Córdoba reinforces its strategic position as host of the III Joint AFE & APCE Congress in 2026

El Ayuntamiento de Córdoba and Junta de Andalucía have formalized their support for III Joint Congress AFE & APCE, which will be held in the city from July 8 to 11, 2026 to promote meetings tourism as a regional economic engine.

Institutional alliance for the development of the MICE sector

The city of Cordoba is preparing to welcome more than 200 managers and professionals high-level members of the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry (MICEThis meeting, which unites the Asociación de Ferias Españolas (AFE) Yet the Asociación de Palacios de Congresos de España (PACE), seeks to analyze the operational challenges and strategic opportunities of trade fair infrastructures in the current global context.

The official ceremony was attended by the mayor of Córdoba, José María Bellido, and the director of Turismo y Andalucía Exterior, Arturo Bernalwho were accompanied by Xabier Basáñez, President of the AFE, and Sylvia Andrés, President of the APCE.

Economic impact and international projection of Córdoba

The holding of this congress represents a direct boost for the local economy, especially in the sectors of logistics, hospitality, transport and commerceWith a minimum average stay of three nights per attendee, the event guarantees high occupancy in specialized services.

As has been highlighted Arturo Bernal, the segment MICE It is fundamental to "reducing seasonality and boosting the local economy." The councilor recalled that in 2025, the province received 2,1 million travelersconsolidating itself as a first-rate logistics and tourism hub in the south of España.

Concept	Detail / Figure
Event	III Joint Congress AFE & APCE
Celebration dates	8 to the 11 of July of 2026
Expected attendees	More than 200 professionals and managers
average stay	Minimum of 3 nights per attendee
Travelers in Cordoba (2025)	2,1 million

Synergy between exhibition centers and convention centers

One of the new features of this edition is the simultaneous use of the city's venues. Sylvia Andrés, President of the APCEHe pointed out that "for the first time we will use the city's fairgrounds and convention center as a practical expression of that complementarity," allowing for a more ambitious technical program.

For its part, Xabier Basáñez He emphasized that trade fair organizations are "strategic infrastructures" which contribute to the competitiveness of cities. The congress will serve to discuss the efficiency of these facilities in an increasingly demanding business environment.

Analysis of challenges and opportunities in the meetings industry.
Promoting public-private collaboration in the services sector.
Generating a direct impact on local restoration and transport.
Positioning of Córdoba as a leading destination for business tourism.

Key points and frequently asked questions about the III AFE & APCE Congress

What impact does this congress have on the city of Cordoba?

The event has a direct impact on hotel activity, transportation and local commerce, thanks to the presence of more than 200 executives who will stay a minimum of three nights in the city.

Why is collaboration between AFE and APCE important?

This alliance reflects the complementarity between the trade fair and congress sectors, allowing for the optimization of infrastructure use and the development of more complex and specialized work programs.

What is the role of institutions in this event?

Both the Ayuntamiento de Córdoba and Junta de Andalucía They consider tourism MICE as a strategic sector to reduce tourist seasonality and promote the creation of quality employment.