In recent years, Fira de Barcelona has developed an integrated management system to respond to increasingly intensive activity across its venues. This model enables events, services and spaces to be planned jointly, identifying synergies between exhibitions and anticipating operational needs from a comprehensive venue-wide perspective.
The award recognises the operational model that the institution has developed to support planned growth. Since its beginnings, Fira’s strategic plans have made maximising venue occupancy one of its central objectives. This approach has created a model that can manage major events within increasingly tight timeframes and optimise space use, while maintaining the quality and safety standards required by organisers.
Among the most notable initiatives is a digital platform for monitoring build-up operations. What initially began as a basic control system has evolved into a tool that monitors more than 1,200 stands and operational services in real time, sharing information between teams and suppliers to facilitate decision-making.
The application also highlights the incorporation of a digital twin of the pavilions at the Gran Via venue, which enables rigging installations to be planned and optimised before they are carried out. These tools, together with the development of in-house technical expertise, have contributed to a 55% increase in work productivity and improved operational efficiency.
An international benchmark for the exhibition industry
These innovations strengthen Fira de Barcelona’s international standing as a benchmark in managing major events and help consolidate Barcelona’s position among the world’s leading exhibition and congress destinations.
Stefan Eckert, Chair of the UFI Operations & Services Working Group, highlighted: “Fira Barcelona impressed the jury with its comprehensive and highly practical approach to operational excellence under pressure. By turning the challenge of increasingly large, back-to-back events into a repeatable operational system, they demonstrated how careful planning, collaboration and continuous improvement can enable a venue to operate more efficiently and safely.”
A track record recognised by UFI
The UFI Operations & Services Award, which Fira de Barcelona has received for the fifth time (2010, 2012, 2014, 2021 and 2026), recognises projects and initiatives developed by exhibition venues worldwide in each edition. The award adds to other distinctions presented to Fira de Barcelona by UFI in recent years, including the Sustainable Development Award (2017), for its promotion of sustainable initiatives, and the Education Award (2016), for its international talent development programme, among others.
UFI is the leading international association representing trade show organisers and exhibition centre operators worldwide, with more than 900 members in 90 countries. Since 1925, it has contributed to shaping the global exhibition industry by establishing international standards, promoting collaboration and fostering innovation.
Learn more about Fira de Barcelona here.
