BEC Generates €201.3M Economic Impact on Basque GDP in 2025, Cumulative 21-Year Total Surpasses €2.17Bn

Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC) generated an economic impact of €201.3 million on the Basque Country GDP in 2025, hosting 256 events across three business areas: 29 trade fairs with 3,132 exhibiting companies; 185 conventions and events; and 42 events at Bizkaia Arena including nine sold-out concerts. The venue welcomed 949,109 visitors over 318 operating days, generated over €39 million in tax revenues, and created 3,839 jobs. Significantly, 80% of spending spilled over into sectors outside the exhibition industry itself: hospitality (46%), transport (21%), leisure and cultural activities (10%), and retail (3%). Over its 21-year history, BEC cumulative economic impact has reached €2,170.6 million. The 2026 calendar is headlined by the 33rd edition of BIEMH (2-6 March) and the inaugural DS-Decarbonized & Sustainable Industry summit.