Lleida Event&Convention Bureau

LLEIDA

LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU

LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU CHOOSING where to stage an event is always a challenge. Accessibility, infrastructure, capacity, hotel and complementary facilities are the most influential factors in reaching a decision. Decisive factors which need your destination to play its part. And that is what we offer.

Lleida is an excellent venue in technical terms for events and conventions, with the capacity to adapt at a moment’s notice to any situation. You can bank on the dedi- cation of our approach and attitude, because at LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU we know that each event is different and unique.

FÈLIX LARROSA PIQUÉ President of Turisme de Lleida LLEIDA enjoys a privileged position in the business and incentive tourism market. Its charms are unquestionably based on the fact that in Lleida the venues and services available to event organisers have been devised with the same expectations of success as those pursued on behalf of local enterprise.

The technological, urban, commercial, cultural and social development of Llei- da can all be seen in what is an outstanding convention venue. Lleida is unquestionably an excellent choice.

ÀNGEL ROS DOMINGO Mayor of Lleida PUBLISHED BY: TURISME DE LLEIDA. LLEIDA CITY COUNCIL / COMMUNICATION AND DESIGN: MISSATGES / PHOTO: ©THE AUTHORS (COVER: DAVID DEL VAL). ENGLISH TRANSLATION: ABA CONGRESS

YOUR CONTACT IN LLEIDA

EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU

[email protected] 00/34 - 973 700 402 http://lleidacb.turismedelleida.com CONTENTS

DESTINATION LLEIDA

INTRODUCING LLEIDA 8

LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU 12

COMMUNICATIONS 14

SMART CITY 20

LA LLOTJA. THEATRE/CONVENTION CENTRE 22

HOTEL FACILITIES 26 8 ] LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU [ 9

Panoramic view from the bell tower of the Seu Vella, Lleida’s old cathedral. ©DAVID DEL VAL LLEIDA 10 ] LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU

1st Lleida Gastronomy Symposium (2013). ©MISSATGES EXPERTS

Lleida is what is known as a mature bu- IN EVENTS siness tourism destination.

Thanks to its border location, it has historically been associated with commercial and cultural exchanges, and so has always been a welcoming area. LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU [ 11

The need to cater for this commercial and cultural An upward trajectory thanks to the construction of Its leading position in the food and drink sector reality has led to the creation of a web of infrastruc- La Llotja, the Convention Centre, which has revolu- thanks to the Science and Technology Park and the ture and services positioning it as one of Catalonia’s tionised the production and promotion of conven- academic excellence of the University of Lleida, are leading destinations for event and convention tou- tion and cultural events of Lleida as a destination in the other two engines of Lleida as tourism destina- rism, at both the national and international level, as north-eastern Spain. tion for conferences and events. reflected by the most recent figures in the sector.

With an average of 500 events and over 45,000 delegates per year, and given that the average spend by participants lies within the high-end segment, this Events represent a major factor in Lleida’s all serves to underline the healthy state of affairs in the meetings tourism business in Lleida. tourism revenue 12 ] LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU

LE&CB

©LA LLOTJA

LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU is From north to south, from the Pyrenees to the ywhere in the country, at the Lleida Museum, along Lleida’s Tourism Convention Bureau, channelling plains, LE&CB encompasses an architectural, cultu- with the La Panera Contemporary Art Centre. The the city’s offering of venues and services for event ral and natural heritage serving up some of the most city is in fact home to numerous cultural landmarks, promoters and organisers in Lleida. As the facilitator distinctive settings anywhere in the country to stage the Enric Granados Municipal Auditorium and La of convention operations and the body responsi- events and Incentive Programmes. The succession Llotja providing just a sample of its riches. ble for marketing Lleida as a destination, it plays an of Romanesque churches in the Vall de Boí, the wi- active role in presenting and supporting bids, provi- neries of the Lleida-Costers del Segre Wine Route In addition to landmark activities and locations, and the white water of the Noguera Palleresa serve LE&CB members also offer a whole host of tech- ding technical consultancy and preparation in order to supplement the attractions of the provincial ca- nical services for the staging of events, covering to guarantee a professional approach. LE&CB also pital. everything from accommodation and catering to leads transversal projects intended to involve and logistics. bring on board all sectors in marketing Lleida as a The city is crowned by its landmark buildings, the destination attracting event and convention tourism. Seu Vella, or old cathedral, the King’s Castle, or LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU orga- ‘La Suda’, alongside a second hilltop featuring the nises familiarisation trips and tools for Professional Being responsible for the whole province, its portfo- Gardeny, home to the Templar Castle and the Convention Organisers (PCOs), specialist agents lio covers the full range of diversity of the surroun- Agri-food Technology Park. In terms of museums it and promoters with an interest in learning more ding area. boasts one of the finest collections of sacred art an- about Lleida as a destination. LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU [ 13 PRESENTATION OF BIDS

