venues
Conventional Wisdom
Photo: Shawn – stock.adobe.com
Fira Barcelona Gran Via
Fira Barcelona Gran Via is situated in a business-focused district in Barcelona, a short taxi ride from the Gothic Quarter. Surrounded by plenty of hotels and restaurants, the venue offers 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space spread across eight halls. Hall Zero is currently being constructed across the street from the venue's south entrance. The expansion, which will add 650,000 square feet to the venue, is slated for completion in summer 2027 and will reinforce Gran Via's position as one of Europe's most capable large-scale exhibition venues.

Costumes or giveaways that could offend exhibitors or attendees on ethnic, religious, sexual, political, or social grounds are not permitted.

Optical, mobile, or acoustic advertising is only permitted if it does not disturb nearby stands.

Curtains must have total fire resistance.

In most halls, the maximum permitted height of booths is 16 feet.

Exhibitors may cover their stands with a ceiling, provided that it adheres to fire safety standards. Since the ceilings can be seen from higher floors, their finish should be aesthetically pleasing.

Outdoor inflatable structures will be dismantled if winds are stronger than 24 mph.

Rigging work is exclusive to Fira de Barcelona and offered only through its official suppliers.

It is not permitted to emit vapors, inflammable gases, or toxic gases that may be a health hazard.

Exhibitors may not use escalators and public elevators to transport elements for constructing or decorating booths.

WHERE TO SLEEP
There are five hotels within a stroll of the convention center, all offering convenience and comfort, with easy access to downtown Barcelona. Hotel SB Plaza Europa is a popular choice among business travelers, known for its well-designed rooms, contemporary lobby decor, cozy bar, and hearty breakfast.
There are five hotels within a stroll of the convention center, all offering convenience and comfort, with easy access to downtown Barcelona. Hotel SB Plaza Europa is a popular choice among business travelers, known for its well-designed rooms, contemporary lobby decor, cozy bar, and hearty breakfast.

WHAT TO EAT
A plaza near the venue offers several casual options for quick mid-day or evening meals. Also consider the Italian restaurant Sottovoce, which offers surprisingly good pizza provided you have the patience to wait for a table after the show floor closes. It's cozy and dim and only a five-minute walk from Gran Via.
A plaza near the venue offers several casual options for quick mid-day or evening meals. Also consider the Italian restaurant Sottovoce, which offers surprisingly good pizza provided you have the patience to wait for a table after the show floor closes. It's cozy and dim and only a five-minute walk from Gran Via.

HOW TO GET THERE
Gran Via is 6 miles from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) airport, about a 15-minute taxi ride away. Visitors also can spend 20 minutes on the metro to get to the venue. Simply take Metro Line L9 Sud from either airport terminal toward Zona Universitària and exit at Europa/Fira. The trip will cost $6.
Gran Via is 6 miles from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) airport, about a 15-minute taxi ride away. Visitors also can spend 20 minutes on the metro to get to the venue. Simply take Metro Line L9 Sud from either airport terminal toward Zona Universitària and exit at Europa/Fira. The trip will cost $6.

Costumes or giveaways that could offend exhibitors or attendees on ethnic, religious, sexual, political, or social grounds are not permitted.

Optical, mobile, or acoustic advertising is only permitted if it does not disturb nearby stands.

Curtains must have total fire resistance.

In most halls, the maximum permitted height of booths is 16 feet.

Exhibitors may cover their stands with a ceiling, provided that it adheres to fire safety standards. Since the ceilings can be seen from higher floors, their finish should be aesthetically pleasing.

Outdoor inflatable structures will be dismantled if winds are stronger than 24 mph.

Rigging work is exclusive to Fira de Barcelona and offered only through its official suppliers.

It is not permitted to emit vapors, inflammable gases, or toxic gases that may be a health hazard.

Exhibitors may not use escalators and public elevators to transport elements for constructing or decorating booths.
Editorial
Measuring Meaning
CES revealed that what we value in theory doesn't always make it to the show floor.
Exhibitor Q & A
Lead Qualifying
How can I evaluate an attendee to determine if they're a qualified lead or just after the swag?
Ask Dan
Gen Z
The traditional annual review model seems like it doesn't work for Gen Z. How should I adapt it?
Advertorial
Modular Frames in 55 or 62?
That's Not the Question.
Exhibiting 101
Budgeting for Chaos
Costs swing, labor teams get behind, fees balloon. If you don't budget for surprises, your budget is already blown.
Fuel
Ideas That Work
Air Hockey, Fated Meetings, A Fish Tale, and More
Products
New Tools
Three Can't-Miss Product Launches
Conventional Wisdom
Fira Barcelona Gran Via
Gran Via is one of Europe's most capable large-scale exhibition venues
Fixing Snafus
Dog-gone It!
When a dog mistook a runway model for a fire hydrant, the team had to engineer a quick costume change
Archive
Reign Check
1924 -1925: A pair of queens stroll through streets at the British Empire Exhibition named by Rudyard Kipling.
Exhibit Design
The Best of CES 2026
The exhibitors in our annual list stood apart from the crowd of more than 4,000 booths
Research
Economic Outlook
Our 2026 survey shows that the industry continues to hold the course as it steers through economic headwinds
Quiz
Measure Seekers
Do you know your CVL from your CTR, or do measurement acronyms deliver a TKO?
City Profile
Get Out! Barcelona, Spain
In Barcelona, history and modernity share space with a sensual energy that delivers inspiration around every corner.
Networking
Beyond the Bar
If the only thing keeping your networking event lively is an open bar, it's time to sober up.
Reflections
The Next Chapter
Mark Johnson reflects on IAEE's acquisition of Exhibitor Group.
Trends
Five Conference Trends from PCMA
Five trends conference producers need to understand.
