Thanks to the success of its expansion and growth strategy
Dec 13, 2007 - Fira de Barcelona expects to close 2007 with revenues of 128.5 million euros and a cash-flow of 24.9 million. These results mark a milestone in the history of the institution, whose strategy is based on increasing the potential of its shows, attracting major international events and diversifying its activity. Furthermore, this year saw the inauguration of the Gran Via exhibition centre, institutional backing and the impact generated on the surrounding economy.
The President of Fira de Barcelona's Administrative Board, Josep Lluís Bonet, and the Director General, Agustín Cordón, spoke about these aspects at the meeting of the trade fair's General Board meeting chaired by the Mayor of Barcelona, Jordi Hereu, who highlighted its satisfactory progress.
The 128.5-million euro revenue forecast for 2007 is 23.9% higher than in 2005 (a comparable year in terms of trade shows) and consolidates a growth of over 20% for the third year running. The almost 25 million euros in cash-flow equates to 20.9% more than in 2005. These increases are 13% and 10% higher, respectively, than the estimated figures.
A great year
Bonet ranked 2007 as "an excellent year" from the standpoint of economic results, evolution of the shows and institutional development. "I believe these data endorse the good management and role of Fira as a promotional platform for companies, its international reach and driving force in the country's economy", he said after stressing that the institution's contribution to the economy of the city and its surrounding areas is estimated to be 2,200 million euros.
The President of Fira's Administrative Board also pointed out that 2007 has been marked "by an intense trade fair calendar" demonstrated by the 65 trade shows and events held, "the full operation of the entire modern Gran Via exhibition centre and the institutional consensus of the trade fair project". Bonet added that prospects for 2008 are also favourable.
Construmat, Automóvil, Graphispag, Sonimagfoto, Piscina, Náutico, Caravanning and Barcelona Meeting Point are some if the major shows which have taken place in 2007, alongside other outstanding events such as the co-organisation of the 3GSM (now the Mobile World Congress) and the two editions of Bread & Butter both held in Barcelona.
The reinforcement of in-house shows and the proven capacity to attract relevant international events are Fira de Barcelona's two main cornerstones of growth, as well as the progressive diversification of its activity, according to the Director General, Agustín Cordón. In this sense, he specified that 67% of the almost 129-million euro turnover in 2007 corresponds to the shows and the remaining 33% to services to exhibitors and visitors (design, stand construction, restaurants and catering, technology, etc.).
20% growth in 2008
Cordón stated that 2007 has been "very good" for Fira, which consolidates a phase of growth, innovation and international drive; a trend which will be reinforced in 2008, a year in which, according to estimates, the revenue will be 123.7 million euros, almost 20% more than in 2006 (a comparable year in terms of trade show), and the cash-flow will be over 21 million, up 16.4%.
The healthy portfolio of in-house shows and the growing importance of major international events mark the favourable evolution of the institution which, thanks to the full operation of the new Gran Via exhibition centre, has also increased its exhibition capacity and occupation ratio.
The Gran Via facilities, together with the emblematic Montjuïc exhibition centre, will reinforce Fira's leadership in the Spanish market of industrial-professional shows, with a share of over 30%, and strengthen the institution's expansion strategy by creating new shows and capturing international events.
In this sense, Fira de Barcelona has been chosen to hold the 2011 edition of ITMA, the world's most important textile and machinery equipment show, for which other major European trade fair organisations competed. EIBTM, the world's largest business tourism show will also continue to be held in Fira until at least 2013; the organisers having renewed their trust for a further five years. In 2009, the European Cardiology Congress will take place.
New Shows
 The Gran Via exhibition centre will also hold new shows which Fira will be launching in 2008: Instalmat, the installers' materials show born at the heart of Construmat, and Avante, dedicated to personal autonomy and quality of life.
During 2008, the two Fira venues will also host important events such as Bread & Butter, Mobile World Congress, Alimentaria, Motobcn, Expoquimia, Hostelco, Náutico and Caravanning, among others. Fifteen of the shows which take pace in Fira de Barcelona are among the top three in their speciality in Europe.
Fira de Barcelona has a portfolio of 80 shows (annual, biannual, biennial and triennial), 3.5 million visitors and 40,500 exhibiting companies (direct and represented). 20% of trade visitors are international as are 34% of exhibitors at trade shows. The institution has delegations in 23 countries.
Fira de Barcelona
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Fira de Barcelona
