, including the Maritime Museum and the MNAC. For the gala dinner held in the Drassanes of the Maritime Museum the idea was to recreate the feeling of diving to the bottom of the sea. To do this Paraddax created an entire underwater dinner where the first symbolic dive plunged guests into a sea of clouds created by a screen of fog. Once inside, the guests were surrounded by fish, the mirror-sardines more than a metre long which dotted the room with their silver hues. During dinner they were treated to a show in which artists dressed as sailors participated in a trampowall. Paraddax also organised a show in which a dancer flew over the Magic Fountain of Montju誰c. She floated delicately up in the air with the help of 300 helium balloons to mark the beginning of a fireworks display.

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we create experiences.

We transform ideas into unique experiences.

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Barcelona Roger, 65. 08028 (+34) 902 190 415 info@unitelements.com

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Your communication & events agency S PA IN FO R E V EN TS from Barcelona

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Mercedes-Benz inaugurates the new spaces of Sant Pau

The Modernist Hospital de Sant Pau is a must for the city’s recently recovered events. Inaugurated last February after years of painstaking restoration, its Modernist installations made their debut with the presentation of the new Mercedes-Benz GLA and C models in an event organised by MING agency. Over 1,300 people visited the Sala Convent, chosen by the agency for its impression of openness: 1,000sqm of space enveloped in Modernist architecture, which was used in the two video mapping pieces, one for each stage. Another element adding to the spectacle of the event was the lighting which gave sophistication to the atmosphere, and a series of chill-out spaces in grey metal constructions built specifically for the events, with large beige linen cushions and hundreds of candles.

For a group of Asian guests from Longines, Dicom Events developed a socio-cultural action with close links to Barcelona traditions and covering gastronomy, art, sport, music and architecture. Activities included a tourist route through the city, as well as a shopping route, and the biggest success, a tapas route ending up with a final dinner at CervecerĂ­a Moritz, one of the most fashionable and trendiest spots in modern-day Barcelona, where tradition and modernity mix, and a favourite with the local public.

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

Š Imagen M.A.S.

Venues surrounded by Art

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Recreating the Mercat de la Boquería in the Poble Espanyol Navigators, galleys, and sailors in a period dinner The Maritime Museum is one of the most spectacular spaces in the city and DMC Spaintacular made the most of it using it for the schedule of the Global HCV Forum, organising a gala dinner set in the sixteenth century, the golden age of Spanish navigation. Classicism and history met at the Barcelona Winds Gala. Spaintacular organised a dinner in the royal Drassanes of the Maritime Museum to give the impression of being rowed in a boat.

The 350 guests were welcomed in the gardens by some very mediaeval characters: six minstrels singing to entertain them when they arrived. While sipping cava, guests witnessed sailors landing to recreate the port atmosphere of the time, leading up to the appearance of Christopher Columbus, who was the real master of ceremonies, accompanying them all night long. The classic atmosphere was enhanced with decoration and lighting in gold and vermilion in the huge shipyards, and a reproduction of the Royal Galley of Juan de Austria. This space was used for the cocktails and gala dinner and they were entertained by an all-woman string trio, a group of 20 classical guitars and three opera singers.

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Poble Espanyol is one of the more interesting spaces for events in the city: its panoramic view of the country recreates the streets and squares of the whole of Spain. A thousand guests from an American laboratory organised an original dinner that imitated one of the most emblematic spaces in Barcelona, the Mercat de la Boquería, in one of the squares of the Poble Espanyol. Stalls with fruit and fresh fish beside food displays based on the very same products, and an entrance which was a reproduction of that of this famous typical market in the Barcelona Ramblas, all emulated its atmosphere.

Poble Espanyol was also the venue chosen by a well-known French bridalwear brand to stage and organise different fashion shows, as well as a cocktail party to give guests a ‘taste of’ some of the most typical Catalan traditions such as ‘falcons’ and ‘castellers’.

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A N O G A TARR

The Tarraco Arena Plaça (TAP) hosted the IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) annual gala dinner in November, with 1,300 people from 62 different countries in attendance.

Restored in 2010, it has seating for 5,000 or double that if you include the bullring enclosure.

‘Concurs de Castells’ and swimming among giant tuna

Gladiators, castells, sea, gastronomy of Ancient Rome, golf… We are talking about Tarragona, whose past is very present in any event.

Under the motto ‘Your event will make history’, the city proposes using its historic heritage for a series of initiatives that bring all the flavour of the past to the event. Compact and convenient, most venues for events are found in a small area near the Palau and the Seminari, and 10 minutes from the main hotels; with warm temperatures all year round, close to the PortAventura attraction park with its convention centre and the triple ‘U’ of Unesco (the city itself, the castells and the Mediterranean diet are all World Heritage) it is definitely a destination to take into consideration.

The streets of Tarragona are a huge open-air museum: the circus, amphitheatre, necropolis and aqueduct were all declared World Heritage sites by UNESCO, although Roman traces are also found in the most unsuspected places, such as bars or the Palacio de Congresos with its natural stone walls. In addition, entertainment can be provided with gladiator battles, teambuildings of castellers (human towers), visits to the nearby wineries of the Priorat region or PortAventura, or with the practice of water sports in the nearby Costa Daurada. In terms of venues, the region has some big enough to host major events, like the PortAventura Convention Centre, as well as some very distinctive ones, from the Castell de Tamarit to the Tinglados del Puerto, or the Termas de Montbrió.

The Tarraco Plaza Arena (TAP), the former bullring in Tarragona, has been renovated as a multi-purpose space for major events like the 2017 Mediterranean Games. Conserving the neo-Modernist exterior, the inside is amazingly modern. With its 55m diameter and a surface are of 2,376sqm, the arena can hold 5,800 people, in addition to seating 4,974, and there is a second gallery measuring 1,800sqm. Spaces for celebrating sports, fairs, concerts and gala dinners, and even the traditional Castell competitions celebrated there every two years.

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The 4*Hotel Tryp Port in Cambrils was the choice of a group who wanted to experience the culture of ‘castells’. After arriving and tasting some local products in La Boella, the group enjoyed the ‘Tuna tour’, which took them out to sea to swim among giant tuna.

After visiting PortAventura and Lumine, where they tried their hand at golf for the first time, and a cocktail dinner at El Seminari, they were taken to the 4*Hotel Gran Claustre in Altafulla to give them a taste of this tourist area. The following day the group visited the Castell de Tamarit, and were taken round classical Tarragona, enjoying the ‘Concurs Internacional de Castells’ at midday.

Rounding off the visit was a lunch at Restaurante Balandra, one of the most emblematic restaurants in the fishermen’s quarter.

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The Roman amphitheatre by the sea is one of the most spectacular spots in the city to organise a history-themed event.

It was once used for all sorts of gladiator spectacles and shows with wild animals.

The Palau Firal i de Congressos in Tarragona is distinguished for one of its walls, which is made out of natural rock, and for its large archways.

The building has two auditoriums and twelve halls and can hold up to 1,145 people in the main hall. The auditoriums are the main rooms, while floor -2 houses a 3,000sqm multi-purpose space for commercial exhibitions and banquets.

The Jornadas de Divulgaci贸n Hist贸rica Romana, Tarraco Viva, held in the second fortnight in May, show reproductions of life in Roman times, including gladiator fights

PortAventura Business & Events has its own convention centre, which includes four hotels providing 2,000 rooms, golf and teambuilding and other activities, attractions and shows. PortAventura Convention Centre has two floors and can hold 4,000 people

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The Auditori del Camp de Mart can hold around 1,800 people

C ATA L O N I A

A N O R I G

Those attending a tourism congress in Girona were absolutely thrilled when after a meal in Celler de Can Roca, which had just been chosen the second best restaurant in the world by the Michelin Guide (best in the world last year), Joan Roca came out in person to talk to them about current affairs in gastronomy and everything under the sun. This anecdote sums up the city’s character: we mustn’t be fooled by its air of discretion. This sleepy town’s desire to avoid fanfares explains why many in our sector are still unaware of its potential.

A historical heritage which includes a major Jewish legacy, its location in a prime green space and one of the best cuisines in the world are just some of its hidden attractions, not to mention its closeness to the famous Costa Brava. Its gastronomy has reaped its rewards in both El Celler de Can Roca and in Ferra Adrià’s El Bulli, chosen for some years as the best restaurant in the world.

Another of Girona’s attractions is its historical heritage: the Jewish legacy is in its DNA and it is one of the six Spanish cities taking part in the Meetings in Sefarad association, which promotes congress tourism in cities noted for their Jewish past. As well as one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in the world it has spaces like the Jewish Museum, with a courtyard for events.

As for its hotel infrastructure, Girona has several 4* hotels, mostly in the old city centre, and 5* hotels such as the AC Palau Bellavista. Some of its outstanding venues are the 11th-century Fontana d’Or, with its Romanesque and Gothic architecture and several rooms; the 14th-century convent which is now the Centro Cultural La Mercè; and the Teatro de Sant Domènech, a former church converted into a theatre; the Art Museum; the Casino or the Municipal Theatre.

