Registration Now Open: 9th International Public Markets Conference in Barcelona 5.03.2015

Start counting down the days until the 9th International Public Markets Conference in Barcelona – early registration is officially open! Join us on March 26-28, 2015, along with some of the world’s leading public market operators, developers, and thought-leaders to experience how Barcelona succeeds as one of the world’s greatest Market Cities. Against the backdrop of Barcelona, the conference will focus on new trends and innovations for the preservation and revitalization of public markets internationally. Project for Public Spaces is thrilled to be hosting this event (for the first time outside the US!) with the Institut Municipal de Mercats de Barcelona (IMMB) – operator of the city’s market system – in partnership with UN-Habitat.

With its 43 food and non-food public markets, almost every resident in Barcelona is within a 10 minute walk of a market. While at the conference, you’ll be given the opportunity to wander these abundant and diverse markets during a full day of tours. Each tour will highlight one of the following four themes:

Remodeled Markets - How is Barcelona successfully adapting its markets to meet the city’s needs? This tour will emphasize the city’s recently remodeled markets and their new and improved facilities. Stops will include Abaceria Central Market, Llibertat Market, and Sant Antoni Market.

Historic Modernista Markets - Barcelona’s turn-of-the-century, covered Modernistamarkets are some of its most distinctive architecturally. This tour will offer you a closer look into how these historic markets are being preserved and revitalized. Some of the markets you’ll see include Sants Market, Sant Antoni Market, and Concepció Market.

New Market Architecture - This tour provides an in-depth view of the market architecture for which Barcelona is renowned. You’ll witness some of the city’s most interesting market renovations. Tour highlights include Encants Market, Barceloneta Market, and Santa Caterina Market.

Markets and their Neighborhood Impacts - What role do markets play in their neighborhoods? You’ll see different examples of how markets can become important destinations for social exchange in their communities. Some of the markets included on this tour are Guineueta Market, Fort Pienc Market, and Boqueria Market.

Which will you choose?

Read more about the conference and register now to take advantage of the early rate. We’ll be sending more updates in the coming months about speakers and the complete schedule of sessions and events — please check the conference website for the most current information in the meantime. See you in Barcelona!

By Project for Public Spaces on