• Creation of bids. • Preparation of documentation. • Selection of key players.

INCENTIVES PROGRAMMES

• Design of thematic incentives programmes: cuisine and wine, heritage, green, adventure... • Lleidaexperience tourism packages.

HOSPITALITY

• Hospitality Desk, an information and welcome point at the convention venue • Welcome Kit: tourist guide and plan.

EMOCITY, Lleida city card

• Free city card for delegates at events held in Lleida. • Free urban transport and exclusive discounts and promotions covering 48 hours.

FAMILIARISATION TRIPS

• For professional organisers and event promoters

ACCOMMODATION HOSTESSES AND SUPPORT STAFF COMMUNICATION AGENCIES PROFESSIONAL ARTICLES CATERING PUBLISHERS AND PRINTERS IT EQUIPMENT FLORISTS SOUND AND IMAGE INFRASTRUCTURE AND STANDS INTERPRETERS LOGISTICS AND COURIERS RESTAURANTS SIGNAGE FLAGSHIP ROOMS AND VENUES TAXIS AND TRANSPORTATION (PASSENGER) …

Pan-baked snails (“a la llauna”). ©COMO POMONA 14 ] LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU

CITIZENS OF THE WORLD

Travel connections to Lleida are simple and con- venient. Its strategic location as the gateway to Europe and the Mediterranean via Inland Catalonia place it on one of the main national and international road and transport corridors.

BY ROAD

Lleida stands at a major junction of roadways where the key express links to Europe converge.

The AP-2 Northeastern Motorway connects Lleida to Zaragoza and Barcelona in just over an hour, with the A-2 expressway providing an alternative.

For travellers arriving via Girona, the recently ex- panded C-25 Transversal Corridor is an excellent option, while the C-12 Ebro Corridor provides a link from Valencia.

Rapid access is also available from Huesca along the A-22 expressway linking up with the routes to Fran- ce, Navarre and the Basque Country.

Connections with the Pyrenees: Vall d’Aran (N- 230), Seu d’Urgell (C-14 / N-145) and Los Pallars (C-13).

BY AIR

Although Lleida has an airport (Lleida-Alguaire, just ten minutes away and specialising in charter flights), its main airport is El Prat in Barcelona, an international hub with excellent links to Lleida by road and train.

Cities such as Paris and Rome are less than two Lleida-Pirineus Station. hours away, with both traditional scheduled flights ©MISSATGES and an excellent low-cost offering. Lleida-Alguaire Airport. ©GENERALITAT DE CATALUNYA LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU [ 15

BARCELONA MAIN AIRPORT

PARIS 1h50’ ROMA 1h45’ LONDON 2h20’ 16 ] LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU

-30% AVE and long distance

BY TRAIN

The arrival of the High-Speed Train in Lleida in 2003 CONTINUATION provided a great incentive for event and convention tourism.

In fact in just six years (up to 2009) business increa- TO FRANCE sed by 170% to a figure of close on 34,000 delegates. Of the 45,000 who now come to the city, most Lleida-Figueres Vilafant still arrive in Lleida on the AVE.

The extension of the High-Speed network has fur- 2h8’ ther served to improve convention tourism figures. Alongside excellent connections to the main national airports, France is now just two hours away.

