The International Convention Centre of Barcelona (CCIB) has recently hosted one of the main annual conventions organized by technology multinational Cisco for the EMEA market. From 25-28 January, for the third year running CCIB hosted Networkers at Cisco Live, one of the world’s leading telecommunications events, which this year attracted in the region of 4.000 trade professionals.
CCIB is one of the few centres in Europe capable of hosting an event of this nature, not only due to its capacity but also because of its cutting-edge technology and logistics, as well as the flexibility and accessibility of its facilities. In addition, the centre complies with the high sustainability and environmental standards required by Cisco.
Multiple simultaneous activities
During four-day event, there was large number of sessions and simultaneous activities, including over 240 of a technical and educational nature, as well as other eminently practical and interactive formats. Delegates had the opportunity to get to know the World of Solutions, the technology exposition in which Cisco showcases its latest products and those of its associated companies. At the end of each working day, the facilities was transformed to host social functions and networking events, with live entertainment keyed to showcasing Spanish music and cuisine, on a stage with circular rigging and a cutting-edge digital lighting system.
The multiple use of facilities was possible thanks to the exceptional flexibility and logistical capacity of the Barcelona centre, facilitating daily assembly and dismounting.
Cutting-edge technology and technical equipment
There are few event venues in Spain equipped with the necessary technology to host an event characterized by such a staggeringly large deployment of cutting-edge technology with such a wide range of technical specifications. CCIB has a technological infrastructure that fully satisfies Cisco’s needs: multimode and monomode optic fibre throughout the centre, allowing connections from any part of the building; Category 6 cable, one with the highest connection speed; and a powerful outgoing connection. These services, together with CCIB’s highly specialized technical team, make it an ideal venue for staging events of this type.
Green centre for sustainable events
The convention’s planning, staging and dismounting were all carried out according to environmental and CSR criteria. A special committee, comprising professionals of Cisco and CCIB, supervised the application and observance of the said criteria, based chiefly on generating the smallest amount of residues possible, recycling products and offsetting the event’s environmental impact.
As regards the catering services, handled by CCIB, local produce, recyclable plastic dishes and water fountains were used – thus replacing the use of bottles. Additional measures included badge recycling points, the use of recycled paper, a minimum use of carpeting and its posterior recycling, as well as the deployment of recycling bins throughout the facilities. The classification of residues in six types, as well as special residues, is common practice at CCIB, the only convention centre in Spain with its own onsite processing plant.
Concerning CSR, Cisco invited a group of 20 women, with the aim of familiarizing them with Information Technologies and offering them an opportunity to exchange opinions with the multinational’s female staff. In addition, all the leftover textiles were donated to charity, and the organizers also donated €1 to a NGO for each of the post-event evaluation questionnaires completed by delegates.
