Almost 2 billion euros of accumulated impact in twenty years on GDP in the Basque Country. That is the figure achieved with the closing of the anniversary of Bilbao Exhibition Centre. In its first two decades of existence, the institution has held a total of 3,200 events with 20 million visitors. Tax revenues of 294.6 million for the Basque Treasuries complete a first stage in which the venue has played, moreover, a fundamental part in its contribution to the Basque Country’s socio-economic development and international profile, thanks to its positioning as an international leader in the events industry.

2024 was a year of great activity for BEC, whose economic impact on GDP amounted to 226.9 million euros, thanks to its holding 280 events. By business areas, 27 of them were Trade Fairs and Contests, 223 were Conventions and 30 were held in the Bizkaia Arena exhibition centre. The year closed with a total of 843,800 attendees and occupancy of its spaces of 311 days, generating tax revenues in excess of 44.3 million euros and creating 4,348 jobs.

The report also highlights that 81% of the expenditure generated was distributed in sectors outside the trade fair activity. Hospitality, for example, received 50%; transport: 18%; recreational and cultural activities: 9%; and retail trade: 4%, data that underline BEC’s ability to generate a positive impact on multiple economic sectors and strengthen the local ecosystem.

In the field of Fairs and Exhibitions, BEC reinforced its calendar with emblematic events and introduced new ones that brought together 3,187 exhibiting companies. The holding of BIEMH -International Machine-Tool Biennial- marked a milestone, with a successful edition that saw a great influx of visitors and dynamism, at a crucial moment for the development of advanced manufacturing. The meeting completed its tour of smart industry with the parallel fairs AdditƐd, BeDigital and WORKinn Talent Hub. Also in the sphere of leading international professional events, Egurtek, Empack, Logistics & Automation, Transport & Delivery, EHEC, Food4Future, Pick & Pack for Food Industry and AOTEC occupied a very prominent position. In addition, WindEurope, the main event of the wind sector in Europe, held its third edition at BEC with results that exceeded expectations. In a context of growing dynamism for the European windpower industry, the event attracted professionals from nearly 80 countries and presented a wide range of exhibitions with more than 500 companies covering the entire value chain of the sector.

Alongside this, BEC had a full programme of fairs aimed at the general public, such as Tendencias Creativas (Creative Trends), Outlet Fair, Japan Weekend, Expovacaciones, FVO-Used Vehicle Fair, Caravanning, Euskal Encounter, Retroclásica (Classic Car Fair) and Desembalaje (Antiques Fair), which celebrated its 50th edition with the participation of antique dealers from all over the Iberian Peninsula and Europe. In addition, PIN, the oldest Christmas playground, once again featured fun with values to celebrate the magic of Christmas and bring thousands of families together.

In the field of Conventions, the diversity of formats continues to grow year after year, ranging from congresses and assemblies to corporate meetings, film shoots and state examinations. In 2024, thanks to the flexibility of its spaces and its ability to adapt to the needs of various sectors, BEC hosted important events such as the Semergen Congress, of the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians; the presentation by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia of Biqain, the strategy that consolidates its international leadership in the quantum technology industry; Euroslag, the 12th European Congress of Steel Aggregates; public job announcements; the filming of the series “Cicatriz”; and the Hyrox sports event. In addition, two important events in the trade fairs and congresses sector put the finishing touch to the celebration of BEC’s 20th Anniversary: the II AFE-APCE Congress and the Annual Assembly of EMECA, an association that brings together the main fairgrounds in Europe.

To crown the anniversary year, Bryan Adams returned to the Bizkaia Arena to offer a concert full of his greatest hits, adding a new performance to his historic relationship with the venue, where he had already gathered thousands of fans on three previous occasions. During 2024, Bizkaia Arena played host to the tours of some of the most prominent groups on the music scene. With a total of 30 events, of which 7 were sold out, the multipurpose pavilion welcomed more than 238,200 concert-goers. Highlights of the year include concerts by bands and artists such as Depeche Mode, Saiko, Estopa, Maná and Aventura.

The programme was also marked by large-scale festivals such as Remember Paradise, Perréalo, ElRow, I Love Reggaeton, Love The 90’s, Black Works Festival, Nerbioi Punk Fest and Ravage Fest. In addition, as part of its commitment to Basque culture and the Basque language, Bizkaia Arena was the scene of events such as ZeidFest Gaztea and Makusi Jaia. In the same vein, Ura Bere Bidean stood out for the majesty of the symphonic groups, offering an unforgettable musical experience that captivated the attendees.

Strategic developments that will define the future

Forging ahead with digital transformation is one of BEC’s main strategic objectives. Among the implementations carried out throughout the year, which have involved a significant investment, the audiovisual remodelling of its Convention Centre stands out. This included the renovation of more than a hundred audiovisual elements. Also worthy of note is the creation of the “Virtual Auditorium”, which allows visitors to access the congress section of the events online; the addition of new cybersecurity tools and the use of an application aimed at optimising the comprehensive management of the needs related to events, their planning and coordination. In addition, BEC is progressively integrating AI in various areas with the aim of streamlining processes and offering more personalised solutions.

On its social networks, the entity has reached 223,000 followers, with a growth of 6% compared with the previous year. Interactions exceeded 145,800, while the various websites obtained their highest figure with about 2 million visits and 4.3 million page views.

Undoubtedly, ensuring an excellent user experience, as the core element to maximise user satisfaction, and reinforcing the commitment to the sustainability of the local and global environment have been key to BEC’s strategy in 2024, and will continue to be so in the coming years. This shows BEC’s commitment to a more sustainable future, accredited thanks to the recent obtaining of the international Biosphere distinction (developed by the Institute of Responsible Tourism) and the Erronka Garbia Seal (from Ihobe, the Basque Government’s Public Environmental Management Company). This approach is applied both in the management of the venue and in the activity itself, adopting sustainability criteria in nine fundamental aspects: energy, waste, mobility, digitalisation, equality, social responsibility, legacy, suppliers and certifications.

Major events and new challenges in 2025

BEC looks ahead to 2025 with optimism, supported by a strong and competitive events industry operating at record levels of activity, connecting emerging markets and driving innovation decisively. In this context, the venue is gearing up to host a diverse programme that responds to the strategic priorities of sectors such as energy, advanced manufacturing and technologies applied to global trends and the specific needs of different markets.

Among the meetings that reinforce the positioning of the Basque Country as an international business destination are the 42nd edition of the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition, and the Enlit Europe conference and exhibition, which will make BEC the epicentre of the international debate on the energy transition. In addition, major events will be held such as + INDUSTRY, the platform that brings together various industrial events and that this year will incorporate WeAR, focusing on automation and robotics. Events such as Steel Tech, World Maritime Week, Bilbao Slush’D, Expocadena, Empack, Logistics & Automation, Transport & Delivery, Food4Future and Pick & Pack Food Industry will also be held.

At the same time, BEC will host the recurring events on the calendar with leisure and culture events, and Bizkaia Arena, which already has thirty confirmed dates, will feature renowned artists and groups such as Joaquín Sabina, Bad Religion, Marc Anthony, ETS, Quevedo and Gatibu on stage in 2025. A very varied programme designed for all audiences, which will include, for the fourth consecutive year, the musical show Ura Bere Bidean.