Combine all these conveniences with the 30% dis- count voucher on AVE high-speed and long-distance routes offered by LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU to those attending events and conventions listed with the Convention Office, and the train is undoubtedly one of the best options for travel to Lleida.

aveEXPERIENCE

Lleida is a member of the AVE City Network, a consortium which serves to organise the tourist offering linked up by this railway network.

Within the context of the association, Lleida offers tourism packages and incentives as part of the joint marketing program known as aveEXPERIENCE, promoting the use of the train for leisure events and festivals. LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU [ 17

HIGH-SPEED BARCELONA 1h MADRID 2h SEVILLA 4h20’

The AVE as it passes through Lleida. ©MISSATGES 18 ] LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU FREEWHEELING URBAN MOBILITY &INCENTIVES

TAXIS Hand luggage free of charge

Tourist taxis apply no surcharge for hand luggage. LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU [ 19

Tourist bus. ©MISSATGES

TOURIST EMOCITY BUS CYCLE lane Free for groups intercity bus Lleida is easy to get In addition to free trans- around by bike. The cy- Emocity, the Lleida city port during the season cle lanes cover the whole card, lets you use the for holders of Emocity, city and in particular the the urban transport system the tourist bus can be university districts. free of charge for 48 hours. hired for group transfers. LLEIDA20 ] LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU

SMART GREEN CITY LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU [ 21

LLEIDA, THE SMART DESTINATION

Ever since the first Smart City Strategic Plan was drawn up in 2011, Lleida has positioned itself in the vanguard of new technologies implemented in the interests of sustainable development and to improve the quality of life of citizens. A strategy which has earned Lleida City of Science and Innovation status in recognition of its commitment to R&D+i and its contribution to changing the productive model at the local level.

The city is currently embarked on a new project: Lleida Smart Green City. The aim is to reduce energy consumption at municipal facilities, transforming them into Smartplaces through the use of information and communication technology (ICT).

This smart green city concept covers numerous natural spaces located within the heart of the city itself: the Camps Elisis, the La Mitjana Nature Park and the River Park.

The application of new technologies and the development of the knowledge society, beyond the Green concept itself, also have a major impact on convention activities, social interaction and cutting-edge architecture.

PCiTAL MAGICAL MEDIA

The Lleida Agri-food Science and Technology Park focuses on increa- Magical Media is a multimedia servi- sing the competitiveness of the business fabric through information and ce complex focusing on the audiovi- the transfer of knowledge with the scientific and academic world. It sual industry, training and research. is home to technology-based enterprises, the Magical Media audiovi- With indoor premises covering 7448 sual production centre and Innopan, an innovation centre specialising m2 along with a further 5200 m2 in bread technology. outdoors, it boasts 7 recording studios, sound and production studios, changing rooms, training rooms and ARBORÈTUM an area for the headquarters of audiovisual enterprises. The facilities The Dr. Pío Font i Quer Arboretum is Lleida’s botanical garden. Co- and equipment at Magical are capable vering almost 7 acres and home to some five hundred species of tree of handling anything from industrial and shrub, it recreates 16 different woodland environments. The park video productions to digital cinema is dedicated to spreading knowledge about the plant world while rai- for 4K screens with stereoscope and sing public awareness as to the value of biodiversity and environmental Dolby 7.1 sound. sustainability.

The Camps Elisis, used for festive events. ©MISSATGES 22 ] LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU

THEATRE-CONVENTION CENTRE

Officially opened in 2010, La Llotja is Lleida’s Theatre and Convention Centre, a member of the select club of first- class multifunctional facilities to be found in Spain for the staging of events.

LOCATION

Spectacular in terms both of its architectural design (cour- tesy of the renowned Dutch practice Mecanoo and winner of the Chicago Athenaeum 2011 Architecture Award) and also its functionality, La Llotja is housed on the site of the former Central Fruit and Vegetable Market and close to its modern-day successor, Mercolleida, hence its name, which means ‘exchange’ or ‘market’ in Catalan.

On the banks of the River Segre and close by the AVE high-speed railway station and road links, the Convention Centre also boasts an underground car park, taxi rank and bus services.

