Valencia
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Valencia is among the top 10 destinations in the UK market for event planning and incentives,
according to a study
The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, an impressive futuristic venue which epitomised the renewal of
the city and its opening to the sea
As the rising star of the last few years, Valencia has managed to capitalise on hosting some large events,
positioning itself as a key destination for meetings, corporate events and even some high profile international
events such as the America’s cup, several very large car presentations (like the 2006-2007 Mc Laren), a F1
Grand Prix this season, the MTV awards, among others. Valencia is a born-again city: highlighted by its
modern buildings conceived by leading architects and futuristic venues perfectly blended with its historic old
quarter. In fact, this Spanish city is among the top 10 destinations in the UK market for event planning and
incentives, according to a study by the magazine M & T. Its events calendar is rich in major international
events.
Famous for…
 Its “Make it big” attitude and high energy over the last few years.
 Paella: it is the home town of the most famous Spanish dish and other local productions such as oranges
and the “orchata” drink, made from almonds, rice, barley or chufas (tigernuts).
 The fallas, a traditional and highly colourful street celebration where the locals build enormous paper
statues, put them on a street procession and then burn them in a big celebration.
 The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, an impressive futuristic venue which epitomised the renewal of the
city and its opening to the sea.
Surprising nooks
 Parque Natural de la Albufera: the nature park in the South, it is one of the most beautiful areas of
Valencia. The lake includes dune-like formations called mallades. Three channels link the lake to the sea
and each of them has created its own wildlife, making it extremely interesting.
 Laguna de Anna: a small and interesting natural lagoon located next the small city of Anna near the
medieval city of Xàtiva (another must-see, a beautiful medieval city on top of a mountain).
 At the crossroads of Cardo and Decumano is the oldest part of the city. Under the square of Almoina, you
can see, imagine and enjoy the old roman city of Valencia.
 Portal de la Valldigna: located right in the Barrio del Carmen area, it is a hideaway where the old history
of Valencia combines a more creative and fun style.
 Triangulo de oro: the golden triangle is made up of the central market, the Lonja de Mercaderes and the
church of Santos Juanes, and is one of the most beautiful areas of the city.
Fun facts
 The gardens, Jardín del Turia, are still commonly called “the river” by Valencians. In 1957, the city was
flooded by the river. The river course was then changed and substituted by these gardens, a great green
area going through the entire city.
 The saying “estar en la luna de Valencia” (to be under the moon of Valencia) applies to someone who,
because of his distraction, doesn’t get to do what he wants. It originated when Valencia was a fortress-city
whose doors closed every night. Whoever didn’t make it on time had to stay out of the city during the
night.
 A chalice, considered as the Holy Grail is kept in the Cathedral of Valencia.
 The name, Paella, is derived from the latin Word patella, the metal recipient where the rice is cooked for a
paella and which Valencians use to mean “frying pan”.
Highlighted venues
 Veles e Vents: created for the America’s Cup, it is a new icon of the city. Located next to the new marina,
it offers 10,000m2 in four different levels, giving the impression that the floors are hanging. Its green area
connects the port to the beaches and holds restaurants and leisure areas.
 Bioparc: a zoological park with more than 4,000 animals located next to the Turia River.
 Palacio de Congresos: designed by Norman Foster and can host 4,000 pax, and 1,480 in the hall.
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Feria Valencia: the trade show venue has expanded drastically in the last years, and now offers 231,000
m2 of space, making it the largest single trade show area in Spain. It has also added a convention centre
for up to 5,000 pax in 2007.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias: designed by the famous Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, it is
the flagship of the renovation of the city. Includes auditoriums, the Oceanogràfic and the arts-oriented
Palau de les Arts.
The city also offers historic places, including churches like the Cartuja del Ara Christi and museums like
the Museo de Bellas Artes.
In the new disco Wandú Palace it is possible to organize events.
Surrounding Valencia city: don’t miss the country houses and castles. Among them, Campo Aníbal
(named alter Hannibal, who stayed in this beautiful mansion on his way from Africa), the Huerto de Santa
María or the Masía de Xamandreu. Markets such as the Mercado Central or the Mercado de Colón also
can be rented for events.
Future openings
 The Ágora, by famous architect Calatrava: it will complete the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and
will offer 1.811sqm for over 5.000 pax. It will host the Tennis Tournament Open 500 in November
2009.
 Molino Real, a new venue between Feria Valencia and the airport, will open on May 2009 and will
offer four independent buildings with halls and meeting rooms with a capacity up to 1.100pax.
Activities
 Show cooking. Learn to cook paella in the natural park of la Albufera, surrounded by rice fields, and take
a ride in the park in a traditional fishing boat. You can even have lunch on the boat.
