Like many European hubs, Barcelona boasts a rich heritage. Established as a Roman outpost more than 2,000 years ago, and later becoming an important addition to the Kingdom of Aragon, the coastal enclave has remained a travellers’ must-see for its high culture, quirky architecture and laid-back ethos.
Through the years, Barcelona seems to have had a knack for reinvention and raising its profile. In 1888, it was the site of Spain’s first international trade fair, the Exposicion Universal de Barcelona, followed in 1929 by the Barcelona International Exposition. Then, just when the city needed a compelling reason to rejuvenate what had become a predictable skyline, the International Olympic Committee awarded it the 1992 Summer Olympic Games.
Since then, it has swiftly added to its arsenal of attractions, a number of which provide impressive settings for all types of business events. The Forum Zone, opened in 2004 in the new Diagonal area, boasts some of the largest congress facilities and hotels in Europe. Medieval and late 19th-century structures have been spruced up and converted into chic post-conference options, while deluxe hotel chains such as Mandarin Oriental, Le Méridien, Ritz-Carlton and W have set up shop in prominent locations.
While Antoni Gaudi’s beloved Sagrada Familia church remains Barcelona’s foremost landmark, other imaginative edifices are starting to share the stage. These include Jean Nouvel’s iridescent Torre Agbar, headquarters of the local water company, and Enric Massip-Bosch’s triangular Torre Diagonal Zero Zero, seat of communications company Telefonica.
Mercedes Garcia, marketing manager for the Barcelona Convention Bureau, says her city’s transformation over the past two decades reflects “a dynamic and pioneering spirit as well as the drive and capacity for innovation of a young society”.
“We’ve been ranked one of the top five meeting destinations in the world since 2001, and even reached first position in the past,” she adds. “We’ll keep promoting Barcelona as a meeting and incentive destination to maintain that good reputation in the years to come.”
The climate and variety of activities have also contributed a great deal to Barcelona’s popularity with the events community. Cristina de Seras, director of Barcelona Business Pass, a conference organisation and destination management company, observes that the weather is “mostly nice throughout the year”, although she recommends making a plan B for al fresco affairs in case of unexpected rain.
Destination management companies (DMCs) often try to inject an Iberian flavour into teambuilding exercises and group experiences. De Seras describes one activity in which participants learn how to play various instruments together (classical guitar, cajon drum, palillos rhythm sticks and palmas hand clapping) for a Flamenco performance, then put on a show with the help of a professional singer.
Another task is forming a castell (human tower) – a uniquely Catalan feat that is staged during town festivals and provides fierce competition among the castellers seeking to build the tallest column. For the foodies, there are paella and sangria-making lessons, and art lovers can receive guidance in fashioning pottery from renowned ceramist Jordi Serra.
Then there is FC Barcelona, one of Spain’s best-known exports. The DMCs offer visiting clients a chance to see where the players spend the match season – Camp Nou stadium. Another sporting event that has put Barcelona on the map is the F1 Grand Prix held in May, and it can be arranged for delegates to enjoy a heart-pumping drive around the Formula 1 circuit at Granollers. Helicopter transfers can be staged between the city and the town.
So much to do in Barcelona – but how to squeeze it all into a few days’ visit? What a wonderful dilemma.
Venues
CASA BATLLO
One of Gaudi’s masterpieces, commissioned by textile magnate Josep Batllo in the early 1900s and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fantastical Casa Batllo offers 3,000 sqm of adaptable venues. Choose from the Noble Floor, Coach Houses or the Attic and Dragon’s Belly for your next function or presentation.
- 43 Passeig de Gracia; tel +34 932 160 306; casabatllo.es/en
CAMP NOU
The home base of FC Barcelona boasts a range of conference spaces, along with “Barca”-themed events, guided tours of the complex and museum, and transfers using the players’ coach. A word of warning – there is a high probability that corporate bookings may not be entertained during the La Liga football season.
- 12 Carrer d’Aristides Maillol; tel +34 902 189 900; business.fcbarcelona.com
CAVES CODORNIU
The wine cellars in this ancient estate are among the world’s most extensive, occupying five levels that, if stretched out, measure 30km – you have to take a train to navigate the tunnels. Groups can enjoy gastronomic meals paired with the sparkling wines the estate is renowned for. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-1pm.
- Avenida Jaume Codorniu; tel +34 938 913 342; codorniu.com
CASA LLOTJA DE MAR
A fine example of medieval Mediterranean architecture, the former stock exchange building – which was in action well into the 20th century – hires out its handsome spaces for all kinds of events. It is also a museum, boasting a collection of neoclassical sculptures including the Dying Lucretia by Damian Campeny.
- 11 Passeig d’Isabel; tel +34 902 448 448; casallotja.com
MACBA
Designed by US architect Richard Meier, Barcelona’s Museum of Contemporary Art provides distinctive settings for events. MACBA also offers the Capella, part of a heritage building beside the museum, featuring soaring vaulted ceilings that, when lit up, create a truly special atmosphere.