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VA LENCI A

A I C N E VAL

Fun Facts • The saying estar en la luna de Valencia (to be under the moon(light) of Valencia) applies to someone who, because of distraction, doesn’t get to do what he wants. It originated when Valencia was a fortified city whose doors closed every night. Whoever didn’t make it back in on time had to spend the night in the moonlight, outside the city gates.

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

Where else in the world will you find a city with inhabitants dedicating months to build huge and carefully elaborated figures—las fallas—to satirically represent reality and then burn them all in a single night of madness? Valencia is excessive, cheerful and special, but is also boasts important infrastructures for events. In recent years, it has specialized in hosting major sports and cultural events. One of the most impressive facilities is known as Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (Museum of Arts and Science). Nestled among traditional and charming neighborhoods with one of the most vibrant nightlives of Spain, Valencia enjoys sunshine all year round; thanks to this and other factors, it has become one of Spain’s preferred MICE cities.

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A Very Exclusive Falla No event has a stronger link with Valencia than las Fallas, a traditional festival in which enormous, beautiful statues are burnt to a crisp. Carlson Wagonlit Travel offered a car company the chance to experience their own private version of las Fallas. The agency handed out traditional las Fallas garb, including the typical Valencian blouse and bandana, before going to a Falla studio. Then, participants took a class on constructing the effigies where an artist then showed guests the various phases of production of these wonderful statues. Participants also learned valuable lessons about teamwork when they worked together to make their own statue of a “Ninot”. Once the activity concluded, guests were taken to Huerto de Santa María, where dinner was served and prizes presented. To top off the event in a traditional fashion, a group put on a typical Valencian performance of “Moors and Christians” that was followed by a fireworks display, open bar and a DJ.

VA LENCI A

The Feria Valencia Convention Center is a pioneer in “green intelligence” with initiatives such as the huge photovoltaic roof which in the past five years, has proven its ability to generate electricity, surpassing the 1.5 million kWh.

One of the most attractive and innovative solutions for events is to dine among sharks, which is a possibility at the impressive Oceanographic Museum. The stars of the aquarium are sharks and stingrays; guests have the privilege to observe these creatures first hand during any event held there. This double structure is connected by a 30 meter, transparent acrylic tunnel, thus facilitating a full view of submarine fauna. Likewise, the 585 square meter interior area has an 80-seat capacity, or 150 in the case of a cocktail.

Famous for…

• Paella: Valencia is home of the most famous Spanish dish and other local productions such as oranges and horchata, a refreshing beverage made from almonds, rice, barley or chufas (tigernuts).

• The fallas is a traditional and highly colorful street celebration where the locals build enormous paper statues. These works of art are on displayed in the streets and plazas, to then be burned in an impressive celebration.

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

‘Cold dinner’ at Huerto de Santa María A night of contrasts! Daytime warmth combines with the refreshing ice of a dinner party organized by Grass Roots for 160 workers from a transportation company. The backdrop was the Huerto de Santa María (Saint Mary Garden) and its extensive gardens. All of the decorations were ice sculptures, with led-illuminated ice centerpieces and company logo etched on the sculpture. An ice beverage bar welcomed guests who enjoy an evening that concluded with a group imitating the Beatles.

The Queen Sofia Palace of the Arts, designed by Calatrava, offers spaces such as the Main Hall to house an audience of 1500, Balcó del la Mar for 400 or las Terrasses de les Palmeres for 500.

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Inaugurated in 2003, the Oceanographic Museum is the largest marine center of Europe. The Mar Rojo Auditorium, with an oval-shaped amphitheater format, with two huge panoramic aquariums, each measuring 24 meters in length, or the underwater restaurant are but a few of the exciting space on offer.

Activities

Highlighted venues

In Valencia • The City of Arts and Science: it is the flagship of the city’s renovation. It includes auditoriums, an aquarium, and the Palau de les Arts (Palace of Arts), all located along almost two kilometers, following the Turia Riverbed and with a 350,000 square meter surface area.

• The “Golden Triangle”: this area is made up of the central market, the Llotja de Mercaders and the church of Santos Juanes, and is one of the most beautiful areas of the city.

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

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

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

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

• The Valencia Conference Centre: designed by Norman Foster, it can host 4,000 guests, with 1,480 in the main hall.

• Feria Valencia: this trade show venue has expanded drastically over the last few years, and now offers 231,000sqm of space, making it the largest single trade show area in Spain. It also features a convention center with a 5,000-person capacity.

• The Ágora, also by Calatrava, completes the City of Arts and Science with space for over 5,000 people.

• Hotel Palacio Marqués de Caro 5*: this 19th-century palace, situated in the centre of Valencia, offers a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Outside Valencia Don’t miss the country houses and castles. Among them, Campo Aníbal: (a beautiful mansion named after Hannibal, who stayed there on his way north from Africa), the Hort de Santa María or the Masia de Xamandreu. Markets such as the Mercat Central or the Mercat de Colón can also be rented for events.

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• Bike Tour along the Turia River: Valencia has a river that has been turned into a park. On bike, you can follow the river to its delta, where the City of Arts and Science is located.

• Orange Grove Tours: guests can pick their own oranges that they can later eat or use in a cooking class, whether for sauces, desserts or drinks such as the famous agua de valencia.

• Paella Cooking Show in la Albufera, with a walk through a nature reserve, a visit to rice paddies and a class where participants learn how to make Valencia’s star dish—la paella—at a traditional Valencian house.

• Enjoy a night-time visit to the Aquarium at the City of Arts and Science, the largest in Europe, which features exotic fish, sharks, beluga whales, walruses and an exclusive dinner in the restaurant El Submarino.

• Poker Experience. The Casino de Valencia offers poker-themed teambuilding activities where participants can take part in group classes and demonstrations on how to improve their hand.

• Tapas & Wine Tour: Valencia has a wide range of restaurants perfect for organizing a tapas tour complete with fine, local name-controlled wines.

• Sampling Tour at the Central Market: one of the city’s most interesting culinary activities is a visit to the Central Market, where guests can experience a tasting of local products or a tour through the various stands.

• Traditional boat ride departing from the America’s cup port: after sailing along the coasts, the boat stops at the beach to allow guests to go for a swim and snorkel. The boat ride includes lunch, a glass of champagne, open bar, and a singer and guitarist playing Spanish music. Offered by Pacific World.

Electric blue visits the Palau de las Arts

The Palace of the Arts, or Palau de les Arts as it is known locally, is truly an imposing structure that hosts some of the city’s most important events. Also, the lighting can be adjusted to taste for corporate events. BMW chose this venue for the 50th anniversary of a local dealer. For that event, the building was dyed blue, including the dome, showing a number of details of the event, including the catering. Thus, with such a major event that is counted on the presence of multiple celebrities wanting to share the excitement and see how the Palau dome was dressed en electric blue for an evening.

In February, five-star, super luxury Hotel Balneario Las Arenas hosted an event tasting like wine… L’Espai Verema 2014. The 9-hour event caught the eye of more than 2000 wine and cuisine enthusiasts and professionals were on hand to taste the wines from some 100 national and international in the hotel halls, facing the ocean. The event began with Desafío Experiencia Verema (the Verema Experience Challenge). It was a blind tasting contest of six wines, chosen randomly by experts visiting the previous day, from among all those on show at L’Espai. There were also wine tastings for groups of 40 to 45 people, as well as the closing dinner at Restaurante Vertical (1 Michelin star) in Valencia, coupled with a number of award-winning wines.

VALENCIA & CIUDAD DE LAS ARTES Y LAS CIENCIAS

UN I QU E E V E N T S T AK E P L AC E I N UN I QU E C I T I ES Just Valencia, one of the most innovative and charismatic cities in Europe, could accommodate inside it a XXI century true icon: the City of Arts and Sciences. An exceptional location with several spaces and endless creative possibilities that will allow you to convert from the largest to the most intimate event in a unique event.

(34) 96 197 44 36 路 actosyeventos@cac.es All the possibilities for your event:

http://meetingsandevents.cac.es

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Z A R AG OZ A

A Z O G ZARA

Geography alone makes it special: half way between Madrid and Barcelona, and a stone’s throw from the incredible Pyrenees Geography alone makes this crossroads-city truly special: half-way between Madrid and Barcelona, a stone’s throw from the rugged Pyrenees, the spectacular Monegros desert or the valleys of Huesca, the Aragonese capital could hardly have a better location. This position is enhanced by the fact that it is now Spain’s first city in terms of logistical capacity and its fifth in terms of population. And Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia are all connected with Zaragoza via the AVE high-speed train.

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All this is complimented by the fact that this 2,000-year-old city has been coloured by nearly all the cultures that dominated the Iberian Peninsula over that period. Each one left its own unique mark on the city’s rich architecture and culture and has resulted in the perfect backdrop for the modern architecture of Expo 2008, located on the banks of the great Ebro River.

Z A R AG OZ A

Highlighted venues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Hotel Reina Petronila 5* and Universo Aragonia: inside the large cultural centre designed by the international architect Rafel Moneo, this hotel plus the auditorium and the other 15 meeting rooms can become a real convention center by joining all the spaces. The result is a venue with capacity for more than 1,000 pax.

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

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

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

The II Conference of Chinese Friendly cities, held in Zaragoza in late March, is further evidence of the interest of Zaragoza to attract international events. More than 200 experts discussed how to provide a better service to visitors from the Asian country, which stands as the first source of tourists in Zaragoza this year, with 15% more than in 2013.

