Europe’s March mix runs from show-floor programming to venue-side changes that planners notice fast. Spain surfaces a steady drumbeat around AI in education. Germany’s retail show circuit keeps testing new zone formats and curated content. In the United Kingdom, several London and regional venues are adjusting the pieces that drive delivery: room inventory, catering structure, hotel access, and traveler logistics.
Spain
EdTech Awards Highlight AI Projects at EdTech Congress Barcelona
EdTech Congress Barcelona presented the 2026 EdTech Awards during the EdTech Night at the Palau de Congressos de Montjuïc. Organizers recognized 13 projects. Seven used artificial intelligence in teaching or school operations. Winners included “AI that protects” from Escola Cooperativa Can Patufet, using a school-hosted system focused on privacy and security. “¡TEAmo Mucho!” from Escola Palma de Mallorca targeted student well-being with inclusive tools. The University of Lleida won for ValoraCare, using generative AI for nursing interview simulations. Other awards cited AI learning for sixth-grade students and vocational textile training.
Alimentaria+Hostelco Adds Horeca Hub, Coffee Stage, and Bakery and Pastry Hub for March 23–26
Alimentaria+Hostelco will run March 23–26 at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via with three new program areas for the hospitality and foodservice channel: The Horeca Hub, The Coffee Stage, and The Bakery & Pastry Hub. Organizers set The Horeca Hub at 3,000 square meters with close to 200 activities, including sessions, demos, tastings, and product showcases. They also projected more than 600 Horeca and foodservice exhibitors, with 30 percent international, and about 50,000 channel professionals plus around 1,000 strategic buyers. The event also listed a first International Cooking Championship under World Association of Chefs Societies standards, plus a Best Bread Award and barista competitions in the coffee program.
Greece
IAPCO Annual Meeting Opens in Athens With 200 Leaders From 36 Countries
The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) opened its Annual Meeting and General Assembly 2026 in Athens, bringing together 200 senior leaders from 36 countries. The program runs February 25–28 at Megaron Athens International Conference Centre, with an opening reception held February 25 at the Acropolis Museum. IAPCO set the theme “The Odyssey Reinvented” and structured sessions around storytelling, leadership and strategy, and professional development. The meeting is hosted by AFEA Congress, CONVIN, ERA Congresses and Events, and ERASMUS Conferences and Events, with This is Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau as destination partner. IAPCO also cited a combined 23,245 events delivered globally by its members in 2025.
Germany
EuroShop Adds New Experience Zones for Retail Design and Foodservice
EuroShop 2026 ran February 22–26 in Düsseldorf with new experience zones across multiple halls. The Food Service Innovation Hub operated in Hall 13, Stand A86, featuring foodservice concepts and technology, including smart kitchen tools and robotics. The redesigned Designers’ Village operated in Hall 12, Stand A46, with studios from Europe, Asia, and North America. A VM Experience ran in Hall 10, Stand A02-C02, focusing on visual merchandising projects and mannequin displays tied to sport and fashion.
United Kingdom
Eastside Rooms Targets Sports Team Meeting Use in Birmingham
Eastside Rooms in Birmingham is marketing its meeting space as an operations base for visiting sports teams. Teams use the space for briefings, video review, staff meetings, and media activity. Eastside Rooms listed past team clients including Nottingham Forest, West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City, FC Salzburg, Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, and Leicester City. It also cited prior work with UEFA and noted boxing events.
BMA House Marks 100 Years and Details 2026 Event and Catering Plans
BMA House marked its centenary in 2025, citing July 13, 1925, as the date the British Medical Association made the building its home. The London venue operates 22 event spaces and lists capacity up to 320 guests. It continued a zero-to-landfill approach in 2025 and expanded plant-forward catering. BMA House reported 93 percent of hot fork buffet packages used set menus in 2025, after it moved away from custom menus. It removed red meat from menus and reported 70 percent of ingredients are plant-based. For 2026, it plans seasonal set menus and an Academic Day Delegate Rate with ten percent savings during Easter, half term, and summer 2026.
Barbican to Open Lakeside Room Event Space in September
Barbican will open The Lakeside Room in September. The venue set capacity at 120 for a drinks reception, 80 for seated dinner, and 60 in theatre style. Barbican will offer in-room catering. The room is fully accessible and has natural daylight. Barbican positioned the room for receptions, meetings, private dining, product launches, and Christmas parties. The venue listed built-in audiovisual support, standard reception lighting, and power for typical event setups. The room will operate under standard licensing to a 1:00 a.m. finish, with late licensing subject to approval. Availability is Monday to Thursday, with overnight holds available.
Farnborough International Names BCD Meetings & Events as Recommended Accommodation Provider
Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre selected BCD Meetings & Events as its recommended accommodation provider. BCD will provide hotel sourcing, contracted room blocks, rate negotiation, booking management, and on-site support for venue events. The item did not include contract term, room block volumes, or target room-night totals.
British Motor Museum Adds 142-Room Fairfield by Marriott Next Door, Opening June 2027
Construction has started on a 142-room Fairfield by Marriott hotel adjacent to the British Motor Museum. The project targets practical completion in May 2027 and an opening in June 2027. The venue outlined capacity of six to 600 delegates, including a conference and exhibition suite seating up to 600 theatre style with vehicle access. It listed 2,255 square meters of exhibition space and 65 acres of outdoor event space. Phase one includes 142 rooms. A second phase of 98 rooms is under consideration. Cycas Hospitality is named as the hotel’s management partner.
Image Caption: BMA House’s courtyard in Bloomsbury. The venue marked 100 years as the British Medical Association’s home in 2025 and hosts events for up to 320 guests.
