SPAIN - The Valencia Conference Centre (VCC) has won the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC) 2010 APEX accolade for World’s Best Congress Centre.
The ceremony took place at the 2010 AIPC conference in Liverpool last week, which drew 190 delegates. AIPC now boasts 166 convention centre members in 53 countries.
The APEX Award recognises excellence in management and facilities.
A study by experts from the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management shortlisted 27 finalists. VCC chief executive, José Salinas, said the award “implies the total endorsement” of customers as it is based on their opinions. “It is one of the best presents we could have received just after our 12th anniversary. It sets us apart in a highly competitive market and maintains Valencia’s leading position in the industry,” he said.
During the 12 years since it opened, Valencia Conference Centre has received 1.3 million visitors, hosted over 1,900 events and generated over €600m for the city, more than 20 times the amount it cost to build.
The Valencia Feria complex, meanwhile, will be the venue for the 25th EUPVSEC 2010, the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition and the 5th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion.
This four-day long event will attract around 900 companies and 40,000 visitors from all over the world. The exhibition, which will be held alongside the conference, will be a showcase for the technology and service providers involved in this sector. The event is supported by the European Commission, UNESCO and the World Council for Renewable Energy.