Activities

• The Parque del Agua (Water Park) offers adventure sports: rafting, golf, train, bike and water-laser games.

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

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

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

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

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Z A R AG OZ A

Volkswagen takes over Zaragoza with a “macroevent”

During three weeks, Volkswagen took over Zaragoza for a macroevent organised by Zibert + Friends and ITB dmc to present the seventh generation of the brand’s famous Golf. The event mobilised half the city, with a special impact on the Expo zone, where Ranillas infrastructural icons were rented for four months. Some of the facilities used were the Torre del Agua, the Pabellón Puente, the Amphitheatre and the Conference Cetnre. Furthermore, organisers had to plan out the logistics at the Feria de Zaragoza so participants could test out the car on a small track. The Expo zone was converted into the nerve centre of the whole operation, which featured experiences focused on both theory and on-road testing, all centred around 120 new Golfs.

24 Hours of non-stop activity Legendary German precision was completely necessary when it came time to organise an event with so many attendees. Each day, no less than 400 members of the Volkswagen sales team landed each day, stayed for one night and left the following afternoon, crossing with the next incoming group as they left town in a complicated logistical choreography. After landing in the afternoon, guests checked in at the airport in ad hoc stations. Luggage was transferred to their respective hotels, which were all part of the Palafox chain: the Iberus, the Reina Petronila and the Alfonso. The final hotel, Tryp Zarazoga, hosted staff and organisers.

During the luggage transfer, the group made their way by bus to the Rey winery where they enjoyed lunch featuring highlights of local gastronomy, including vermicelli noodles, rice dishes and other Mediterranean cuisine. After, they made their way to the Convention Centre, completely done up in thematic décor, where they attended an opening. This featured a presentation of the new model by way of an audiovisual presentation on a cinema screen surrounded by a false road on which the “mystery vehicle” kept appearing and disappearing.

After the presentation, participants broke up into groups of 24, each one with a host that would accompany the group for the duration of the event. That afternoon, half the group went through “ground school”, participating in classes, workshops and other theoretical presentations. Meanwhile, the other half hit the road in a real-world, hands-on driving experience. Everything was precisely coordinated to the minute so that both halves of the group would reunite in the main hall of the Conference Centre for a coffee break. This pause was set against the backdrop of a bespoke mock-up of an actual VW dealership, complete with three cars and a waiting room (which even featured magazines!).

Thanks to this set-up, participants felt exactly like their clients.

After a break, they once again returned to informative sessions. One presentation involved comparing various cars in the garage of the Expo, which was converted into an F1 pit stop and featured competition models alongside more conventional examples. There, dealers compared the stats of all cars present and examined and contrasted details ranging from trunk sizes to legroom. Next, they set out on a 40-minute drive around the outskirts of Zaragoza.

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Around 7pm, first-day sessions ended and participants made their way back to their respective hotels. After an hour of free time, they once again set out for a night-time rendezvous at the water tower, located in the Expo zone. The tower was lit up in blue and was decorated with a giant (23-storey!) number seven representing the seventh version of the Golf.

The group made their way to the top floor in lifts that had been covered up to increase the suspense of the experience. Once on top, they discovered spectacular views, a cooking show and cocktails. After 40 relaxing minutes in the penthouse, guests walked down the stairs to the seventh floor—only the ground floor, the seventh and the 23rd were available—while enjoying music from a live DJ spinning to a coordinated light show. Every other floor, the dealers would come across a side area with a buffet featuring German specialities cooked up by the German catering company VW regularly works with. After, everyone (including the DJ) made their way to the seventh floor which, for oneand-a-half months, had been converted to Club Seven.

There, participants enjoyed cocktails, dancers and a show with “vertical artists” suspended from the ceiling.

However, the true centre of attention was the car— actually a model—that was suspended on the cement walls and brought to life by videomapping. Around 11pm, guests made their way back to their hotels.

After breakfast, participants left their bags at the reception desk and set out once again for the Conference Centre and Expo zone. Their hosts led them to their corresponding areas, where they traded roles in respect to the previous day. After another midmorning coffee break, sessions continued before guests went to the pavilion bridge where they viewed a closing ceremony before exiting via the bridge. On the other side of the Ebro, buses were waiting to take them back to the airport where stands featuring their luggage (and refreshments) awaited them.

ASTURIAS

S A I R ASTU

The San Juan de Nieva lighthouse is a unique space overlooking the famous Cape Peñas, the northernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula. With views of the turbulent waters of the Cantabrian Sea, it has been used in international films. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor events, guests can enjoy the power of nature as it unfolds below from its large windows. If it’s a stormy day, the view gets even more spectacular…

The capital’s Expo and Convention Hall is one of the largest venues at this destination.

Inaugurated in 2011, it’s part of a large complex that includes a 4* hotel.

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ASTURIAS

With one of the best quality/price ratios in the country and venues as original as old mines, solitary lighthouses and old railway stations, Asturias is one of those destinations that still has a lot of surprises to offer. Steep cliffs and endless green mountain waves give this corner of the country a much more Irish look than that of a typical Spanish postcard.

The proximity between its three main destinations is another advantage. The dynamic Gijón, the transformed Avilés and the historic Oviedo create a triangle that can easily be included in one trip.

Avilés surprises with an evocative selection of creative venues for meetings, including lighthouses, old mines (safely retrofitted, naturally!), classic theatres and even cheese factories. And the striking Centre designed

by Niemeyer is just the tip of the iceberg for the new Avilés…

Gijón, on the other hand, offers everything from events in the Botanical Garden at night or among sharks at the Aquarium to others connected to the local industrial history such as La Laboral or the Railway Museum as well as others like the Molinón Stadium where you can experience one of the local passions football.

Rather than simply rely on its historical charm, Oviedo continues to strengthen its selection of venues. Oviedo Conferences recommends Cisvial, a 400.000-sqm facility just 20 minutes from Oviedo, or the Lola Orato art space, a centrally located gallery that can be rented for a sophisticated cocktail reception. Meanwhile, the Aquaxana spa rounds out the the facilities at the Caldas Villa Termal hot springs, offering night-time hot baths.

What better way to relax after a long day on an incentive trip? Another option is the Tierra Astur Águila Cider House, a typical Asturian restaurant where guests can dine in a barrel.

Asturias has one of the best quality/price ratios in the country Fun Facts • Cider, the region’s traditional drink, has been documented in Asturias for more than 2,000 years, and was already being enjoyed when the Romans arrived. It is usually enjoyed in lagares (local cider houses).

• Being one of the greenest regions in the country as well as the Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe) park, situated in the Cantabrian mountains.

Surprising nooks In Oviedo • Sculptures: more than 100 sculptures of varying styles can be found throughout the city. There is even one of Woody Allen.

• Campo San Francisco: in the heart of the city centre, this 90,000-sqm space has 127 species of plants. Oviedo has more than one million square metres of green areas.

• Monte Naranco: this rounded hill measuring 636m and with more than 30,000sqm of natural open space crowns the Asturian capital.

In Gijón • Cimadevilla Neighbourhood: this old Roman settlement has been declared an artistic site and houses some of the most emblematic buildings in Gijón. It also has lots of popular bars and the sculpture Elogio del Horizonte, a symbol of the city.

• Aquarium: it is composed of a screening room, a panoramic restaurant, a workshop and a marine bird observatory.

• Talasoponiente: a thalassotherapy centre which is part of the “The City of Water”, located right next to the Aquarium.

The Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Centre, designed by the prestigious Brazilian architect, is a truly outstanding venue. This site is comprised of five unique areas: the sinuous Auditorium, which holds 1,000 pax, complemented with the Foyer for events and the Club for smaller groups; the Dome, with 2.500sqm for exhibition and the Tower, a perfect stage for culinary events that features a cocktail bar. Finally there’s the Multi-purpose Building, which features a reception area, cafeteria and meeting rooms. The buildings are all connected with an open square with space for 10,000 attendees.

Magical Nights in the Botanical Garden

For a truly magical night in Gijón there’s nothing better than the Botanical Garden which was recently reactivated for events. Orange, MBA and Merck are some of the latest companies to choose this venue where meetings can be organized in the northern pavilion with a later visit to see the exotic species and ending with an informal cider party lunch. Nocturnia is the new proposal which invites you to discover the life of nocturnal birds of prey.

Surrounded by a thousand-year-old forest, we’ll be able to see how these predators live at night. Before or after, you can have dinner or a cocktail in the northern pavilion which is covered by a glass roof.

Another interesting venue is hidden right in the heart of the Botanical Garden - the 19th century Finca La Isla which has hosted events such as the European Ministers of the Economy dinner in 2001, presentations like the one when Minute Maid went public or, more recently, a Jägermeister event.

It can seat up to 110 diners and features an old courtyard that is often used as a dance floor.

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ASTURIAS

Highlighted venues

In Oviedo • The Convention and Exhibition Centre, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is in the centre of Oviedo. Measuring out at 15,530sqm, it is one of the biggest in Spain.

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

• Reconquista Hotel: this historic hotel includes an impressive hall which once was the chapel of a hospice dating back to the 17th century.

