Economic results New turnover record F ira de Barcelona has closed another tualisation of the classic Motor Show to financial year of great activity thanks incorporate new trends and connected to the combination of a calendar of car technologies at the Connected directly organised shows (what we call Hub), Piscina & Wellness Barcelona, in-house Business) and large-scale Barcelona Building Construmat, events produced by other operators. Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, These factors combined to give Graphispag and Barcelona Games another record-breaking year, with World, among many others. over 187 million euros of income. Overall, in-house business These figures, never before achieved, accounted for 35.5 % of the total turnover are particularly significant in an odd- for the year compared to 39 % in 2016, numbered year since many of the with Alimentaria greatly changing the highlights of Fira’s portfolio take place in relative weighting due to its sheer even-number calendar years. This is the scale. This is an increasing percentage best evidence of the overall recovery in over other comparable years, and economic activity, which shows and fairs demonstrates the recovery in the size areconsidered to be a good reflection of. of the shows and is a clear evidence The level of income achieved is the of the economic revival of the sectors result of a strategic path begun several represented. years ago. The focus is on innovation in With regard to income from services new shows, on international expansion, and catering sales, its relative weight and on the quest for more and better over the total, 28.5 %, was very similar products that match new social and to the previous year (28 %). This is a business demands and contribute to good indicator, inasmuch as turnover in Fira’s shows the recovery and expansion of several general terms rose signfiicantly (+11.7 % contribute to the economic sectors. compared to 2016) and Fira managed to recovery and The composition of Fira de grow in every line, providing value and the expansion of Barcelona’s turnover changes each solutions to the exhibitors, handling also various sectors of the economy. year, depending on the calendar their operational needs while taking part. and the type of events held. in 2017, special mention should be made of an organisational first: asingle concept show on what is being called the Fourth industrial Revolution. Under the auspices of Barcelona industry Week, it encompassed eight events centered on digital transformation in business, new materials, applied chemistry and the means of production in the future. (See page 76.) Other highlights of the year were the Smart City expo World Congress, Automobile Barcelona (a re-concep- 44 — FiRA de BARCeLOnA | 2017 RePORT