CAPACITY

The figures of the Lleida Convention Centre speak for themselves. Well proportioned and devised with a flexibility allowing it to stage any type of event, La Llotja is a 35,000 m2 sustainable venue with two auditoriums which can seat 1400, along with a further 21 function rooms with varying capacities, social areas and a magnificent panoramic terrace offering views of the old cathedral, La Seu Vella.

CULTURAL EVENTS

The scenic potential of the La Llotja Theatre is faithfully reflected in its main auditorium, with a cutting-edge design and capacity for an audience of 1000. Well placed on the national cultural scene, its stage and backstage area allow for the performance of a wide range of major shows and numerous disciplines: dance, music, theatre... La LLOTjA LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU [ 23

35.000 M2

AUDITORIUM 1/ 1.000 PLACES +AUDITORIUM 2/ 400 PLACES Meeting Room MR / 200 PLACES 18 MEETING ROOMS 3 OPEN-PLAN ROOMS LARGE PANORAMIC TERRACES BUSINESS CENTRE ACCESSIBLE PARKING La LLOTjA©LA LLOTJA 24 ] LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU [ 25

With a permanent season, it also has sales channels for tickets and event promotion.

BUSINESS AND CONVENTIONS

The high concentration of services and technological facilities at the Lleida Convention Centre simplify the logistical complexity involved in staging an event.

Functional spaces

Its functional design allows for physical transformation by means of panels to divide, combine and structure spaces which can operate simultaneously and independently, or be linked up through audiovisual equipment.

SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION Virality and online conventions

La Llotja also deploys technological systems to increase AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT virality and the impact of events via social media. Wi-Fi connections facilitate interaction among delegates, online broadcasting in real time by streaming for virtual audito- ROOMS WITH DIVIDING PANELS riums and links to remote sub-venues. Press rooms can also be set up, along with recording studios and sets for events with accredited media representatives.

STANDS AND POSTER DISPLAY Business Centre

The Business Centre, with spaces ranging from 20 to 80 EQUIPMENTS m2, can be used as the venue for the convention’s technical office. With access restricted to the organisers, this allows them to plan their work and prepare sessions WI-FI CONNECTION without the programme of activities in the function rooms interfering in administration. CATERING FACILITIES Catering facilities The gastronomic offering is one of La Llotja’s real strengths. With an in-house catering team, the Conven- tion Centre offers a range of services covering everything from traditional coffee breaks and working lunches to such sophisticated offerings as themed menus, gourmet tastings and gastronomic pop art, served at table, standing or in such spaces as the panoramic terrace.

Staff and suppliers

The catalogue of services includes professional staff and suppliers specialising in events. La Llotja can provide com- prehensive organisation of any type of event, including advice for the client throughout every stage of the organisation and staging of the gathering: interpreters, hostesses and support staff, communication bureaus, room decora- tion, passenger and goods transport... 26 ] LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU [ 27

THE DREAM DESTINATION 28 ] LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU

RELAX& BUSINESS

By 2014 Lleida will have a total of 2500 hotel beds. Accommodation for all types of visitor, from top-of- the-range establishments to youth hostels.

Much of the hotel stock has either been recently built or fully refurbished. New hotel groups have set up here over recent years, while others are busy expanding.

FULL SERVICE

Lleida’s hotels offer the full spectrum of services. Catering is undoubtedly one of the most highly va- lued, with many hotels boasting kitchens which have won great acclaim for their quality, innovation and format. It is no surprise to find that Lleida is a leading food and wine tourism destination.

Supplementary rooms are typically rented for small- scale and medium events, along with access to new technologies from the rooms themselves and/or communal areas.

WELLNESS

Wellness is another of the strengths of Lleida’s hotel facilities. From the Pyrenees to the plains, spa hotels offer health circuits and supplementary services which are ideal for incentives programmes and parallel activities. LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU [ 29

Catering and wellness, two of the star turns of Lleida’s hotels LLEIDA

LLEIDA EVENT&CONVENTION BUREAU