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Núria Marín i Martínez
Josep Morell i Miró
Jordi Portabella i Calvete
Pau Relat i Vidal
Pau Villòria i Sistach
Secretary General
Ignacio Toda Jimènez
CEO
Agustín Cordón Barrenechea
GOVERNING BOARD
President
Josep Lluís Bonet i Ferrer
Members
Núria Basi i More
Jordi Clos i Llombart
Lluís Conde Möller
Enric Crous i Millet
Pedro Fontana García
Enrique Lacalle Coll
Miquel Martí i Escursell
Secretary General
Ignacio Toda Jiménez
CEO
Agustín Cordón Barrenechea
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
CEO
Agustín Cordón Barrenechea
Expansion Director
Pere Camprubí i Nieto
Institutional Relations, Protocol
and President's Office Director
Emili Farrerons i Pascual
Human Resources Director
Olga Figuerola i Giménez-Coral
Administration
and Finances Director
Salvador Fosalba i Auró
Communications Director
Amparo Losada Torres
Sales Director
Albert Planas i Riera
Operations Director
Salvador Tasqué i Díez
International Business Director
Ricard Zapatero i Camps
YEAR 2012
Trade Fair leadership
Like the immediate previous years, 2012 was
determined by the recession affecting companies,
institutions and families, and as a consequence
affecting also Spanish and European trade fair
organizations. The effects of the economic situation
have been felt in most of the service and industry
sectors which took part in the shows held at Fira
de Barcelona, echoing the problems suffered by
companies, especially small and medium-sized.
In this context, Fira’s efforts went into generating
support mechanisms for companies, by
contributing to their business promotion and their
internationalization. In line with its strategic stance,
it continued to foster the role of the institution and
of Barcelona as a major trade fair and congress
platform, thus contributing also to the economy of
the city and its metropolitan area.
Budget compliance
Despite the tough economic situation, Fira de
Barcelona complied with its expected budget,
reaching a turnover of more than 115 million euros,
which meant a slight increase (0,4%) over 2011
and a more significant rise (13,3%) over 2010, a
comparable year in terms of calendar. An EBITDA
of 11 million euros was achieved, in line with the
expected and also with the one registered in 2010
and 2011.
In order to dodge as much as possible the effects
of the recession, Fira’s guidelines were based on
expenditure rationalization, activity diversification
(commercialization of stands, catering, technology,
which already amount to 49% of the revenue),
establishing new shows and attracting international
events. On the whole, the calendar for 2012
was accomplished, but we must bear in mind
that it must be adapted to the demand and the
circumstances. The changes experienced by Fira
shows over the years demonstrate its dynamism
and its role as a catalyser of business and the
productive sectors.
We must not forget, though, that, with the
implementation of several strategic measures,
Fira anticipated time ago the need to respond to
new market requirements against a very complex
economic backdrop, in which fairs continue to
have full meaning as spaces of business exchange,
information and knowledge, but where the effects
of globalization, ICT development and strong
competence must also be taken into account.
A great European organization
During 2012, Fira de Barcelona consolidated its
leadership in the Spanish trade fair sector, thanks
to its shows and professional events –62% of the
total–, and it also turned out as one of the most
important organizations in Europe, for the range
and importance of its shows and congresses, for
the venues of Montjuïc and Gran Via, and for its
experience in logistics and organization, its initiative
and professionalism.
Fira continued its efforts to strengthen the shows
and to reinforce the connection between exhibitors
and visitors, granting special importance to
purchasers. The value of Fira from the point of
view of commercial expectations and business is
inseparable from its offer of quality services in a
context where innovation, knowledge, business
and internationalization are also crucial. All the
areas of Fira focused their activity in this direction,
paying attention to objectives and economic
revitalization, support to the productive fabric
and entrepreneurship and the internationalization
of companies.
Consequently, Fira de Barcelona worked
to strengthen the bonds with professional
organizations (more than 400 employers’
associations work in the spheres of the sectors
represented in Fira), the dialogue with the
administration, the development of communication,
social networks and technology, and the use of
e-commerce in the relations with its customers and
suppliers. It is ultimately a clear stance in favour of
modernity, inseparable from the innovative formats
of the shows and events. An example of this
attitude is the support to social networks and the
high number of visits received by Fira’s webpage,
around 2,5 million.
Leading shows
Throughout 2012, 60 shows and events were
hosted, some of which were very complex due to
the recession. Among the most traditional sectors,
worthy of note is Alimentaria, the great showcase
for food industry, with a solid international scope.
Also, the Boat Show has evolved in line with the
requirements of the sector and it concentrated its
offer at Port Vell in Barcelona.
Among the newest shows, worthy of mention is
Smart City, devoted to the emerging sector of smart
cities, namely the appliance of information and
communication technologies to urban services. On
its second event, it established itself as a leading
show, also contributing to the presence of the city
of Barcelona in a sector with great future.
The Mobile World Congress was one of the most
remarkable shows of 2012. This major world
meeting of the sector of mobile communications
broke its record for participation with almost
67,000 professional visitors and more than
1,500 exhibiting companies. It was the first event
after Barcelona was elected in the summer
of 2011 Mobile World Capital for 2013-1018.
It was also the last time that it was held at the
Montjuïc venue, since from 2013 on it will be held
at the Gran Via venue, which offers the show more
chances to grow.
In March, the Barcelona Mobile World Congress
Foundation was established, presided by the
Mayor of Barcelona, leader and manager of
the project. The Foundation is managed by
the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Energy and
Tourism, the Government of Catalonia, Barcelona
City Council, Fira de Barcelona and GSMA –an
association representing 800 operators and
suppliers of mobile technology and contents
worldwide–. Through several industry, research,
leisure and civic initiatives, the MWCapital aims
at promoting the use of technologies and mobile
solutions in different spheres. It means an
impulse to the industrial fabric and to the creation
of new business opportunities for local and
foreign companies.
Other major shows hosted in 2012 were Hispack –
jointly held with Barcelona Tecnologías Alimentarias,
