Trade fair capital Ada Colau i Ballano Mayoress of Barcelona and President of the General Council of Fira de Barcelona We must congratulate ourselves once The more fair activity, the more economic again on the 2017 results achieved activity and the more impact on both by Fira de Barcelona, breaking its previous employment, which we want to be of quality, records and offering a balance that is and on the creation of new opportunities. That outstanding, not only from the numbers point allows companies, entrepreneurs, institutions of view but also for the quality and global and social organisations to benefit together impact of its activity. This highlights the from the progress, synergies and possibilities Barcelona trade fair institution’s leadership stemming from the shows and congresses as in a highly competitive environment. economic, social and innovation spaces. Behind the turnover data, there is hard New challenges work that is highly valued. This is what enables the smooth running of professional The Fira de Barcelona calendar reflects and public shows, congresses and various collective concerns that transcend borders: events that have such a positive impact on the future of cities, sustainability, environment the city, acting not only as an economic and climate change, digital transformation driving force but also as a space for new and new industry with its impact on the labour ideas and possibilities. market, new means of production, energy, sustainable transport and new technologies Fira plays a vital role for companies as a whole; but also many other issues related and the productive fabric of Barcelona and to the new dimensions of leisure and culture. its metropolitan area, entrepreneurs and local commerce, by supporting innovative in this regard, throughout 2017 Fira has initiatives, encouraging knowledge and again hosted major international events talent, and fostering synergies between contributing to the projection of Barcelona the stakeholders at fair events. in the toughest and our position in the field of information years of the economic crisis, through its and communication technologies, urban shows and events Fira was a support development, health sciences, sustainability mechanism for the many small and medium- and research, among other areas. These are the sized companies at the heart of Barcelona’s two sides of the same coin: a city that is more economic framework. present everywhere, but also more inclusive. FOReWORd — 7