The fairgrounds, which have hosted nearly 3,200 events over the past two decades, have hosted more than 20 million visitors.
With a cumulative impact of approx 2000 million euros on the BAC’s GDP in twenty years, the Bilbao Exhibition Center (BEC) of Barakaldo is pleased to have played “a decisive role” in the socio-economic development of the area, thanks to its “positioning as an international reference” in the events industry.
In a note issued this Tuesday, the management of the fairgrounds, which celebrates its twentieth anniversary in April, takes stock of the activities of the past twenty years and proposes the planned actions for the current year. So 3200 events, 20 million visitors and revenues of 294.6 million euros for Basque estates complete the picture of the BEC phase.
As for 2024, the BEC recorded “a year of great activity”, whose economic impact on GDP amounted to 226.9 million euros, with the organization of 280 events. According to the published report, the year ended with 843,800 visitors and occupancy of the spaces for 311 days, generating a turnover of more than 44.3 million euros and creating 4,348 jobs.
In terms of trade fairs and events, the BEC calls the celebration of the BIEMH (International Machine Tool Biennial) and the WindEurope events, “the most important event for the wind sector in Europe.” And with regard to cultural activities, “as a culmination of an anniversary year,” the note adds, Bryan Adams returned to the Bizkaia Arena, and the program was also marked “by large-scale festivals such as Remember Paradise, Perréalo, ElRow, “I love Reggaeton, love the 90s, Black Works Festival, Nerbioi Punk Fest and Ravage Fest.” Furthermore, “as part of its commitment to Basque culture and the Basque language”, the Bizkaia Arena has hosted events such as ZeidFest Gaztea and Makusi Jaia. In the same vein, Ura Bere Bidean once again stood out by “providing an unforgettable musical experience”.
One of the challenges for the future is that the exhibition center wants to achieve digital transformation and strengthen its commitment to the sustainability of the local and global environment. The country faces 2025 “with optimism” and is preparing for “a diverse program” that will address, among other things, “the priorities of sectors such as energy, advanced manufacturing and applied technologies.” At the same time, the BEC promises to “host the recurring events on the calendar of leisure and cultural events” with “programming designed for all audiences”.
Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