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

In Gijón • Convention and Exhibition Centre: 160,000sqm situated in the heart of the city’s trade-show area. It has a hall for 800 pax and two conference rooms for 200 pax.

• Laboral City of Art and Culture: This event-friendly complex combines a historical building and a theatre seating 1,500 pax as well as various meeting rooms, including the original Clock Room, where you can celebrate your events.

• The Asturian Rail Museum: The train museum has locomotives that can be used for events. A meeting can even be held on the train tracks!

• Finca La Isla: built in 1870, this site brings together the beauty of plants and the symbol of water. It is located in the Botanico Atlántico botanical gardens.

El Molinón, the stadium for football team Sporting de Gijón, is one of this year’s star venues. The entity that promotes meetings and congresses in the region, opted for the venue when they hosted an event for 200 pax on the football pitch itself. A transparent tent was integrated into the stadium and decorated in the colours of the organising group. A cocktail reception was held on the grass and featured a visit to the Sporting Business Club and even the locker room.

Fancy having an event at a submarine coal mine? With its submarine galleries and beautiful beach, the Castillete de la Mina de Arnao is sure to impress.

This icon of Asturias’ industrial heritage served to extract underwater coal deposits. Recently restored, this venue thrills visitors with a trip down to the mine in a cage lowered into a vertical mine shaft. Once below, visitors can explore underground mine shafts.

A secret tunnel… under a distillery

A hidden tunnel under an Asturian distillery for an old coal transport railway project that never started up; it’s certainly one of the most interesting venues you can find in the salty city. It’s at Lagar Trabanco, one of the most enterprising cider producers in Asturias where the group can celebrate a cider party with a cup bearer competition and even make their own cider or a cocktail at the old entrance to the railway tunnel. Ikea, BBVA, Dupont have already tried this experience.

Events between the tracks at the Railway Museum

With an extensive collection of steam engines, the Railway Museum is one of the most special for events in Gijón. It features several spaces including the main platform from the old station for 400 people and the very attractive “Playa de Vías”, a place for outdoor activities where trains can be rented.

With 2,000sqm and night lighting, it’s the crown jewel of this venue.

If you’d also like a unique touch, you can try the “railway pot”.

Connected to the city’s industrial tradition, it’s a very special stew to eat on board a real wooden steam and diesel train that runs through the Museum. The stew was usually prepared by the railway workers with the steam from the train and now it’s prepared for event guests… It’s cooked slowly and the steam and the pot give a special flavor to the traditional potatoes and rice with meat dishes.

Activities

• Experience the Ruta’l Quesu y la Sidra, or Cheese and Cider Tour. Visit a cheese shop, a cheese-ageing cave, an apple grove and, finally, a lagar, or cider house, where you will experience a traditional espicha (cider party). Another option is the Ruta de la Sidra, or Apple and Cider route, which includes a visit to a cider museum, an apple plantation and some of the wineries to the east of Gijón. The Comarca de la Sidra Foundation also offers activities focussed on discovering the production methods of typical local products.

• Discover coastal villages by boat. Embarking from Gijón or Avilés, DMC When&Where offers to take groups of up to 50 pax on short voyages to discover the most charming of the Asturian coastal villages. The tours last between six and eight hours and can be held on sail boats, yachts or catamarans.

• Visit the caves where cabrales, a delicious goat cheese, is aged and learn about its production process. Then experience a cheese tasting with more than 40 types of cheese coupled with the best wines… all in the spectacular setting of the Picos de Europa.

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BASQUE COUNTRY

O A B L BI

No one has ever taken advantage of an opportunity as Bilbao did back in 1997 with the opening of the Guggenheim which revolutionized the city including the recovery of the estuary and a face lift to make it friendlier. An economic, urbanistic and environmental change that brought about the rebirth of this industrial city.

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Activities

• A walk through the old quarter, the suburban development or the 21st century city. Several local DMC organize walking trips or estuary boat trips.

• The gastronomy Mecca. Whether with popular tapas routes or at high-society restaurants (many, many Michelin stars have been awarded in the region), you must take advantage of its gastronomic fame and give in to the local proposals.

• Luxury cars at an old fortress. The DMC Bilbao Paso a Paso proposes a visit to the Loizaba Tower in the Concejuelo Castle, a fortress that hides a collection of classical cars.

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BASQUE COUNTRY

basquetour

It has gone from an industrial pole to a cosmopolitan city boiling over with culture all while maintaining its dynamism and parliamentary tradition. This baggage has left it not only with its 4,000 hotel rooms, but also a series renovated infrastructures for events such as the Euskalduna Palace, the Bilbao Exhibition Centre, the Iberdrola Tower, the Guggenheim, the Arriaga Theatre and the Alhondiga.

Well-connected with a very strong personality and reputable culinary fame, it’s a city where luxury gastronomic incentive trips work very well.

The second largest on the continent The centrally-located Palacio de Congresos y de la Música Euskalduna which is the largest in the country and second-largest in Europe with 58,200sqm and named the Best Convention Centre in the World in 2003, symbolizes the last ship built at the old Euskalduna Shipyard. With 2,164 seats, the auditorium is supplemented by the Theatre Hall with 613 seats, an exhibition area and one of the most well-known restaurants in the Basque Country with catering.

On the other hand, the Bilbao Exhibition Centre offers 150,000sqm with an 18,000sqm convention centre, halls for 2,500 people and a multi-purpose area called “Luxua”.

Floor 24 in the Iberdrola Tower stands out with 1,000sqm of multi-purpose space 111 m high in the air. Other options include the modern Alhondiga, the hundred-year-old Arriaga Theatre, the Campos Elíseso Theatre which was built in 1901 and recently reformed, the Ilgner building which is a unique industrial site or the University of Deusto which allows for gatherings in closed cloisters in the auditorium.

Circus magic at the Campos Elíseos Theatre

ITB dmc offered a group of clients of a German insurance company the experience of an immersion in Basque cultured at the hands of the Genius Agency. Some of the activities included tapas in the old quarter, a master class by Eneko Atxa at the 3 Michelin star Azurmendi restaurant and a visit and exclusive dinner at the Guggenheim.

Highlighted venues

• Guggenheim Museum: a unique environment for prestigious meetings. It has three areas for events: the atrium, the auditorium and the hall. Booking the venue requires being a corporate member of the museum.

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

• Teatro Arriaga: located in the Old Quarter, its auditorium can fit 1,200 pax.

The furniture follows the style of the era, as do the magnificent embroidered carpets.

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

• Alhondiga Bilbao: this old modernist wine warehouse was declared a “Cultural Property” by the Basque Government in 1999. Now, the facility is celebrating 100 years of existence after the restoration of its facade and interior, including new areas built under the supervision of Philippe Starck.

This urban space, sober but original, is full of surprises that will leave no one indifferent.

• Euskalduna Conference Centre: it unveiled a 2,200sqm new space extending into the interior esplanade. This structure will give a brand new look to the cityscape while capitalising on existing pedestrian access and loading areas, improving the facility’s connectivity. The new space will sit under a large metallic covering which will shelter a variety of different halls which can be converted into a large space for over 400 people.

• Bilbao Arena: the award-winning Bilbao Arena, lauded by the Arch Daily as the best sports facility of 2011, opened a new space with a capacity approaching 9,000 spectators, which can used for both sporting and nonsporting events.

• The Torre Iberdrola, is a reference point for sustainable businesses and it is open for events: the Business Center has five halls totalling 320sqm.

The 24th floor has an open space of 1,000sqm with 100m height and offers spectacular views.

• The Campos Elíseos Theatre, which dates to 1901, was restored in 2011. Featuring the latest technology in its various meeting rooms, this modernist building is also protected as a building of architectural and cultural significance.

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BASQUE COUNTRY

Rural Basque sports for an insurance company Local traditions offer a lot to play with. Terra Consultoría organized a series of activities in Bilbao for the executives of an insurance company which included cutting wood and lifting stones as well as exhibition matches by the best pelotaris in the world.

Many venues in Bilbao are celebrating their anniversaries… The Innevento Agency managed the 15th anniversary of the Palacio Euskalduna which received 10,000 visitors. Other important events included the 10th anniversary of the Maritime Museum and the 10th anniversary of the BEC.

N A I T S A B E S SAN

Located on the Cantabrian coast, this glamorous destination is known for being the place with the most Michelin stars per square mile in the world. However, it’s more than world-renowned gastronomy that secured this city status as European Capital of Culture for 2016. Other assets of this “Little Paris” include great natural beauty—its beach is considered one of the most beautiful in the country—and a vibrant cultural life marked by three international festivals: the Jazzaldía jazz festival, the renowned film festival and Gartronomika.

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It’s more than worldrenowned gastronomy that secured this city status as European Capital of Culture for 2016

BASQUE COUNTRY

With all this going for it, San Sebastián has become a destination in demand that goes beyond Spain’s classic fun-inthe-sun reputation. Though considered “one of the top five summer destinations in the world” by The Guardian, the capital of Biscay is also ready for business travel, with an excellent selection of hotels and both new and recently remodelled venues. One stand-out option is Rafael Moneo’s now classic Kursaal, which is joined by unique new choices like the Balenciaga Museum.

