MYRIAD CITIES AROUND the globe claim their meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) offerings rank among the best, but Valencia, Spain, can back up that claim. In 2018 the Valencia Conference Centre was named World’s Best Convention Centre by the International Association of Conference Centres for the second time, a distinction shared by only a handful of venues worldwide. Designed by Norman Foster, the centre has also earned accolades such as Best European Building from the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Beyond award-winning facilities, Valencia’s appeal to event planners is practical as well as aesthetic. The city enjoys nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, offers more than 17,000 hotel beds across a wide range of accommodations, and is highly accessible by foot, metro, tram and bus. High-speed rail connects Valencia to Madrid, and the international airport serves more than 70 destinations. Valencia is also a safe, welcoming destination, making it an attractive option for organizers seeking a reliable, appealing host city.
Feria Valencia is another large-scale option for exhibitions and major events. Established in 1917, it is Spain’s oldest event organizer and one of the largest exhibition sites in the world. The 2.5 million-square-foot facility can host up to 20,000 attendees, accommodating fairs, conferences, meetings and concerts with ample space and infrastructure.
Architectural drama and cultural prestige converge at the City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava. Located in the landscaped area of the former Turia riverbed, the complex includes Hemisfèric (an IMAX cinema), Umbracle (a landscaped promenade and vantage point), the Science Museum, Oceanogràfic (Europe’s largest aquarium), Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (the opera house), and the versatile Ágora space. These striking structures provide memorable settings for receptions, presentations and private events.
For a more intimate encounter with the City of Arts and Sciences, Sea Saffron, founded by Valencia native Eduardo Aguilar, offers private guided tours of the complex followed by a rooftop 10-course tapas tasting at sunset on Valencia’s tallest building. The personalized tour and curated culinary experience allow groups to appreciate the architecture, views and local flavors in a quieter, behind-the-scenes way.
No discussion of Valencia is complete without mentioning paella, the region’s most famous culinary export. Escuela de Arroces y Paella Valenciana runs interactive classes that include market tours to source fresh ingredients, hands-on paella instruction, and tastings of local specialties such as torta, complemented with well-paired Spanish wines. These culinary team-building experiences are ideal for incentive groups and small conferences.
Valencia Conference Centre © AHKENAHMED – DREAMSTIME.COM
For a seaside setting, Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort provides 253 guestrooms, 21 meeting rooms and more than 4,800 square feet of function space, all with beachfront views and direct access to the sand. Its blend of hospitality and location makes it a popular choice for incentive programs and executive retreats.
Valencia’s hotel inventory supports a wide range of event sizes and budgets. Options include The Westin Valencia, which offers nearly 30,000 square feet of meeting space, and Meliá Valencia Palacio de Congresos, which features 18 meeting rooms and sits adjacent to the city’s convention center—ideal for planners who want convenient access to the main venue.
The city’s cultural calendar and traditions also support a strong events infrastructure. Valencia hosts Las Fallas, the Festival of Fire, each year—a major international draw that highlights the city’s ability to stage large-scale, vibrant celebrations. Whether planners need spacious exhibition halls or intimate, design-forward venues, Valencia provides a welcoming, award-winning backdrop for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions of all kinds.
UNIQUE VENUES
VALENCIAN INSTITUTE OF MODERN ART
Add contemporary culture to your event at the Valencian Institute of Modern Art, located near the former riverbed. The institution offers nearly 200,000 square feet of space across eight galleries, making it well suited for receptions, private tours and arts-focused corporate gatherings.
MONASTERY OF SAN MIGUEL DE LOS REYES
This historic Renaissance monastery, dating to the mid-1500s and now home to the Valencian Library, brings architectural elegance and historical ambiance to conferences, book launches and receptions seeking a memorable setting.
CHOZAS CARRASCAL
Located outside the city, Chozas Carrascal combines vineyard charm with modern amenities. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and the on-site Wine Spa, providing a restorative and distinctive option for incentive programs or small executive retreats.