62nd International SPAR Congress , 14th – 20th May 2017 We are delighted to invite you to the 62nd International SPAR Congress taking place in May 2017, on the island of Gran Canaria. Combining presentation sessions with store visits and networking opportunities, the annual Congress is the highlight of the SPAR calendar, bringing together colleagues from all over SUNDAY 14 MAY the SPAR world. Delegates will fly into airport on Gran Canaria and will be welcomed by a team on the ground. Upon arrival, delegates will have the opportunity to visit the SPAR SPAR SPAIN Express store at the airport, which reflects the SPAR Partner’s investment into modern technology and product ranges that suit the many tourists visiting the island. SPAR Spain was founded in 1959 and has expanded over time to cover both the mainland and the island areas, working with regional wholesalers to build a network of Transfers will be arranged to Hotel Villa Del Conde, where we will stay for the week. over 1,000 stores nationwide. The head office is located in Barcelona and from here, The hotel offers many facilities for guests to enjoy during their free time, including a support is given to all partners developing the SPAR Brand. health and wellness spa and many sporting activities.

SPAR Gran Canaria is a family owned business, which celebrated its 30th anniversary Evening in 2016 and is a key employer on the island, renowned for its community involvement. A new Distribution Centre (DC) has been developed on the island to facilitate the The Congress will open with a welcome cocktail followed by a buffet dinner. expanding retail business which comprises company owned stores and licensed independent retailers. MONDAY 15 MAY

Every day, breakfast can be enjoyed in an area reserved exclusively for SPAR Congress guests. After breakfast, we will visit a number of SPAR Supermarkets as well as some of the island’s top tourist sights, concluding with lunch at the newly opened Distribution Centre, recently doubled in size and modernised. We will take the opportunity to tour the DC and hear about the cost savings achieved by integrating new systems.

Return to the hotel late afternoon.

Evening

The evening will be free for guests to do as they wish. The hotel hospitality desk will have information about restaurant options in the area.

2 62nd International SPAR Congress 2017 62nd International SPAR Congress 2017 3 TUESDAY 16 MAY

After breakfast delegates can walk across to the Congress venue for the start of the presentation sessions. The exhibition area at the event location offers an opportunity to see some new innovations in retail development from Spain and abroad.

Partner Programme

WEDNESDAY 17 MAY

After another hearty breakfast, delegates can make their way to the Congress venue for the second day of presentations and a visit of the exhibition area.

Partners will first go by bus to the centre to enjoy some shopping time before being transferred to Gabinete Literario. In this old city theatre partners will have the opportunity to learn more about the art of Spanish dancing, Sevillanas style, as well as enjoy lunch.

Evening

We conclude the formal part of the 62nd International SPAR Congress with a gala dinner, held at the exquisite Finca Condal Vega Grande, an estate with many unique features and characteristics. Partners are invited to join a tour to Roque Nublo, where we will enjoy the unique landscape and scenery during the walk. Roque Nublo is said to be one of the biggest natural crags in the world, is of volcanic origin and the peak is 1,813m above sea level. Lunch will be held at the elegant Parador Cruz de restaurant, which serves traditional Canarias cuisine. Situated at one of the highest points on the island, this restaurant offers spectacular panoramic views of Gran Canaria, with a view to Tenerife in clear weather.

Evening

In the evening we will travel to the nearby hotel Baobab, which has a unique ambience and architecture, borrowing inspiration from Africa. Here we will be treated to a great evening with outstanding entertainment.

4 62nd International SPAR Congress 2017 62nd International SPAR Congress 2017 5 THURSDAY 18 MAY POST-CONGRESS AGENDA

Breakfast can once again be enjoyed in an area reserved exclusively for SPAR Congress guests.

Those departing for home will be transferred to the Las Palmas airport. The transport schedule will be available at the hospitality desk.

Those staying on to join the post-congress programme will have an opportunity to visit Anfi Island, stopping along the way to see two SPAR stores in Arguineguin. The island is reached by boat, leaving from the port of Mogán, which is the gateway to the Atlantic in the south of Gran Canaria. We will be combining two well-known specialities of the location in the afternoon. Water sports such as canoes, banana boats, paddle surfing will be available for those delegates who would like to enjoy outdoor adventures whilst others expand their culinary knowledge, enjoying local potato served with spicy salsa, as well as specialty local gin and tonic. Registration will be arranged onsite.

Evening FRIDAY 19 MAY

We round off the day with an outdoor dinner and flamenco show at the After breakfast, delegates can choose to either participate in a friendly golf tournament golf course. which will be held at the Maspalomas course, combined with a tasty lunch.

Alternatively, delegates can join a tour to the evergreen ravine of Barranco de Guayadeque, one of the island’s most magnificent outdoor experiences. Here, more than 80 endemic plant species, including cacti, agaves, poppies, palms, Canary Island pines and almond trees, grow in abundance on steep slopes. Lunch will be enjoyed at the Vega Restaurant, which specialises in local cuisine and has a variety of typical dishes.

Evening

Dinner will be held at the Maspalomas Dunes, a nature reserve in the south of Gran Canaria with flourishing populations of protected bird and plant species.

SATURDAY 20 MAY

After breakfast, those departing will be transferred to the Las Palmas airport. The transport schedule will be available at the hospitality desk.

6 62nd International SPAR Congress 2017 62nd International SPAR Congress 2017 7 SPAR HANDBOOK APP

Please see Congress details in the app, which will be updated closer to the time with the agenda.

The SPAR Congress website also features the programme in PDF format and has a link to the online registration form.

SPAR International Rokin 99 -101 NL-1012 KM Amsterdam Tel: +31 (0)20 626 6749 Fax: +31 (0)20 627 5196

www.spar-international.com

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