Other restored sites for events include the San Telmo Museum, a 16th century Dominican convent where dinners can be held in the church and cloister for up to 670 people and the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, one of the most emblematic buildings in the city. Following a remodeling, it now features a main hall to celebrate events with a non-theatre perspective. Plus, the stage and the raised orchestra pit offer an exclusive spot for banquets for up to 200 people and cocktail parties for 500 people in a reversal of the spectator’s view.

The Basque Culinary Center, located in the high part of the city in a natural environment, is home to the first Faculty of Culinary Science and has an auditorium for 200 people as well as other spaces.

Food, wine and... competition There are heaps of great activities related to Basque gastronomy. Guests can visit a local market where they can experience first hand where the excellent local ingredients come from. Another option is a visit to a txacoli winery, where they can learn about (and sample) the typical white wine of the area along with some pintxos. In the mood for a little tasty competition? Participants can prepare their own meals under the guidance of an expert chef and then have their creations judged by the rest of the group.

Incentives with a star

Each September, the San Sebastián International Film Festival brings some of the most well-known stars of the big screen to the coastal city. In its more than 50 years of existence, it has helped spawn the careers of such legendary names as Polanski, Coppola and Almodovar.

In parallel to the festival, the city offers a “Weekend of Film” incentive program for small groups through which they can enjoy the glamour with a walk along the red carpet, witness the inaugural gala from a privileged spot and enjoy a premiere on the big screen along with international stars.

Another event that puts San Sebastián on the world stage is the Jazz Festival, which occurs in the third week in July. Known as the Heineken Jazzaldía, the festival organises approximately 100 concerts, many of them free, on a dozen stages. Especially popular are concerts on the Zurriola Beach and the terraces in front of the Kursaal. In 2012, total attendance was estimated at 122,000 people.

Highlighted venues

• Kursaal Convention Centre: this spectacular building is formed by two translucent glass cubes and overlooks the Cantabrian sea. The venue has an auditorium for 1800 pax.

• Ficoba: a trade show area which includes an auditorium for 390 pax and various meeting rooms.

• The Balenciaga Museum. This site offers presentation spaces and guided visits which shed light on the golden age of haute couture. The atrium can handle a cocktail reception for 1,000 pax or 850 seated guests. And the entrance hall is perfect for receptions of 400 people while the attic of the Aldamar building can host 40 pax.

• KutxaEspacio Science Museum: with attractions such as an observatory and a multimedia digital planetarium, it has meeting rooms for up to 250 pax.

• Victoria Eugenia Theatre: one of the most emblematic buildings in San Sebastian, this theatre was opened in 1912 and transformed in 2007 into a scenic venue complete with the most modern equipment. It can hold 910 pax and has rooms for events for up to 195 pax.

• The Aquarium: In addition to a 164-pax auditorium, it includes an area where 100 pax can enjoy a cocktail reception surrounded by interesting wildlife. And now dinners catered by the restaurant Bokado can be arranged with views of spectacular sharks! And the Bokado-Aquarium restaurant has a capacity of 80 pax seated banquet style or 120 for a cocktail reception.

Historic venues and cullinary innovation

Talisman organised the Convention “the notables” of insurer Catalana Occidente. The Basque Culinary Center, centre for innovation of basque cuisine, hosted the woof the 250 guests.

The banquet and awards ceremony took place in the church of San Telmo, which was decorated with a special lighting and logo of the client, with a concert by the famous local orquestra Orfeón Donostiarra. A final dinner in hotel María Cristina closed the convention.

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L O S L E D A T COS

Some of the top luxury beaches in Europe, 160km of Mediterranean coast, glamorous parties at nightclubs, a string of celebrities, towns full of a history imprinted by several peoples, and sun all year round. It is hardly surprising that Costa del Sol is, along with Madrid and Barcelona, the third most popular location for international incentives.

The region offers a wide range of options for meetings complete with experiences and strong infrastructure. Thanks to its meeting-friendly attitude, the Costa del Sol has firmly situated itself in the meetings market, especially by hosting many international meetings. The main city, Malaga, which recently hosted a striking number of key industry events (highlights include ICCA, SITE, MPI and the Iberian MICE Forum) is clearly a meeting-minded city. And if that wasn’t enough, the region is also pushing to become a sustainable destination through its new triple-R programme (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), spearheaded by the Costa del Sol Tourist Board.

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Parties in the nightclubs here are a must… The Ocean Club Marbella Opening Party, for instance, painted the Andalusian night white and silver. About 1,200 people travelled to a fantasy galaxy to celebrate the launch of the summer season. A futuristic world bursting with dancers dressed as 1970s comic book heroines, ‘Metagornautas’ 3m-high, contortionists, a stage decorated with backlit planets, and the club’s trademark, luxury. But the real surprise came when the participants, dressed top-to-toe in white, discovered that the club’s swimming pool had been completely covered with ping pong balls: almost half a million balls were needed to fill the 1,000sqm surface, forming a huge screen on the pool. Then nine synchronised swimmers appeared, following the stage design by Paraddax Show-Sensational Specialist.

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C O S TA D EL S O L To award its best achievers, Elektroned Holland chose the Costa del Sol as their destination. Indigo Dmc Group organised a welcome cocktail for 120 participants on the terrace of the AC Hotel Malaga, with an awards ceremony followed by beach activities, biking, and sightseeing in Granada. The highlight was a gala at the Cortijo el Cortes. The participants were picked up from the hotel in convertibles for a panoramic drive along the coast with views of its main harbours, such as Benalmadena Puerto and Puerto Banús.

Upon arrival they saw a display of pure-bred Andalusian horses, “bandoleros” (group of musicians), “venenciadores” (skilled wine waiters) and a “capea” (bullfight with young bulls), rounding the night off with a gala dinner.

Puerto Banús beach is the backdrop for an experience which involves the participants in a team competition following a course full of challenges.

Canoe relay, gladiator fights and the Electric Fence are some of the challenges to be overcome.

As well as its famous beaches, there is plenty to do inland. Very close to Marbella we find the river Guadalmina, an excellent place to enjoy canyoning. Exploramás organises high-adrenaline days with canyoning and activities in 4x4s. The teams have to practise orienteering through an unknown route, with different stages for competitions in archery, abseiling, ziplining and mountain biking.

The best fried fish in Malaga and the Museo Picasso, serrano ham and the secrets of Malaga cathedral, salmorejo and the historic centre … The Ruta Málaga Bocado a Bocado is an experience organised by Exploramás for the discovery of Malaga as a destination through its gastronomy. In late 2013, Exploramás carried out its largest Ruta Gastronómica, with the participation of 700 people, all employees of a multinational company.

Fun and relaxation

The Association of German Engineers of the VDI Karlsruhe and VDI Bayern Nordost districts selected the Costa del Sol for their annual encounter. The meeting took place in atypical venues: locations that have to do with their professional interests and philosophy as entrepreneurs. 80 members of the associations took part in this event. Indigo Dmc Group first chose to organise the meeting in El Ejido, in collaboration with the city council, local enterprises such as Clisol and the Cajamar research centre “La Palmerilla”, followed by teambuilding activities and social events in Malaga and province.

Terra Incentivos took advantage of the relaxed vibe of the region in an incentive trip for the top sales teams for an insurance company.

The adventure kicked off in the AVE, Spain’s high-speed train. On board (destination: Malaga), guests enjoyed surprises, activities and even a little comedy in the train’s dining wagon. Upon arrival, guests received a 4X4, which was theirs during both organised activities and free time. In the evening, the group enjoyed dinner in a castle with spectacular views.

The following day, the group took their 4x4 and headed to the mountains for a rugged day of adventure and were pampered with massages in a spa upon the completion of the activity. Refreshed, participants were treated to a traditional “espeteros” dinner by the beach with the grilled fish. Under the starred sky, participants danced barefooted on the sand.

The third day, participants headed to Mijas where they traded in their trusty 4X4s for even trustier... donkeys! Using donkey power, guests arrived at the Museo del Vino, or Wine Museum, where they sampled the best the region has to offer. After enjoying a free afternoon, guests had to rely on their wits to navigate a gymkhana and arrive at a restaurant just in time for a gala dinner, where they enjoyed a thematic night complete with actors, show and a fiesta, which acted as the icing on the cake for a great event.

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Activities

Ronda at the wheel of Gran Turismo 6

Ronda hosted the worldwide launch of the videogame Gran Turismo 6. Many parts of the city were used as the backdrop for the races, and one of its streets was named after the game’s inventor. As well as unveiling the street plaque named after him, Kazunori Yamauchi brought the game to life with a mapping on the city’s famous bridge. Cars and roaring engines flooded the city, just like in the videogame. A two-day-long event where the most emblematic locations of the city had open air hotspots with game simulators! In addition, top racing cars could be seen speeding on the track. The event was organised by Last Lap.

• Discover Malaga in a new way with the Enigma iPad. This activity by the Convention Bureau in the historical Jardín Botánico Histórico de La Concepción features a cultural gymkhana and treasure hunt.

• Traditions of Al Andalus. Spas may be fashionable in many destinations, but in Malaga this tradition is millenary.

To enjoy the Moorish heritage you could go for a relaxing afternoon in the Hammam Al Andalus Málaga, for example.

Located in the city’s Plaza de los Mártires, Hammam Al Ándalus is a restored historic space which captures the essence of the ancient Arab baths of Al Andalus. Arches, mosaic murals and screens take the guests back in time.

