Europe Congress’s econd B2B forum of 2024, Events Club Associations Forum took place in Valencia, Spain, from 7 to 9 April.
The widely popular Events Club Associations Forum event from Europe Congress returned for its second year, this time in the vibrant city of Valencia, Spain. Inaugurated in 2023 in Salzburg, the event is specifically designed to bring together associations, PCO’s and destinations/event solutions providers for 2,5 days of networking.
The Melia Valencia, the event’s official venue, hosted 150 of the top meeting professionals in their excellent meeting facilities and provided top-notch customer service to all who attended. The forum follows a distinct formula of inviting only associations as hosted buyers, a great advantage to destinations and event solutions providers looking to book larger international events. Stefan Ettl, Marketing and Sales Manager at Messe Congress Graz, remarked: “The highlight [of the event] is that I met so many associations because this is a unique forum that doesn’t exist anywhere else. A place where you can meet so many associations at one place. It’s great for business.”
The event was about more than just business as the rich cultural history of Valencia was on display in many event activities. From traditional orxata drinks to Spanish batucada performances and even a presentation of muixeranga, the Valencian custom of building human towers, Europe Congress and the Valencia Convention Bureau made sure all guests left with a lasting impression of the city, named the EU Green Capital of 2024.
“The event showcased Valencia’s world-class infrastructure, hospitality, and unique cultural offerings to a global audience of industry professionals,” said Manuel Ferrís, Head of the Valencia Convention Bureau. “This exposure has significantly raised the profile of our destination in the eyes of associations and congress organizers.”
Event planners, destinations, and event solutions providers experienced this world-class infrastructure and cultural offerings with city discovery excursions and a lunch at the renowned Valencia Congress Centre. From bike tours of the City of Arts and Sciences to wine tastings, visits to Hortensia Herrero Art Centre, and a class to make the iconic Agua de Valencia cocktail, attendees were fully immersed in Spanish culture while also discovering the city’s strong MICE potential.
“We are very happy about the feedback we’ve received so far and are ecstatic that this event concept has been proven to be a success,” said Alain Pallas, Managing Director at Europe Congress. “We’re excited to take this format to the next level and are looking forward to welcoming all participants at next year’s edition.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
