Fira de Barcelona, leadership E n 2017, Fira de Barcelona held more than 140 shows, congresses and events, continuing the trend over recent years as well as underlining its standing as one of the most important trade fair institutions in europe and the undisputed leader of the Spanish market, particularly regarding professional meetings. every year, the different events host some 30,000 direct and represented exhibitor companies, and welcomed 2.5 million visitors from 200 countries and regions around the world. Fira’s venues are one of its major assets: Montjuïc, linked to the historical memory of the 1929 international exhibition; and Gran Via, one of the most modern sites in europe. Together, they offer a total exhibition area of around 400,000 m², one of the largest in the european continent. in addition to its trade fair venues, it offers experience, innovation, competitiveness and technological development that combine to face the challenges posed byglobalisation, as well as the changes in the field of trade fairs, congresses and business tourism. Together, The international positioning of the trade fair institution is closely tied to the Gran Via the projection of Barcelona itself. Our city is a referent in many aspects of and Montjuïc economic, social and cultural activity and for its dynamic, innovative character. Fira de Barcelona is a powerhouse in the Catalan and Spanish economy venues offer due to the support it provides to companies, especially SMes, which a total, gross make up the main body of the productive fabric. in this way, it contributes to internationalisation by attracting foreign exhibitors and visitors to the exhibition area shows it organises, as well as working to bring large international events to of around Barcelona. At the same time, Fira has a growing presence abroad with the 400,000 m², co-organisation of events in various countries. These represent an opportunity for our companies, as does being part of venue management and offering one of the consultancy services to other operators. largest Trade fair activity has a significanteconomic and social impact on the in Europe region, as well as creating synergies between companies, organisations, and public and private institutions. GeneRAL COnTexT — 19