• Picasso and flamenco for teambuilding. CWT proposes ‘Andalucía según Picasso’, where they paint a canvas representing Andalusian duende. Other options are Teambuilding Flamenco, which includes a sevillanas competition with dance teacher included, or Andalusian Percussion, where, emboldened by the fact they are in the cradle of flamenco, they learn to play the box drum and castanets.

• Puerto Banús – 15km from the city centre of Marbella, has some of the most ‘IN’ clubs in the Peninsula. Bring your group for an afternoon of shopping around the marina and let them feast their eyes on the beautiful sailboats belonging to the Arab sheiks and Russian magnates, and celebritywatching as there will be probably some who are on the board.

• Looking for an adrenaline rush? Then pull over at the Ascari Club at the exclusive Race Resort. Nuba offers an event where participants can enjoy track time on a course with 26 turns, twists and corners. The track, the longest in the country at 5.5km, can be tackled with a Lotus, BMW, Racial, F3, F1 or even buggies or go-karts. What could be more fun for a group of grown-up “kids”?

• Agency Imagen Límite suggests motor tours in the interior of the region. One option starts in Estepona and traces the Sierra de las Nieves on dirt roads, muddy tracks and dry creek beds. This Adventure Rally also passes through traditional white-walled towns such as the “living museum” of Genalguacil before arriving in Ronda.

La Vinoteca_Museo Los Patios de las Beatas, one of the charming new spaces in the city

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Charming new spaces. New venues, such as the Vinoteca-Museo Los Patios de las Beatas, are constantly opening in this region. Over 800sqm, it offers a main hall for wine-tasting and themed tapas and a 19th century patio, with a stained window by Barberán…

Another space which is a true classic is the Malaga Car Museum in the old tobacco factory building which houses a spectacular collection of vintage cars and can hold 1,000 people.

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

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

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

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

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

• El Gran Gatsby: located on the pier at Puerto Banús (Marbella), this restaurant and lounge positions itself as a place for fine cuisine, a relaxed atmosphere and, of course, events...

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

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

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

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

• Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Estepona: this facility combines 21,000sqm of indoor space with a 15,000sqm garden.

Other facilities include a heliport and an all-purpose pavilion.

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

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

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

The Costa del Sol has firmly situated itself in the meetings market, especially by hosting many international meetings

Famous for…

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

• Being the summer residence of many celebrities.

• Picasso, who was born in Malaga.

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SEVILLE

E L L I V SE

International groups arriving in Seville need not fear that they miss their idea of Spanish charm: Seville condenses the essence of Spain’s most famous traditions. However, Seville is much more… cultural and popular but welcoming environments combine perfectly with neighborhoods such as Triana or Santa Cruz and festivities such as the Feria de Abril (April Fair), together with venues piping with centuries of history. Here is where some of Spain’s most luxurious events are held, whether with impressive setups or enshrouded in maximum privacy.

Investment over the last few years has especially focused on connectivity. In addition to expanding direct flights and having one of the busiest AVE high-speed train lines, Seville can also be reached by a bustling port on the Guadalquivir River, which can now even welcome cruise ships.

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The southern city represents the meeting of tradition and modernity as well as of folklore and contemporary culture, which makes Seville a unique city Fun Facts • Lord Byron wrote of Seville that it is “a pleasant city, famous for its knives and its women”.

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

• The Feria de Abril originated at the end of the 19th century as a livestock fair and thanks to the initiative of two businessmen, one the Basque Country and another from Catalonia; although there have been changes in the last century, the essences continues to make it an important date for the locals.

SEVILLE

The original “founding venues” of the Expo have been completed with new, cutting-edge spaces, renovated infrastructure and increased hotel capacity ‘Flamenco Battle’… where you are the protagonist

From passive on watchers to protagonists of a flamenco battle….Nobody in apparent flamenco show is what they seem to be. Suddenly, the show is interrupted to turn and entrap the audience to make them the main attraction of a talent war. “It is a surprising experience that becomes teambuilding for the participants who test their flamenco charm,” explains Manuel Araújo from Exploramás.

The Barceló Renacimiento Hotel proposes Gastrobikes; it is an innovative, two-wheel way to visit the city while enjoying a healthy picnic. In a city that offers a 140 km-bicycle lane, the hotel has designed two different routes to visit the city’s parks and the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Physical exercise goes hand in hand with a healthy picnic lunch that includes turkey on whole-grain bread, fruit, energy snacks and juice.

An incentive with breeze from the south

Live the April Fair to the fullest, like the people of Seville do.

Terra Consultoría organized an incentive with all the trappings typically seen at the Fair for a bank. At the hotel, guests were provided with the clothing for the next day to participate in this traditional festivity. They left the Alfonso XIII Hotel in horse-drawn carriages to get into the festive spirit and discover the casetas that had been prepared for them, where they were welcomed in true Seville style: with varieties of sherry, including manzanilla, fino and of course, rebujito. There were flamenco shows, dancing and excellent cuisine; excitement ran high as they were all anxious to return the next day! The parting lasted for three days.

To reward 200 GAES employees, BST organized this trip to submerge into Andalusian traditions. It included tours of the Royal Palace, known as Reales Alcázares, and the most emblematic sites as well as tapa-hopping throughout Seville and a visit to the Doñana National Park.

But the focal point was the reenactment of two moments of Seville’s lifestyle: the first was at San Miguel de Montelirio farm where the group was delighted by an April Fair (Feria de Abril) that had been built exclusively for the group, with all its details, including kiosks, lanterns, horse-drawn carriages, fairground entertainment, and tents known as casetas. Participants were dressed for the occasion, dined and danced the night away as if they were a native from Seville at the annual April Fair! The other event was the El Rocio pilgrimage, with a recreation of the famous pilgrimage for all of the guests. They travelled part of the way in the typically-decorated horse-drawn carriages, on horseback or walking to the hermitage in Almonte where a Hail Mary was sung to the Virgin, accompanied by drummers and a Rocio-style choir. The evening concluded with dinner being served at the facilities of the Processional Brotherhood in Pilas.

On the last day, guests took a closer look at the world of fighting bulls.

They had the opportunity to spend a day at the Los Alburejos fighting bull farm, where they visited the facilities. There, participants were provided with information about how fighting bulls are bred. The farm’s riding school hosted a dressage exhibition where visitors saw how horses can actually dance.

Barceló Renacimiento Hotel, where the group stayed, was personalized with the customer’s images and logos on the outside banners and the common zones, table centerpieces… Likewise, the nine buses boasted the CAES logo.

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SEVILLE

Porsche, on the other hand, chose Atrium III of the same hotel for its impressive production ‘Explore the Core’ catering to 3,500 people in back-to-back groups from all over the world to launch its new Porsche 911. Among other creative elements for the event, the 700sqm Atrium housed an equestrian show with horses from the Jerez Riding School.

Highlighted venues

Renault took over the Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento Hotel for three months in preparation of “ZE Generation” to launch its first three electric cars: Kangoo, Twizy and Fluence. More than 8,000 people experienced two days of ‘back-to-back’ interaction which translated in the personalization of the entire hotel, including I, which was transformed for one of the plenary sessions.

Surprising nooks • Baños Árabes – Aires de Sevilla. This Arab bath is located in a 16th-century house just 50m from the cathedral.

The house has different rooms which can be used for meetings, including the Tetería (tea room) and its courtyard and terrace with views of the city.

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

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

Activities

• Kuoni Destination Management organizes a typical pilgrimage through villages in the south of Spain.

Upon arrival, the group is greeted by drummers and flamenco dancers. The participants walk through the streets on a pilgrimage during which they make stops to eat, drink and enjoy the landscape. The group is accompanied by a Rociero, or traditional choir, as well as a rumba Sevillana band. The activity ends with the group singing all together at the estate.

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

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

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

• The Palacio de Congresos de Sevilla (FIBES): The Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Sevilla Fair Grounds and Convention Center is the work of architect Guillermo Vázquez Consuegra. This venue has a 3577-seat auditorium, thus making it the largest covered in Spain. The building has three separate modules: a covered, 3,000sqm walkway that connects the current construction with the newest incorporations; a multipurpose building that houses a 2,000sqm restaurant area and a 2,500sqm exhibition zone, in addition to a registration space just under 700sqm. The crown jewel is the auditorium, with a 670sqm stage as well as an outdoor Plaza measuring 6,000sqm, which can be used for outdoor celebrations.

• Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento. This 5-star hotel offers unique beauty, with 295 rooms, Convention Center and 25 meeting rooms, surrounded by inspiring gardens. Specialized congresses and conventions, product launches, the automobile industry and incentives, this hotel has four large open spaces waiting to be personalized. Its 5,000sqm for meetings are distributed in five meeting halls, two atriums and a Convention Center for 1200.

• Centro Sevilla Congresos: in Bollullos de la Mitación, has more than 20 meeting rooms and a capacity for over 7,000 guests.

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

• Casino de la Exposición: it was, together with the the Teatro Lope de Vega, the Pavilion of the City of Seville built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition. It stands next to the Maria Luisa Park. It has a capacity for over 750 participants.

