For Kursaal, 2011 was an exceptional year for congresses, with a record turnover – for the second year running – and growth in average attendance figures, reaching 619 delegates per congress.
The importance of the congresses hosted by Kursaal in 2011 – despite the fact that the number fell from 30-23 with respect to 2011 – has been the determining factor behind the centre’s record turnover. It is important to bear in mind that in 2011 Kursaal hosted the IPAC (International Particle Accelerator Conference), attended by 1,200 scientists from all over the world; ESCOP 2011 of the European Society of Cognitive Psychology, organized by BCBL (1,000 delegates), and the 5th Conference of the 7th I&D Framework Programme of the EU (700 delegates).
In addition to a total turnover of EUR 4.2 million, 7.9% more than originally anticipated, the centre generated a cash surplus of €825,865, and an economic impact in the province of EUR 53 million. As in previous years, it is important to mention that the cash surplus is a veritable milestone, since it means that the centre continues to be self-supporting, as it has been since opening.
As in the last five years, the positive figures obtained in 2011 confirm Kursaal’s successful strategy of centring marketing efforts and resources on the congress industry, a stable, robust segment in which the congress centre and San Sebastian are both well positioned, both from an economic standpoint and as regards reinforcing the Knowledge Society.
Beyond the strictly economic side of the results obtained in 2011, average client satisfaction increased during the year, achieving a new record, with an average score of 8.6 out of 10.
Six international congresses: science and technology top the list
In 2012, six international congresses are scheduled to be held, all with a common denominator: science and technology. Neurobiology, innovation, competitiveness, nanotechnology, polymers and cutting-edge architectural products are some of the issues that will be discussed by scientists, engineers, architects and neurologists in a series of congress hosted by Kursaal during this year.
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National summit on Alzheimer’s at Kursaal
The 5th National Alzheimer’s Congress, scheduled to be held from 25-27 October, will attract 800 delegates, including professionals and family members of those suffering from the disease. This has been possible thanks to the intense market research conducted by the staff of Kursaal and the San Sebastian Convention Bureau which has submitted 23 bids for national and international congresses.
Kursaal
