The 37th Pirineu Business Meeting will take place in La Seu d'Urgell on 11 and 12 June, focusing on "The new global economic map: which path do we take?". The event at the Palau Municipal d'Esports will be inaugurated by Andorra's Head of Government, Xavier Espot, with Catalan President Salvador Illa speaking on Friday.
The theme prompts reflection on the transforming global economic scene, shaped by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, technological revolution, and the reconfiguration of economic blocs. Montse Pujol, president of the Pirineu Business Meeting, explained that the event aims to "open a space for collective reflection to answer the question that inspires this edition: which path do we take?"
This year, the convention introduces significant organisational changes. It will now start on Thursday morning instead of the afternoon and conclude by Friday lunchtime. This format change aims to increase opportunities for networking and professional connections among attendees, a core aspect of the event since 1990.
More Networking Opportunities
One of the main new features is the expansion of time dedicated to interaction between participants, both before and after the presentations. A dinner specifically for sponsors will be held on Wednesday evening, while the 'Festa de la Trobada' (Meeting Party) on Friday evening will be open to all attendees wishing to extend their stay.
The revised schedule frees up Friday afternoon for more relaxed gatherings before the evening's social event. "We want to particularly emphasise these spaces this year, given the international context we are experiencing, because we believe they are very strategic," Montse Pujol said. "Being well-connected is a competitive advantage that we know very well at the Meeting, and that is why we want to give it more importance."
Geopolitics and Business Strategy
Josep Borrell, president of CIDOB and former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, will deliver the inaugural conference, highlighting geopolitics' prominent role. Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is also scheduled to participate.
An enterprise strategy panel will feature Mar Nogareda, vice-president of pharmaceutical and technology company HIPRA; Félix Revuelta, founder of nutrition multinational Naturhouse; and Jaume Miquel, CEO and president of Tendam, which includes brands like Cortefiel, Women'secret, Springfield, and Pedro del Hierro. They will share their perspectives on business leadership in the current economic climate.
Innovation, AI, and Local Talent
The programme will also highlight emerging projects in innovation and artificial intelligence, involving Catalan and Andorran startups. Representatives from established Lleida-based companies will also take part, including Carles Camí (Mirasan and Monlau), Tomàs Cusiné (Celler Tomàs Cusiné), Patricia Romero (Romero Polo), and Dolors Puyol (Premier Pigs).
Economist Guillem López, an economics professor at Pompeu Fabra University, and political analyst, writer, and journalist Estefania Molina will offer their views on the current global context in a panel moderated by La Vanguardia journalist Manuel Pérez. Additionally, there will be a section dedicated to artificial intelligence with Josep Maria Ganyet, CEO of MORTENSEN, and a conference by science communicator Xevi Verdaguer on "Longevity: how to live more years with quality of life."
Three Decades of Business Trajectory
With 37 years of history, the Pirineu Business Meeting has become a key business gathering in Catalonia and Andorra. Since its inception in 1990, it has hosted over 500 speakers and welcomed more than 10,000 attendees. It serves as a forum for debate, reflection, and networking among business owners, entrepreneurs, institutional leaders, and professionals from various sectors.
In an economic environment marked by uncertainty and constant change, this convention aims to remain a meeting point for sharing knowledge, forming alliances, and anticipating the challenges facing the region's business community.