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

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

• Pabellón de Navegación: reopened in 2012, this venue, which dates back to the 1992 Universal Exposition, sits along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, right in the center of Seville. It offers several large rooms a wide outdoor space and a tower with spectacular views of the city below.

• Metropol Parasol: somewhere between an impressive sculpture and a “liquid” building, the Metropol Parasol has been unveiled. This mega structure is 150 m long and 75m wide and towers 28m above Seville’s city center. “The mushrooms”, as locals have dubbed the building for its unique shape, has four separate levels. The second level has 3,500sqm of event space, the third has a dramatic restaurant and the fourth has a balcony with panoramic views. To round out this unique combination, there is the Antiquarium, a small museum which holds the archaeological remains discovered during its construction.

• Hotel Palacio Alcázar 4*: opened in Seville’s historic city center, the luxury hotel sits in what was once the home of the famous painter and bull fighter John Fulton.

• Hotel Alfonso XIII 5*GL: after nearly one year of renovation, including an updating of the Royal Hall, the renovation also added two new suites and a restaurant. Finally, those willing to wait until June can expect the new Hilton Garden Inn, a 142-room hotel with seven meeting rooms, in one of the towers in the Business Park.

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CANARY ISL ANDS

Y R A N CA S D N A ISL

Seven islands, seven different worlds for events‌ Located in the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Canary Islands (Gran Canaria, Tenerife, El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote) offer the magic of exoticism without leaving Europe.

A unique archipelago because of the subtropical diversity and exuberance with 365 spring-like weather days a year. Common destinations for congresses and major cultural and sporting events, Gran Canaria and Tenerife also host worldwide car launches, attracting multi-national firms with their remarkable landscapes and roads. Another initiative on the islands is the launch of ambitious sustainable development strategies which are respectful of the flora, fauna and local traditions. A tropical feel to professionalism without leaving the continent...

Thanks to the scarce light pollution, the region is one of the best places in the world to observe the sky very much like Hawaii and Chile, which makes it perfect for open-air night events

The large variety of landscapes like this one in Roque Rublo, Gran Canaria is one of the great extras the island offers

The Alfredo Kraus Auditorium on Gran Canaria combines architecture with a seaside location

The island sky (Tenerife is shown in the image) is considered one of the most beautiful on the planet. No wonder there are plenty of astronomy activities included in incentive trips here.

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Tenerife on two wheels The archipelago often hosts worldwide vehicle presentations, attracting multi-national firms with of its road network and landscapes

Gran Canaria has seen the events market take off in recent years thanks to its great air connections to Europe as well as other factors that give it an advantage: for example, the maximum distance to travel never exceeds 80 km meaning incentive trips can be organized to experience several climates from desert dunes to volcanic craters or even ice-covered peaks in just one day. An exceptional destination for golf and nautical-based incentive trips, the climate has converted it into a top international destination for winter meetings with sports and outdoor activities but also for congresses aiming to add a relaxed setting to the workdays. Very professional relaxation: this island located just 200 km from Africa boasts three convention centers and unique places for events such as the inside of a cave, colonial country estates surrounded by banana plantations or even the “Gabinete Literario” cultural building. Also worth taking advantage of is its rich past including aborigines, colonists, pirates and Columbus’ voyages, all of which provide for the organization of themed incentive trips.

Two new “super venues” on Gran Canaria The island also now offers two great all-new venues for events: The Gran Canaria Arena grounds feature a basketball court as well as a multi-purpose hall that can host events for up to 4,000 people. The Topos Project, on the other hand, is a deep-seas leisure platform. Gran Canaria was chosen by the European Union as an enclave to test the technical, economic and environmental feasibility of designing a deep-seas platform that could offer recreational services in the future including accommodation, meetings and cetacean observation. The so-called Leisure Island, based on the use of marine resources and environmental friendliness, is expected to welcome an average of 50,000 visitors to a structural work of engineering 50 m above the sea level anchored to the ocean floor.

The islands offer the greatest landscape variety in Spain: volcanoes, white dunes, wild forests, cliffs, coffee bean plantations, lunar landscapes...

One of the most recent vehicle launches on the island was the new Ducati model which was unveiled to 120 journalists from around the world.

Francesco Rapisarda, Communications Director at Ducati, was looking for a destination that could offer a variety of roads to test the cars but also photogenic settings that could transmit the power, technology and passion the brand represents and they found a true reflection of the sensations they wanted to transmit in the volcanic landscape. Knowing the weather would be good for the winter-time presentation assured them they could do many of the activities outside as well as enjoy road tests under blue skies and spring-like temperatures. What most stood out to the journalists attending was the great variety of landscapes as they travelled among Canary Island palm trees, thick laurel forests and Canary Island pine trees as well as the Teide National Park.

Tenerife is by no means behind in venues or proposals for event activities… The main historical attractions are concentrated in the north of the island and Santa Cruz welcomes a large number of the congresses organized as it offers elegant hotels for groups such as the renovated Grand Mencey and event facilities with views of the city and sea in addition to the Tenerife Auditorium. Just a few km from Santa Cruz is La Laguna, the university and old quarter of which have been named World Heritage Sites, and somewhat further to the west is El Puerto de la Cruz which is the centre of the entire northern coast and generally of volcanic and black sand origins. Diego Fernández, from the Tenerife Convention Bureau, suggests “visiting two World Heritage sites on the island: Teide National Park and the city of San Cristobal de La Laguna”. Plus, he recommends not missing out on the opportunity to go sailing and whale watching.

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CANARY ISL ANDS

Activities in Tenerife

• Dive into a micro marine reserve supported by the Sustainable Ocean Association and PADI’s Project Aware. There, visitors can experience the beauty of the seabeds and participating in conservation projects.

• Sky and Volcanos: Discover Experience offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a nocturnal hike to look at the night sky with professional telescopes.

• Bioclimatic lodging: In the south of the island, visitors can try sleeping in a new type of lodging. In the Renewable Energy Technology Institute, there are 24 bioclimatic lodging units that are energy selfsufficient. This “village” has zero CO2 emissions, and makes a nice surprise for environmentally conscious participants. Incentive trips can also be complimented by 100% organic catering or educational activities such as accompanying a fisherman as he searches for his daily catch.

• Discover the largest lava tube in Europe while armed with a helmet and headlamp during a visit to the Cueva del Viento cave in Icod de los Vinos.

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

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

• La Orotava and La Laguna, in Tenerife: historic and artistic sites, they are famous or their unique balconies and interior patios.

• The Teide National Park. This lunar landscape gets its otherworldly appearance thanks to its peculiar solidified lava formations. It is classified as a Cultural Heritage site.

Adventures and traditions The agency ITB took a Michelin group of 70 people on a complete experience on Gran Canaria. During the first activity, the Jeep Safari & Camel Trekking, the exploration of the island on jeeps was combined with a ride through the dunes on camels followed by a VW Beatle race with all the equipment of professional drivers…quite the adrenaline rush! The pace decreased for the second part of the incentive trip in line with the local farming artisan activity. Upon arriving at a farm, the participants made their own cheese in pairs from native goats (a month and a half later they would receive it at their homes). The evening offered a wine tasting session with the chairman of the designation of origin.

Land Rover Discovery Challenge, Searching for Treasure among Volcanoes

The Discovery Challenge gathered 24 journalists and 14 wellknown personalities to a two-day adventure event on Tenerife which, beyond the car testing, had a charity purpose. The Médano Beach was the setting for a 4x4 trip in search for a hidden treasure. The participants had to build a reservoir with oil drums and row over it. A rally was held on the sides of the Teide with a volcanic course of rocks, drops in level and obstacles that made the teams’ abilities to get the best performance out of the vehicles evident. The Land Rover Discovery 4 in which they participated was the prize awarded to the winning NGO, the Fundación Tutelar Canaria Sonsoles Soriano. A charity obstacle course with the repercussions of a major event with the presence of the press and the famous.

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CANARY ISL ANDS

Activities in Gran Canaria

• Look for treasure in the Vegueta Neighbourhood: Various teams need to answer some questions and meet challenges related to the city of Las Palmas, its monuments, its cuisine and its important personalities. Oh, did we mention the thrill of finding a treasure?

• Sail around the island: Ineventing organises a Training Camp where participants are trained by competitive sailors. At the end of the day, an awards ceremony and party wrap up the contest.

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

• Town to Town: this adventure involves navigating a car through the island and trying to discover various checkpoints along the way, based on a scenario. At these locations, participants will discover various aspects of the island’s living history, including cultural heritage or local crafts. After the specific points are found, guests will have to complete a quiz about the island.

The challenge of the elements

Wind, sea, land and fire were the elements the 350 people from the Orange sales network participating in this incentive trip on Lanzarote had to face.

The trip, which was organized by Ineventing, was carried out in a back-to-back format with seven groups of 50 people; the same format was repeated every four days. Each group was divided into teams that had to compete to overcome the challenges established. Every day of the trip was dedicated to one of the elements of nature present on the island.

The day dedicated to the sea led them to taking a kayak to search for underwater treasures and practice standup paddle. The wind brought them a regatta where the participants had to manage their boats alone. Fire gave them the warmth of the inner island needed to cook a lunch after a trip in convertibles through the volcanic areas. With the land, they enjoyed an activity and visit to some traditional vineyards. The gala dinner, which was used to announce the winning teams, hand out the prizes and for the final party, was set up in a volcanic cave.

