Why Barcelona is a Great MICE Destination: A Critical Look

Barcelona is a great MICE destination, and it’s one you can’t afford to miss out on. 

Nestled in a bright Mediterranean climate and bursting with cool hotels, tasty restaurants, and stellar activities, Barcelona is more than a spring break getaway or a summer holiday destination. In the world of meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (or MICE), the city represents an opportunity for an unforgettable work experience—put simply, Barcelona is a great MICE destination, and we’re going to break down why. 

The Facts

Spain is already a MICE industry favorite. Ranked number three in the world for meetings and trade-related conferences by the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association), Spain features a diverse and fascinating series of cities, venues, and hotels. Madrid and Barcelona are even included in the ICCA’s ranking of the top five cities for MICE events all around the world! As Barcelona is a great MICE destination—one of the best in the world—Barcelona manages to mix old-world charm with the fast-paced lifestyle of a big city.

Barcelona is home to over a hundred stunning hotels.

Hotels

First up on our list of reasons Barcelona is a great MICE destination is the biggest: the hotels. Barcelona’s draw as a MICE destination began during the late 1980s, when preparations for the 1992 Olympic Games turned the spotlight on the city that gave birth to Gaudí, Picasso, and Lionel Messi. While the city prepared for the Games, one important addition paved the way for the hotels and conference rooms that would make the city an event planner’s dream—the beach, freshly built with Egyptian sand, that stretched for several miles down the shoreline. Right along the beach, city officials built a series of high-class hotels to suit the influx of people that they anticipated would be headed to the Olympics. It was a smart move. Not only did people show up to stay in the hotels, but the hotels grew so successful that they are still in use—and thriving—today.

In fact, the sleek new business hotels aren’t the only ones worth staying in. In Barcelona, you and your employees can select a charming boutique hotel near your venue or a large skyscraper with its own conference room. Whether you want room service or a printer, you’re sure to be satisfied; Barcelona’s MICE industry professionals will make certain of that.

Transportation

One factor that makes many MICE destinations less than ideal is transportation. It’s hard to enjoy a city—or a meeting—if you’re struggling to get from place to place. Luckily, there are many different ways to get around in Barcelona, but if you don’t want to rent a car or walk, you’re in luck. The city’s public transportation system is easy to use and reliable, with bus stops every few blocks and a convenient metro system. Many of the city’s most famous sites—and busiest areas—are within walking distance of each other, and most of Barcelona’s MICE venues come with one or two of the city’s incredible eateries right around the corner.

Outstanding Venues

Nothing makes a good MICE destination like an unforgettable venue. One of the reasons Barcelona is a great MICE destination is its incredible collection of amazing venues. Here, your event could happen in a rustic brewery, a priceless museum, or a specially-designed conference room. The Conference Center Barcelona (or CCIB) is a stunning building created to dazzle anyone at a trade show or other event. Located in the Barcelona technology and business district, Barcelona 22@, the CCIB can hold up to 15,000 people and is a perfect place to hold a large conference.

A lovely street in Barcelona.

Incentive Programs

For some business trips, incentive programs are what gets the team out and building camaraderie. Luckily, Barcelona holds the unique position of being a bustling metropolis, a sports fan’s paradise, a tribute to art, and living history—all at the same time. Take your staff sailing on a stunning boat, or else practice your team-building skills at a funny and exciting murder mystery dinner party. Any urban explorers will adore a photography scavenger hunt, bonding with coworkers while snapping photos of the Gothic Quarter. All in all, Barcelona’s team-building possibilities are second to none, and you’re sure to get to know your staff way better over a pitcher of sangria or two. Interested in some of these incentive programs? Email info@lifestyledmc.com for more information.

Do you think Barcelona is a great MICE destination? Let us know in the comments!

#business #corporateevents #AboutBarcelona #LifestyleDMC #businessopportunitiesbarcelona #LifestyleDMC #DMC #teambuildingactivities #Barcelona