The first four months of 2026 confirm the strong performance of the Meetings and Events area at Bilbao Exhibition Centre, with a volume of booked events exceeding that of the same period last year.

The schedule also reflects a growing variety of sectors choosing the venue for professional conferences, institutional meetings, and specialized events.

Among the highlights is the III BASQUE HYDROGEN DAY, which in January brought together R&D representatives from the Basque business network and the main research consortia in the hydrogen sector, one of the strategic areas for the energy transition.

The pharmaceutical sector also had its spotlight with DERMO & FIGITAL. Held in February, this event has become a benchmark for the pharmaceutical industry, covering trends in dermocosmetics, digital innovation, and sector transformation.

Historical memory was addressed during the event “FRANCO! FRANCO! FRANCO!”, an initiative by the Gogora Institute to demystify and delegitimize the Franco regime. In February, the session brought together 550 high school students in an activity aimed at fostering critical thinking and historical reflection on this period.

In the coming months, the agenda will continue to expand with new initiatives. Notable among them is CARD SHOW BILBAO, taking place on April 4–5 in the Sala Luxua. It will be the first major event for collecting, buying, selling, and trading cards and collectibles in northern Spain, featuring over 100 sales tables and an exhibition covering more than 1,600 m².

Additionally, on April 23, BEC will host the third edition of the FORO CONTRACT ARCHITECTURE AND BUSINESS, a professional day connecting leading local architecture firms with top construction companies. The event is designed to foster networking and collaboration among professionals.