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CANARY ISL ANDS

Highlighted venues in Gran Canaria

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

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

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

• Literary Club: in the north of the Island, this 14thcentury convent has been renovated for events and features numerous rooms in a romantic and neoclassical style.

• Radisson Blu Residencia Gran Canaria, a new, seaside resort located on the south of the island. It has over 2,000sqm for meetings spread out over six meeting halls.

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

Fun Facts • Here, nautical sports have been elevated to the status of a religion. In fact, 31 world champion nautical athletes hail from the island, and the Royal Nautical Club of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the world’s most decorated.

• The island’s aloe vera is considered the purest in the world, and is expertly used in many of the hotel spas of the island.

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

Highlighted venues in Tenerife

• Bodegas Monje: In El Sauzal at 500m above sea level, this family-run winery has a group area with room for 100 people seated and an additional 50 for a cocktail reception.

• Abama Golf & Resort Spa Hotel: 476 rooms surrounded by palm trees and views of the Atlantic. Not to mention 1,500sqm for meetings.

• Gran Meliá Resort Palacio de Isora: A deluxe five-star hotel that has been awarded Best Resort in Spain in the Condé Nast Traveller awards in 2012.

• Finca La Gañania: this lovely rustic property has room for groups of up to 300 pax and is just 30km from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Its gardens offer views of the north coast of the island and the El Teide Volcano.

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

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BALE ARIC ISL ANDS

C I R A BALE S D N A ISL Ibiza Travelling the island by boat is a classic. Ibiza Sailing Events offers sailing days on its wooden schooner “Cala millor”, a 1942 sailing boat with a capacity for 150 people.

The island of Ibiza has much to offer: magnificent sunsets, idyllic beaches, a strong offering of outdoor sporting options and a classy night life. But did you know it is also great for events? The last few years have seen surge of new venues, and large events which have meant a boon for the island. And with its new congress centre (with a 437-seat auditorium and 14 halls), the destination is opening to midsized congresses.

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Ibiza Service Center welcomed 600 sales representatives from a food sector company who enjoyed an incentive trip to the island.

Sailing, beach parties, artistic performances, giant paellas and a typical white party at the beach club were just some of the activities organised. One of the ones the guests liked the most was a “musical regatta” with six sailboats and a catamaran; each boat had a DJ and the company heads would “jump” from boat to boat every 30 minutes to alternate their time with all the sales reps.

BALE ARIC ISL ANDS

Atzaró just finished its renovation with very zen programs for events.

Among other original ideas, the island boasts the renovated hotel Torre del Mar situated in the popular Playa d’en Bossa area which has renovated its 217 rooms. It also has a convention floor for 250 people and a panoramic restaurant with buffet show cooking.

Another new space is the Buda Chill Out at the hotel Invisal Figueral which offers a new area with views overlooking the island of Tagomago as the backdrop for white Ibiza-style parties.

The first Hard Rock Hotel in Europe has just opened up its doors on Ibiza: 493 rooms that combine Mediterranean flavor with the brand’s philosophy through suites and expansive facilities such as the Rock Spa where guests can take part in thematic activities such as Body Rock exercises. It also has a 600sqm divisible hall.

Also offering new event space is Can Lluc Agroturisme estate located in a valley of great ecological value with a covered surface area of 140sqm. Another agrotourism site, Atzaró, just finished its renovation with ecological and zen programs for events such as “Atzaró Fits You” which includes everything from yogalates classes to healthy veranda breakfasts at its km 0 restaurant.

Paco Roncero’s Culinary Show With two Michelin stars, chef Paco Roncero brings his innovative “Sublimotion” gastrosensory show concept to Ibiza at the Hard Rock Hotel. This experience, which is limited to 12 diners a night, takes place in a unique area where different ambiences can be recreated and sensations can be evoked. Advanced systems to generate chromatic settings, control the temperature and humidity of the room and aromatize the area under a musical sequence designed for the occasion are the tools used to create this unique experience.

Diners travel to a world of sensations from the North Pole where they try a cold snack they make in their very own iceberg to the most Baroque Versailles. An exclusive experience: 18,000 euros per table.

Highlighted venues

• Palacio de Congresos de Ibiza: Located on the waterfront, 25km from the airport, the congress centre has room for 437 pax, with natural light.

• The exhibition site has a capacity for 1,600 people, and is located just 500m from Ibiza’s city centre.

• Hotel Aguas de Ibiza 5*: in Santa Eulàlia, Ibiza, this rustic yet luxurious hotel has 112 rooms which are distinguished by their feng shui design principles.

• The Ushuaïa Tower: This eight-storey tower sits next to the Ushuaïa Beach Hotel. Its Sky Lounge is the first of its kind on the Platja d’en Bossa, with spectacular views of the Mediterranean.

Can Lluc is offering new event space

Meanwhile, the Dalt Vila, or Old Town, has several options of its own: historical military installations or the city council’s own cloister offer options for events in which delegates experience the exciting local history. A nice place to visit is the Es Canar market in Santa Eulària des Riu, which takes place every Wednesday and continues to be the essence of Ibiza’s hippie lifestyle.

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BALEARS

The Port of Ibiza, “Cape Canaveral” for Axe

Majorca When it comes to incentive trips, Majorca offers a vibrant selection of activities matched by its vibrant variety of scenery. This Balearic island combines charming cities, rugged mountains and beautiful beaches.

And all this is packed into a space where the longest trip in a straight line takes about an hour.

The biggest of the Balearic Islands may sound to you like a destination overrun with tourism. There’s no denying that its airport (the third most important in Spain) is the gateway for more than 20 million travellers every year, each one happy to come and enjoy one of the most pleasant places in Europe.

But the island is large enough to surprise you with unexpected quiet places, both inland and on its stunning shores, and its increasingly offers of activities and venues for meetings. Whatever way you’d like to experience Majorca, one thing everyone can be sure of is that it’s an island with lots of personality. It has ancient history as well as its own language, cuisine and distinct identity. Majorca truly is a meeting point of cultures and civilisations.

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

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

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

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

• The Coves del Drac in Manacor, a set of impressive caves, include spectacular chambers with thousands of stalactites, not to mention the park’s Martel Lake and several ponds. There are numerous other spectacular caves scattered around the island.

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

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The “spatial” jumping contest organized by Axe on Ibiza was spectacular. The prize: a spot at the Florida Space Academy to experience a space flight. The physical testing filter which tested skills in the water, balance, coordination and with vertigo left just 20 finalists. The winners would be those who made the best jump in the Blow Jump part of the contest: dressed with astronaut suits, they laid on one end of an enormous trampoline three meters high as three volunteers jumped on the opposite end of the trampoline. The contestants went into orbit by being catapulted into the sea to see who could jump the highest.

The contest was set up at the port of Ibiza which looked like Cape Canaveral for a day, space rocket included. A giant screen was available for the public to view the jumps as the contest was animated by specialists. The event also included street marketing actions and a presentation party.

With all this nature, it’s easy to see why Majorca has been so successful in impressing visitors

Activities

• The agency iVents organises team building activities in jeeps or drop-top convertibles where guests can explore the most beautiful corners of the island.

• Board a private boat at the Port de Sóller and take your group to discover the hidden coves of the area.

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

• See craftsmen work in the Passeig de l’Artesanía de Palma in Sa Gerreria, one of Majorca’s oldest neighbourhoods. The traditional handicrafts were recuperated from medieval trades and are now showcased in 15 workshops.

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BALEARS

Menorca,ra Formente

Menorca created its own convention bureau and offers some interesting venues for events, such as the 19th century Fortalesa d’Isabel II and La Mola. Other options include Ses Pedreres de s’Hostal and Lítica, two old rock quarries converted into natural and cultural spaces that include impressive stone landscapes, labyrinths and gardens. And don’t forget the Cova d’en Xoroi (a discotheque-cave in Cala’n that literally hangs from a cliff).

Last but not least, don’t forget Formentera, the smallest and quietest of the four. This little island is perfect for exploring during a one-day cycling tour from Ibiza. Go Formentera offers activities to fully enjoy it: abseiling with speleology combining vertical descents down the Mola cliffs and the exploration of caves heard of in old legends.

After group training in abseiling, climbing and speleology techniques, they descended the vertical walls to move on into the caves.

Another option is to descend from a cliff in the Es Capa area to be “rescued” in the water by a sailboat where you can enjoy an appetizer and then discover the most beautiful spots along the coast while observing the sunset. To end the day, why not have dinner on the beach in Illetas with spectacular views and the sound of the waves in the back?

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Pamplona MICE Destination, Complete success www.congresos.pamplona.es

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Casa Llotja de Mar VENUE IN THE FRONT

SEA OF BARCELONA

Spaces with a history, events with a future

The Casa Llotja de Mar is an historical building situated in the maritime range of Barcelona, stands as one of the most emblematic and in-demand venues for the exclusive organization of company events: Conferences Congresses Gala Dinners Business Lunchs Receptions Enter at www.casallotja.com and discover your favourite spaces.

Information (0034) 935 478 849 · events@cambrabcn.org Casa Llotja de Mar · Passeig d’Isabel II, 1 · Barcelona

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