Energy Production & Transportation Events in Barcelona

Smart City Expo World Congress

Smart City Expo World Congress: Leading the Future of Urban Innovation

Since its inception in 2011, the Smart City Expo World Congress has grown into the most influential event for urban innovation globally. Held annually in Barcelona, this premier gathering of changemakers brings together policymakers, technology companies, academics, and urbanists from over 140 countries to collaborate, exchange ideas, and inspire transformative change in the way cities are built and managed.

In a world facing climate emergencies, rapid urbanization, aging infrastructure, and social inequality, Smart City Expo serves as a beacon of possibility—an international platform that does more than talk about the future; it helps shape it. By empowering cities through innovation, this event acts as a catalyst for creating more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban environments.

The Power of the Smart City Ecosystem

At the heart of the Congress is the idea that cities should not only be smarter, but also more human-centric. The Expo provides the perfect venue for developing an ecosystem where government leaders, civic tech companies, researchers, NGOs, and investors can come together to address the most pressing challenges cities face today.

This includes themes such as:

   Urban mobility and intelligent transport systems

   Circular economy and waste management

   Smart infrastructure and connected buildings

   Public-private data collaboration

   Inclusive governance and citizen participation

By bridging the public and private sectors, Smart City Expo offers an environment that enables experimentation, cross-sectoral dialogue, and rapid implementation of forward-thinking urban strategies.

A Global Gathering with Local Impact

Spanning more than 50,000 square meters of exhibition space, the Congress is designed for active engagement. Every year, it draws over 25,000 participants and features 800+ exhibitors, including some of the world’s largest technology and innovation brands. From emerging startups to established Fortune 500 companies, the exhibition floor serves as a true reflection of what’s happening in the global smart city space.

Visitors have the opportunity to:

   Explore real-world solutions for improving city services

   Experience live demonstrations of IoT, AI, 5G, and digital twin technologies

   Meet face-to-face with public officials and infrastructure providers

   Discover procurement and partnership opportunities across continents

   Attend themed pavilions highlighting innovations from different countries and regions

Each element of the Congress is curated to ensure that every participant—whether a mayor or a mobility startup founder—finds meaningful ways to contribute and benefit.

Conference Program: Where Ideas Shape the Cities of Tomorrow

Beyond the massive expo floor lies one of the event’s key strengths: its conference program. With more than 600 high-profile speakers, this portion of the Congress fosters thought-provoking dialogue, debate, and inspiration. The sessions are led by internationally respected voices from governments, urban planning agencies, tech firms, and academic institutions, offering cutting-edge insights into the urban issues of today and tomorrow.

Core conference themes often include:

   Smart governance and digital transformation

   Climate action and urban sustainability

   Cybersecurity and data ethics in smart cities

   Public health in the urban age

   Equity, accessibility, and inclusive design

The format features a mix of keynotes, panels, fireside chats, and case study presentations, offering attendees both macro-level visions and micro-level strategies they can implement back in their own cities or companies.

Why You Should Attend Smart City Expo World Congress

If you are involved in urban development, public services, or technology, Smart City Expo isn’t just another event—it’s a global movement. The Congress offers tangible benefits for various types of professionals and organizations.

Five compelling reasons to attend:

   Network with Global Leaders: Engage with peers, experts, and policymakers from over 140 countries.

   Showcase Your Innovation: Gain international exposure by exhibiting in front of decision-makers and investors.

   Learn from the Best: Absorb strategies from global case studies, pilot projects, and research findings.

   Drive Policy Change: Collaborate on policies and regulations that foster sustainable urban development.

   Explore New Markets: Meet public procurement officers and city representatives actively looking for new solutions.

Whether you represent a startup, a multinational corporation, or a municipal government, Smart City Expo provides an environment to connect ideas with action—and ideas with capital.

Building Human-Centered Cities through Technology

While technology is often at the center of discussions on urban innovation, the Congress keeps human needs as its guiding principle. Tools like AI, IoT, machine learning, and blockchain are explored not for their novelty but for their impact on improving quality of life.