 Bike ride through the city in the Jardín del Turia, which offer more than 7km of quiet and green
environment, all the way from the Bioparc to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
 Traditional boat ride departing from the America’s cup port. The guests will learn everything about this
port and the tournament. After sailing along the coasts (guests who like sailing can help in the navigation),
the boat stops by the beach to allow the guests to go for a swim and snorkelling. The boat ride includes
lunch, a glass of champagne, open bar, and a singer and guitarist playing soft Spanish music. Offered by
Ultramar Express.
 Fireworks workshop, where participants learn how to make and handle fireworks. Fireworks are a very
typical activity in Valencia (often used in popular celebrations, weddings, burials, etc.). Organised by
Viajes ITB.
 The “reduced” Carmen Opera. Viajes ITB is preparing an event in the Valencia Bullfight arena, with a
shorter version of the Opera “Carmen” with an additional band performance and fireworks, a private falla
(the agency works with a few local associations to build the statues for burning).
 Savour basic and traditional Valencian products, suggested by Barceló Incoming: Guests sit around a
spectacular table in the chapel of the Espacio Carmen. All the products are placed on the table: tomatoes,
olive oils, salts, breads, cured meat, cheese and excellent wines. An expert explains the flavours while
music flows.
 Enjoy a pure Valencian night with Ultramar Express: after a sumptuous dinner in a traditional restaurant in
the old quarter, the group can enjoy the bustling Valencia night street atmosphere on the lively terraces of
bars and cafes. The walk ends with the famous "Agua de Valencia", a refreshing alcoholic drink made
with fresh orange juice, Cointreau and Cava.
 Fresh and traditional food in the old market… a unique dinner experience for the group.
A product launch invaded Valencia
Organized by: Eventisimo
with the aim of presenting new Bauknecht / Whirlpool washing machines and dryers, and their ecological
characteristics, to 375 buyers and distributors, the streets of Valencia were dressed in the corporative colours of
the company with posters, actors, and balloons. In the city fountains thousands of rubber ducks with blue logo
of the company floating.
To highlight the efficiency of the product, the theme of the event was based on water, wind and heat. From
these elements, participants visited a nautical sails factory, where they met the various types of wind and its
importance in the navigation. To apply this, the participants essay the kyte-surfing in the Malvarrosa beach.
As part of the diving in the marine world, the participants had a private visit to Oceanografic. This venue, in the
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, was decorated with blue and white fabrics, hiding the new washer and
dryers, with a giant aquarium in the background. The reveal of the product was played by some dancers who
were removing the cloth covering the products. A gala dinner at the Hemisfèric closed the event.
The Optima convention in Valencia
Organized by Eventisimo
Over 200 people attended, from 7th to 9th of January, the "Optima Pick Off," a convention that the agency
Eventisimo organised at the Hotel Hilton in Valencia, for the Belgian financial consulting Optima. The agency
organised three days of convention with different activities including a teambuilding session called "the
treasure house" designed to discover the city.
FOTO: eventisimo002.jpg
Valencia invaded by product launch
Organised by Eventisimo
In order to present the new line of ecologically efficient Bauknecht/ Whirlpool washers and dryers to 375
buyers and distributors, the streets of Valencia were dressed in the corporate colours of the company. Posters,
actors and balloons enhanced the look while the final touch was made by the thousands of rubber ducks with
the blue company logo floating in the city’s fountains.
To highlight the efficiency of the product line, the event had a theme based on water, wind and heat. Using
these elements as a jumping off point, participants visited a sail factory where they learned about wind and its
importance in navigation. Then they applied their theoretical knowledge to the real world when they tried kitesurfing at Malvarrosa Beach.
Participants then dove into an aquatic wonderland during a private visit to Oceanografic, a venue in the Ciudad
de las Artes y las Ciencias. The site was decorated with blue and white fabrics which hid the new washers and
dryers, the later being placed in front of a giant aquarium. The products where unveiled by a group of dancers
who removed the cloth covering the products. A gala dinner at the Hemisfèric closed the event.
FOTO: eventisimo
From the Convention Bureau
My city offers outstanding attractions for events, but if I had to highlight a really unique factor…
The element that distinguishes Valencia is certainly the diversity. Valencia is an amazing city. Conjugates
masterpieces of architecture of all times with natural areas and beaches, offers an enviable lifestyle, climate and
gastronomy. But Valencia also mixture truly extraordinary places for events with a range of leisure and cultural
life that few other cities can offer.
Future plans in the meetings and events market…
The successful organization of the 32nd America's Cup in Valencia has positioned itself as the undisputed
headquarter of major events, especially sports. This was confirmed by the organizers of the MTV Winter, the
Global Champions Tour, the GP or Formula One Tennis Open events will be repeated in the city in coming
years. In Tennis Open will open the Agora, a stunning new architecture that adds to the variety of events
celebrating the city. The arrival of the AVE in 2010 or the expansion of the airport will be some improvements
in infrastructure to further consolidate the city as the venue for events. Valencia Tourism continues to work to
continue to host large events such as the 33rd America's Cup or the Olympic sub-games of 2016.
José Salinas
Director of the Valencia Convention Bureau
FOTO: salinas