Barcelona International Community Day returns as the top event for the city’s global talent network. This annual gathering, now in its 11th edition, will be held on Saturday, September 28, at the Barcelona Maritime Museum. The venue will be open from 10 am to 7 pm, with free entry upon registration at barcelona.cat/internationalcommunityday.
Organized by the Barcelona City Council, this event has established itself as the foremost welcome and networking platform for international professionals who have chosen Barcelona as their new home. It also provides an opportunity for locals to connect with the international community, fostering integration and helping newcomers settle into their new environment.
A trade fair with 80 exhibitors and over 60 activities
The event will feature a trade fair with 80 exhibitors, including companies, public institutions, foreign associations and clubs, and international schools, all offering services, products, and initiatives tailored to the international community. Notably, around 30% of these exhibitors are participating for the first time.
The program will include over 60 activities designed for a broad audience, including informative talks, workshops, panel discussions, networking opportunities, musical performances, and activities for children. These sessions will primarily be conducted in English, featuring around 90 speakers and experts from various countries.
Participants from various sectors will discuss topics such as real estate, relocation, talent management, legal and financial consulting, insurance, and medical services. Public and private cultural and social organizations will also be present, offering services to help newcomers enjoy and integrate into the city. The education sector will be well-represented, with stands from schools offering international curricula, business schools, and other educational institutions.
Over 60 activities are planned, focusing on three main themes: arriving and settling in Barcelona, business and work, and enjoying and socializing in the city. Practical sessions will cover tax issues, healthcare, emotional aspects of relocation, and finding schools for children. Professional activities will address topics such as securing funding for entrepreneurs, starting a business, and leveraging AI for job searches. Barcelona Activa will present resources for job seekers and entrepreneurs. Social activities will include networking events, leadership workshops, and language sessions.
The event will also feature festive and family-friendly activities, including a giant (Gegants) display celebrating the 600th anniversary of this tradition, live concerts, performances, and a children’s play area inside the venue.
Host ambassadors, six professionals from various countries who have settled in Barcelona, will participate in the program. They will share their experiences in video interviews that will be published on Barcelona International Welcome’s social media channels and the event’s website.
Barcelona International Community Day in 2023
In 2023, the event attracted 5,072 registered participants, 76% of whom were first-time attendees. The diverse crowd included students, entrepreneurs, researchers, business owners, artists, and families from 123 different countries. Nearly 50% of attendees had been living in Barcelona for less than three years.
The international community now represents more than 25% of Barcelona’s population, with residents from 180 different nationalities. These newcomers contribute to the city’s diversity, innovation, and economic growth, making Barcelona a vibrant and cosmopolitan hub.
To welcome and integrate this talent, Barcelona City Council’s International Economic Promotion Area has implemented a plan to attract, retain, and support international talent through Barcelona International Welcome. This platform provides practical information, events, and resources to help newcomers settle into the city and connect with the local community.