- 1 Placa dels Angels; tel +34 934 120 810; macba.es/en
POBLE ESPANYOL
Opened in 1929 to coincide with the International Exhibition, the Spanish Village sprawls over 49,000 sqm, is completely pedestrianised and consists of replicas of different Spanish communities, providing venues of all capacities.
- 13 Avinguda del Marques de Comillas; tel +34 935 086 300; poble-espanyol.com
Hotels
ALIMARA
As the meeting rooms in this 154-room hotel encircle a lush garden, participants enjoy natural light and can step out for fresh air. An expansive foyer provides an area for cocktails, and there is a boardroom for 12 delegates.
- 126 Berruguete; tel +34 934 270 000; alimarahotel.com
HOTEL ARTS
Managed by Ritz-Carlton, this 483-room property has over 3,000 sqm of event space offering stunning Mediterranean views. There is a grand ballroom, 14 conference rooms, one boardroom and a variety of outdoor terraces, including those on the top floors (40 and 41) branded as “Arts 41”, ideal for more exclusive affairs.
- Marina 19-21; tel +34 932 211 000; hotelartsbarcelona.com
HESPERIA TOWER
Ensconced in one of Barcelona’s most eye-catching landmarks, this hotel has 280 rooms. The 5,000 sqm Congress and Conference Centre is made up of a grand hall, a 500-capacity auditorium, 12 function rooms – many with access to outdoor terraces – and six boardrooms. Evo restaurant on the top floor offers priceless views.
- 144 Gran Via; tel +34 934 135 000; hesperia.com
ME BARCELONA
This 258-room property from Spanish chain Melia is designed to cater to “cool” customers. Its range of meeting venues include seven studios, three Sky ballrooms and three breakout spaces, spread out over 1,185 sqm and equipped with the latest audio-visual technology. Some 320 attendees can be accommodated theatre-style.
- 272-286 Pere IV; tel +34 933 672 050; me-barcelona.com
PULLMAN BARCELONA SKIPPER
Located in the swanky Port Olimpic marina area, 50 metres from Barceloneta beach and ten minutes from the centre, this Accor property has 154 rooms and more than 1,000 sqm of meeting space. The Grand Ballroom Olimpia holds up to 680 for cocktails.
- 10 Avenida del Litoral; tel +34 932 216 565; pullman-barcelona-skipper.com
HOTEL REY JUAN CARLOS I
Why go off-site to meet when the grounds of this 432-room property hold the Catalonia Palace of Congresses, consisting of 35 function rooms (most with natural light), an exhibition hall and an auditorium seating up to 2,027? Three marquees in the 19th-century gardens cater for 250, 300 and 480 guests respectively, while the al fresco areas lend themselves to cocktails and concerts.
- 661-671 Avenida Diagonal; tel +34 933 644 040; hrjuancarlos.com
PRINCESA SOFIA
The stylish 500-room Princesa Sofia’s recently refurbished event facilities include the street-level Catalunya room and the Diagonal, Pedralbes, Victoria and Bonanova rooms on the 18th floor. Up to 1,200 guests can be catered for.
- 4 Plaza Pius XII; tel +34 935 081 000; princesasofia.concorde-hotels.com
W BARCELONA
The 473-room hotel has 3,000 sqm of meeting space, including 13 function rooms and an al fresco area with great views of the Barceloneta boardwalk. Mixology classes can be arranged in the 26th-floor Eclipse bar.
- Placa de la Rosa del Vents; tel +34 932 952 800; w-barcelona.com
Dining and activities
Suggested by Barcelona Business Pass:
- City tour taking in Las Ramblas, Boqueria Market, the Gothic Quarter and the Born district (home to cafés, tapas bars and patisseries) and the Picasso Museum.
- Speedboat tour of the seafront.
- Dinner at Bestial restaurant (grupotragaluz.com), which specialises in Mediterranean cuisine and has a wide terrace that opens out on the ocean.
- Guided tour of FC Barcelona Stadium.
- Catalan cuisine at Can Cortada (gruptravi.com).
- A typical Spanish meal at Tablao de Carmen (tablaodecarmen.com) in the Poble Espanyol, followed by a flamenco show.
- A tour of landmarks of the Modernism movement, such as Gaudi’s La Pedrera, Casa Batllo and Basilica de la Sagrada Familia.
- Tapas and wine-tasting at Vinoteca Torres (lavinotecatorres.com).
- Lunch at 1881 restaurant (gruposagardi.com), which offers panoramic views and Mediterranean cuisine.
- A visit to the Arab Baths for a range of massage treatments and soaks in hot or cold pools, salt pools and spa baths. A hammam (Turkish bath) is also available.
