Barcelona area has a large experience both in hosting international level conferences and in welcoming international visitors. It has a long trading tradition. It is a dynamic, welcoming city and one of the major economic and business centres of Mediterranean Europe, actively engaged in the European community market and Latin America. Around 4.5 million inhabitants live in its metropolitan area.
Thanks to both its privileged position on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and its economic, social and cultural dynamism, Barcelona’s influence extends over a wide area in southern Europe.
Barcelona has turned innovation, technological development, design and top quality service into basic elements of its identity. As an example, in February 2010, Barcelona will hold the Mobile World Congress which is expected to attract approximately 50,000 attendees.
Major events, such as the World’s Fair of 1888, the International Exhibition of 1929, the 1992 Olympic Games and the 2004 Forum of Cultures have contributed to the development and modernisation of the city and its wide range of influence.
Barcelona has a modern hotel infrastructure and boasts first rate shops and leisure, cultural and tourist attractions.

View all ECRI2010 Barcelona, Spain locations (congress and social events venue, hotels, Infrastructures, etc) in a larger map.

The Conference will take place in Barcelona in the PALACIO DE CONGRESOS DE CATALUÑA, which is located in the prestigious Avenida Diagonal of Barcelona, the most important financial and business centre of the city, and nearby many research centres and most prestigious universities. The building is a part of the Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I – Business and City Resort and is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking gardens in Barcelona. Located in the city, and at the same time with very good connection to the airport, with a driving time of 15 minutes.

The building itself is a symbol of contemporary Barcelona. It was designed by the architects Ferrater and Cartañá and has received the National Architecture Prize in 2001.

How to arrive

From the airport: Barcelona Airport El Prat (11 km)

• By car/taxi: Coming out of the airport take the B-17, in the direction of Barcelona (5 kilometers), follow the signs for B-20, Ronda de Dalt (blue). Once you are on the B-20, continue straight on until you see the exit sign for “salida” 11 (Les Corts - Zona Universitaria). From this point on you can see the hotel. Continue for 200 meters on the right hand side of the Avenida Diagonal and take the second street to the right that leads you directly to the Hotel. (Overall duration of trip: approximately 15 minutes.)
• By train/metro: The train station is located just next to the Airport. Take the train as far as Sants Estació, the city’s main train station. Once you arrive, take the subway train (Metro), Line 3 (green line) and get off at the Zona Universitaria stop (2 minutes walking distance from the Hotel). (Overall duration of trip: approximately 40 minutes.)
• By Aerobus: The aerobus, express airport bus service, links the airport with the main areas of interest in the city. The terminal for the Aerobus is just in front of airport itself and it stops at every terminal. In order to get to the Hotel you must get off at the Plaza España stop (first stop within the city). Take the subway Line 3 from here (red line) and get off at the Zona Universitaria station (2 minutes walk from the Hotel). (Overall duration of trip: approximately 35 minutes.)

DISTANCES

• 20 minutes from the heart of the city.
• 10 kilometers from the airport (15 minutes by car)
• 2 minutes walk to the nearest subway station (Line 3, green), bus and tram.
• 3 kilometers from the Sants train station.
• 5 minutes by car from the FC Barcelona Camp Nou.