Valencia is an important MICE destination destined to grow over time.
A center of almost endless monumental and cultural attractions, and a distinctly Mediterranean soul that can convey energy and vitality, Valencia is a steadily rising MICE destination where there is no shortage of ideal locations for business meetings.
Valencia is one of Spain’s most visited cities ever, but it has more than just tourists and the curious, because while it is a city with many monuments and cultural destinations, it is also an important MICE destination. In this distinctive city, modern facilities dedicated to meetings and conventions are flanked by more distinctive ones, creating eye-catching venues such as the City of Arts and Sciences or the austere Congress Palace, which was designed by British architect Norman Foster.
It is no coincidence that Valencia is one of the Spanish cities that host fairs such as the one at the International Franchise Exhibition and major congresses such as theEuropean Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery or theAmerican Society of Hematology.
At this point we just have to find out together what are the five ideal locations to hold a business meeting in Valencia.
1. The Valencia Palace of Congresses
Valencia’s Palace of Congresses is the building that has written the city’s modern architectural history the most, and to this day it plays a remarkable role as an economic engine capable of creating a huge flow of convention tourism.
The convention center was opened in the late 1990s and consists of three auditorium rooms, nine different smaller conference rooms, and an exhibition hall that received theRoyal Institute of British Architects ‘ award as the best European building in 1999. It was created to be an engine for professional meetings and business relations, contributing to the city’s social and economic development, and it is no coincidence that major national and international events are held there.
Due to the functionality, architecture and technology present, the Valencia Palace of Congress has been declared the“Best Palace in the World,” while its industrial style and bold forms make it an exemplary building.
This building presents a perfect balance of usability, aesthetics, and versatility; it boasts a spectacular entrance and facade, suitable for holding events and meetings there; and finally, spaces and rooms can be combined in such a way as to accommodate meetings of all sizes.
The building is located 3 km from the city center, to which it is perfectly connected by metro and bus.
2. The City of Arts and Sciences
Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences was designed by Santiago Calatrava and is a building constructed in an eye-catching futurist style that over time has become a renowned venue for initiatives and events.
The City of Arts and Sciences, in addition to being the symbol of cultural tourism in the Valencian Community, is also an international landmark with amazing architecture.
The facility features unique locations such as:
- theHemisfèric: this is a projection room equipped with the “Eye of Science,” the huge architectural element that recomposes itself when mirrored in water, and is used to enter the dome of the movie theater;
- the Reina Sofia Palace of Arts: consists of four halls and installations for meetings and artistic, theatrical, cultural and musical activities;
- the Prince Felipe Science Museum: science-related events and meetings are held there, mainly pertaining to the human body;
- – theAgora: is a large square where events of various kinds are organized;
- – l’Umbracle: consists of a botanical garden, an art gallery and a beautiful scenic viewpoint.
3. The CaixaForum València
The new CaixaForum València is an eye-catching cultural space that rests on an impressive 6,500 square meters and is located within the Agora of the City of Arts and Sciences. It features purely futuristic architecture designed by Santiago Calatrava and has an auditorium with capacity for 290 people. The CaixaForum València is nothing short of wonderful, because it is a work capable of making Valencia even more interesting, as well as projected toward innovation.
4. La Feria Valencia
Feria Valencia has the largest exhibition area in Spain and offers the possibility of holding events of various kinds with a maximum capacity of 20,000 people. Created in 1917 to host trade fairs across the country, it includes 231,000 feet of space dedicated to exhibitions and events. Events are held there throughout the year and it is the most spacious yet modern exhibition area to be found in the city.
5. New hotels: the Melià Valencia and the Only You
As has already been understood, Valencia is not only about sea and vacation, but also business and business, which is why newly created or renovated hotels with large dedicated rooms are flourishing. Renovations and construction of new hotels has hardly known any limits in recent years, and of course, because of the role played by the city, the need to create meeting and event rooms, ad hoc, has been widely taken into account.
One of the most beautiful and organized hotels is undoubtedly the Melià Valencia, which has reopened after an expensive renovation. Completely renovated areas include the 1,000-square-meter spa, while rooms, suites, and more than 20 meeting rooms reserved for private events have been completely modernized. The terrace on the 30th floor, the highest in the city, deserves a mention.
The other recently opened hotel is the 5-star Only You, which is part of the Palladium Group chain and in which there are three restaurants, one of which is a sophisticated Japanese. Again, there is no shortage of facilities that are perfectly organized to accommodate conferences, meetings and events of various kinds.
Conclusions
Valencia is becoming a city increasingly dedicated to business, which is why it is part of Spain’s top destination cities in the world for “convention, trade show, event and incentive tourism” (MICE).
Once in Valencia, one should not forget that, regardless of the reason for the visit, it is a city that deserves an in-depth tour, so as to discover all its charm by learning about its past while walking through the streets of the historic center, and at the same time being surprised by the sudden appearance of futuristic buildings. To stay on topic with what has been said so far, when stopping in Valencia, no matter what the reason, be sure to inquire about the many events, conferences, and meetings that may be going on during your travel period.
