With the companies and sectors Josep Lluís Bonet Chairman of the Governing Board of Fira de Barcelona Fira de Barcelona’s results for 2017 reflect of principles on the part of Fira to get behind the institution’s solid performance in a very corporate digitalisation and modernisation complex year for the life of the city and for in an increasingly tech-driven environment, Catalonia in general. one that we need to be ready for. With an income of more than 187 million euros, the trade fair institution has broken New demands its own record for the second year in a row. Fira de Barcelona has wanted to give new Overall, the balance is very positive in terms momentum to the fairs that cater to very of the number of professional and public powerful sectors of our economy, such as shows, congresses and events, the number automobiles and construction, which are of exhibitors and visitors, the amount of inevitably dealing with a process of change internationalisation and presence abroad. and adaptation to new demands in terms The same can be said for the high number of technology and sustainability. of events linked to innovation, knowledge and modernisation of the activity sectors. Once again this year, the trade fair institution has contributd t the nternationalieo Once again, mention must be made of the profile of Barcelona by organising and support for small and medium-size companies attracting large events to its venues, while at and entrepreneurs that Fira’s activity provides. the same time helping companies to venture improving and modernising the productive abroad and take part in events co-organised fabric of Barcelona and Catalonia can only around the world. have a positive impact on the creation of jobs it is a crucial commitment that reinforces as well as their quality, along with a wider the role and ambition of Fira de Barcelona, range of opportunities for companies and for the leading Spanish trade fair institution and society as a whole. one of the most important in europe, as the A case in point is the industry Week fair country’s economic powerhouse, helping to in 2017. This brought together eight industrial boost activity and employment, and to create and technological events in a clear statement social and public value. 10 — FiRA de BARCeLOnA | 2017 RePORT