year of significant growth The year 2017 was very important innovation, of focus on clients, of support for Fira de Barcelona, in terms of the to companies and entrepreneurs, and the number of events held and their level of region’s economic and social fabric. quality, and for the exceptional results that underline the positive trend of the last few unprecedented results years, surpassing all the forecasts and The turnover continued its record-breaking despite the complexity of the environment. trend of recent years and surpassed them indeed, the exceptional circumstances yet again, reflecting both the increase experienced in Barcelona and Catalonia in activity and the institution’s financial during the second half of the year, with the health. The revenue of 187.6 million euros terrorist attack in August and the social broke a record for the second year mobilisation associated with the political running, with year-on-year growth of over climate, had little impact on the day-to-day 11.5%, and more than 24% compared operation of the trade fair’s business or with 2015, a similar year in terms of trade activity at the venues. fair calendar. With regard to ebitda, this Fira kept open a permanent line of was 20.5 million euros, with a growth information with its clients, organisers, of close to 0.5% compared to 2016 and of exhibitors and visitors, and worked with all 5.4% in the case of 2015. the institutions and organisations in order These results confirm the success to guarantee smooth running of events. of a strategic vision oriented to tackling Come what may, national and international global challenges, including the need clients clearly appreciate the interest to respond to new industrial, social and and benefi t that derives from taking part technological needs, along with continued in the Fira’s events, given its logistical effort to cement Fira’s leadership in Spain and organisational ability as well as the and its prominent position in europe, profitability and positive impact of an demonstrated by holding top-level event held in Barcelona. industrial and professional shows. That As a top-tier economic powerhouse makes it a great international platform and in a more favourable economic for business, innovation, knowledge, context, the Barcelona trade fair body technology and networking. continued to work in 2017 towards They also attest tothe financial muscle increasing the levels of internationalisation, of the institution and its ability to generate competitiveness, sustainability and resources to boost its activity and open in 2017 Fira reasserted its standing as a huge international platform for business, knowledge and networking. in the image, inTA congress attendees. 28 — FiRA de BARCeLOnA | 2017 RePORT