We are pleased to announce the next buildingSMART International Summit will take place in Valencia, Spain, from 12-15 March 2024.
This global summit connects industry professionals dedicated to ensuring that open standards contribute to a more sustainable built environment. The summit will explore ways in which open digital workflows can lay the foundation to meet sustainability goals and objectives. Join us to find out how openBIM is laying the foundation for a more sustainable future.
Prepairing your trip to the Summit
The Summit
Read all about the summit, buy tickets and create your personal agenda at the Summits online plattform.
Remember to download the Hopin smartphone app, where you will find your personal agenda and much more.
The Venue
Palacio de Congresos, designed by Norman Foster. It received the award for Best European Building from the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1999.
It has twice (2018 and 2010) received the World's Best Convention Centre award.
Staying in Valencia
Valencia has a wide range of hotels for you to choose between and the election depends on the area of valencia you want to stay in: close to the Venue, in the city centre, in the beach or besides the City of Ars and Science.
Getting around
From the airport to Valencia
You can get from the airport to Valencia by Metro or by Taxi, both options are recommended, because of the Valencia's airport is just 10 km from the city.
There is a metro station (Beniferri) 8 minutes walking from the venue, so, that's a good option too. You can buy your tickets at the airport.
In Valencia
Valencia has good public transportation, and you can get most place with tram, subway or bus.
Other fun ways of getting around the city are with Valenbisi (download the Valenbisi smartphone app), electric scooters (you will find them around the city), or just take a walk (Valencia is a flat city and the weather is nice)
You can take a taxi too. Cabify is also available.
Event Dinner
The Summit dinner will be held at the Veles e Vents building, designed by architect David Chiperfield. It received the award for Best European Building by the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2007.
It's in the harbour and beach area, and the fastest way to get there from the Palacio de Congresos is by taxi (20-25 minutes). Don't be late, because there will be many surprises.
Things to see
City of Arts and Science
If you come to Valencia a visit to the City of Arts and Sciences is a must. Work of the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, several of its buildings have become icons in the city. It is a scientific and cultural leisure complex around of the former riverbed of the River Turia.
You will need tickets to enter the Hemisfèric, the Science Museum and the Oceanogràfic, and you can buy them separately or combined for the buildings that you would most like to visit.
Old City Centre
With more than 2,000 years of history, the city that has been home to Romans, Visigoths and Muslims since it was founded in 138 BC, boasts one of the largest historical centers in Europe.
Stroll through its historic center, discover the Holy Chalice inside the Cathedral, visit the Central Market, the Silk Exchange, or the Church of San Nicolas.
Albufera Park
This is were paella was invented.
Just 10 km from the city. Nature in its purest form, magical sunsets, boat rides and the chance to disconnect like nowhere else. An urban oasis surrounded by paddy fields and woods.
Take a walk along one of the six signposted routes through the nature reserve. Discover all the waterfowl and vegetation.
Valencia Beaches
If you like golden sands by the sea. When the view, swayed by the salt water of the Mediterranean or hiding in the dunes, with a smile on your face. When you want to bathe in the sun on your towel (always with a good sunscreen) or relax under a parasol with a drink nearby. Or if you like to exercise, swim or do any kind of sport on sand, on water or in the air... then your place in the world is the beaches of Valencia.
Las Fallas
From the 1st to 19th March, Valencia is overturned by Fallas celebrations, a festivity that combines tradition, satire and art which shouldn’t be missed for anything in the world.
Las fallas is one of the best examples of ephimere architectural.
La Mascletà
What happens in the Town Hall Square of Valencia every day between March 1st and 19th at 2:00 p.m. is a sensory and social phenomenon that has fans all over the world.
At that time, thousands of people beat with the same rhythm, that of the countless explosions that the best pyrotechnic companies carefully prepare for the occasion.
Enjoy the food
The Spanish and Valencian cuisine are well known around the world. We suggest some restaurants to enjoy the food, but of course you will find many other restaurants which will surprise you.
Paella
Paella is Valencian cuisine’s most international dish, our contribution to global gastronomy. There is a wide variety of paellas: chicken and rabbit, seafood, vegan, etc.
You can enjoy Paella in several locations. Here are only a few recommendations.
The beach area
The city centre
The Albufera Park
Tapas
One of the best options is opting for tapas. These small plates uniquely combine various ingredients, sometimes with the effectiveness of the ancient alchemists. Small plates whose size and good price allow you to sample a range of flavours and preparations in the same meal.
You can enjoy the Tapas in several locations. Here are only a few recommendations.
The Venue area
The city centre
The beach area
Tardeo
In Valencia the terraces are not only for the summer. And what better way to do it, after the Summit sessions, than having a drink in one of the many terraces that proliferate around the city? There are those with views, in central neighborhoods or by the sea ... You have plenty of places to choose from and enjoy a few beers, a cocktail or a local classic, the Agua de València.
You can enjoy the Tardeo in several locations. Here are only a few recommendations.
The Venue area
The city centre
The beach area
The City of Arts and Science area