Attendees will see how these technologies are already being used to:

   Predict and prevent air pollution in dense urban areas

   Optimize emergency response times with AI-powered systems

   Enable real-time transit updates that make commuting easier

   Reduce waste through smart bin systems and circular material flows

   Enhance accessibility for the elderly and disabled with inclusive tech

By demonstrating tech’s role in fostering equity, efficiency, and resilience, Smart City Expo highlights a clear path toward urban transformation that leaves no one behind.

Final Thoughts: Be Part of the Urban Future

The Smart City Expo World Congress is more than a conference—it’s a global crossroads of vision, technology, and commitment. As cities around the world face common yet complex challenges, the Congress offers a much-needed space to reflect, collaborate, and act with purpose.

WFO Global Summit

The World Forum Offshore Wind (WFO) stands as the premier global business platform for the offshore wind industry, dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of offshore wind energy as one of the leading renewable energy sources worldwide. With its mission to connect industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders, WFO is playing a pivotal role in driving the growth of offshore wind and promoting it as a key solution to the world's energy challenges. By fostering collaboration and providing a space for knowledge exchange, WFO is helping to shape the future of the offshore wind sector and contribute to the global transition to clean, sustainable energy.

The WFO Global Summit, set to take place in Barcelona, will be a significant gathering of experts, thought leaders, and innovators from around the world, all focused on exploring the latest advancements in offshore wind technology. The summit serves as a critical meeting point for key players in the industry, providing a platform for the sharing of ideas, experiences, and strategies that can propel the offshore wind sector forward. As the industry continues to evolve, such forums are essential for keeping pace with technological developments, regulatory changes, and the growing demand for renewable energy solutions.

At the heart of WFO's efforts is its commitment to fostering collaboration and connection among its members. The organization works closely with stakeholders across the entire offshore wind value chain, from developers and technology providers to investors and policymakers, ensuring that all voices are heard and all perspectives are considered. By bringing these diverse groups together, WFO creates a dynamic environment where members can share knowledge, solve challenges, and identify opportunities for growth and innovation in the offshore wind sector.

One of the core strengths of WFO is its dedicated committees, which focus on specific topics within the offshore wind industry. These committees are instrumental in addressing the key challenges the sector faces, whether it’s related to technology, policy, or market development. By engaging with experts and stakeholders both within and outside the industry, the committees work to find practical solutions and promote the highest standards in offshore wind development. The goal is to ensure that the offshore wind sector not only grows but does so in a way that is sustainable, efficient, and capable of meeting the world's increasing energy demands.

Through these committees, WFO provides a structured approach to tackling the industry's most pressing issues, whether it's related to supply chain management, environmental considerations, grid integration, or financing. The insights generated through these efforts are then shared with the wider offshore wind community, helping to shape industry best practices and inform decision-making at all levels. This collaborative approach helps to ensure that the sector can continue to expand while addressing the environmental, economic, and technical challenges that arise.

The WFO Global Summit in Barcelona will be a key event for those involved in offshore wind, offering a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge technology, and gain a deeper understanding of the trends shaping the future of renewable energy. The summit will address not only the technical aspects of offshore wind but also the policy, regulatory, and financial considerations that are essential for the industry's long-term success. It will provide valuable insights into the evolving market dynamics, the latest innovations in wind turbine technology, and the emerging opportunities for offshore wind projects around the world.

WFO's impact extends beyond events like the Global Summit. By serving as a hub for collaboration and knowledge exchange, WFO helps to drive the offshore wind sector toward achieving its full potential. The organization is committed to ensuring that offshore wind plays a central role in the global energy mix, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy future. Whether through its global events, its dedicated committees, or its ongoing efforts to connect stakeholders across the industry, WFO is helping to lead the charge in advancing offshore wind as a critical part of the renewable energy revolution.

In conclusion, the World Forum Offshore Wind is more than just a platform for business; it is a catalyst for change in the offshore wind sector. By bringing together experts from around the world, providing insights into the latest technological advancements, and fostering collaboration across the industry, WFO is playing a key role in shaping the future of offshore wind energy. As the world looks to renewables to meet its energy needs, WFO's efforts to connect, inform, and support the offshore wind industry will be crucial in ensuring that this vital source of clean energy can reach its full potential.