48 events are scheduled between now and the end of the year in Firenze Fiera’s spaces, totaling 40 million euro and 23,270 attendees, with a forecast of over 600 million euros and up to 400,000 congress attendees by the end of 2027, thanks to the teamwork between Firenze Convention Bureau, Firenze Fiera, the Municipality of Florence, the University of Florence, and other partners involved, reconfirming Florence as one of the most sought-after and requested destinations for the congress and corporate sector in Italy.
In recent months, the enthusiasm to return to meet in presence, exchanging know-how and creating business, is tangible among professionals and participants in events. Congresses take place across various venues such as Fortezza da Basso and Palazzo dei Congressi, with the new Palazzo degli Affari set to be inaugurated in July, completely renovated according to eco-sustainable and energy efficient principles.
Councilor for tourism, fairs and congresses, Cecilia Del Re commented,
“If the pandemic has changed many aspects of daily life, from smart working to new organizational models, the congress sector has not lost its centrality and it’s for this reason it’s necessary to continue with the promotional action already undertaken before the pandemic. The strategy is giving concrete results, as demonstrated by the many events scheduled, based on a strong network between public and private entities who care about the promotion of Florence as a quality conference destination”.
“The events scheduled between now and the end of 2022 and the awarding of major international congresses over the next five years are the result of a great team effort between Firenze Fiera, Firenze Convention Bureau, the Municipality of Florence and all the other institutions and operator, involved”
says Lorenzo Becattini, president of Firenze Fiera,
“reconfirming the role of our company as a strategic driver for the economy of Florence and Tuscany”.
Federico Barraco, president of Destination Florence Convention & Visitors Bureau stated,
“To understand the profound importance of the congress tourism sector, it’s enough to analyze the 2022 numbers. Added to the significant figures that revolve around the Firenze Fiera offices are the events confirmed in other locations in the city by the business development activities of the Firenze Convention Bureau, with a further 5 and a half million euros and 3,050 participants”.
UIA – Union of International Associations 2024 set to take place in Florence
Confirming fruitful teamwork, another important milestone has been reached: the UIA Round Table is confirmed in Italy for the first time, set to be hosted in Florence from November 14-15, 2024. The event provides an opportunity to learn through networking and through practice, and to meet international associations, sharing experience and knowledge to help organizations work better. The candidacy was jointly presented by Firenze Convention Bureau, Firenze Fiera and the OIC Group, with the occasion undoubtedly presenting an optimal opportunity to promote Florence, both as a destination and as a location for congresses.
The programme in numbers
48 events planned for Firenze Fiera’s spaces between now and the end of the year, totaling 40 million and 23,270 attendees. A further 5.5 million and 3,700 attendees in congresses elsewhere in Florence in 2022. Over 600 million euro and 400,000 attendees by the end of 2027
