Conference venues
Bilbao will be the worldwide headquarters of the GEM conference on Global Entrepreneurship in 2025. With the support of Bilbao Town Hall, the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, and the Basque Government, this is also thanks to the candidacy presented by EEB-OVE Basque Entrepreneurship Observatory.
The event will be held the 17, 18, and 19 February 2025. A meeting like this has never been held in our region, making Bilbao the epicentre of global entrepreneurship, with the participation of noteworthy academics and experts from over 50 different countries.
The three spaces that will host all the activity and the entrepreneurship conference agenda over the course of these three days are:
MAIN VENUE
University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU
Bizkaia Aretoa
This unique building is a conference centre managed by UPV/EHU, University of the Basque Country, designed by prestigious architect Álvaro Siza. It is located in one of Bilbao’s most emblematic areas, with an L-shaped construction, open over the Ría and the Guggenheim Museum, right in the middle of Abandoibarra Avenue, between the Pedro Arrupe Walkway and the Deusto Bridge.
It has over 9,000 square metres of constructed space and six storeys, with several spaces to host all kinds of events. It will be the main headquarters for the entire conference agenda for 2025 INTERNATIONAL GEM GLOBAL, to be held in Bilbao Monday 17, Tuesday 18, and Wednesday 19 February 2025.
Address: Av. Abandoibarra, 3, 48009 Bilbao
ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM WINTER SCHOOL Deusto University CRAI Library
The Centre for Learning and Research Resources (CRAI), better known as the new Library of the Deusto University at the Bilbao campus, is a space designed to foster ongoing learning, research, and activities related to university management. This building, inaugurated in January 2009 and designed by architect Rafael Moneo, has different spaces and halls that house nearly one million printed volumes and a vast collection of electronic resources, thereby providing access to, and dissemination of, knowledge.
From 17 through 19 February, the CRAI will be the location for the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Winter School sessions. This event is held under the Global Launch GEM (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor).
Address: Ramón Rubial kalea, 1, 48009 Bilbao
BAT Accelerator Tower
The best-connected entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in the world. Located in the heart of the financial district, BAT Accelerator Tower is the perfect innovation centre for corporate events, combining advanced technology and spectacular views of the city. BAT is the most important innovation hub in southern Europe and its stands out with its excellent connectivity. This is a meeting place for entrepreneurial talent and open innovation, where startups, corporations, investors, and public administrations collaborate to drive growth and entrepreneurial transformation.
The Torre BAT will be the location for the Institutional Welcome of the 2025 International Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), which will be held the first day of the event, Monday 17 February, 2025.
Address: Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro 1
Bilbao Guggenheim Museum
This iconic museum provides unique spaces for private events, surrounded by contemporary art and spectacular views. It is an emblem of Bilbao’s revitalisation and where we will hold the GEM GALA Dinner
Address: Abandoibarra Etorb., 2, 48009 Bilbao
STAY Official hotels
The Artist – Grand Hotel of Art
5-star hotel located in the heart of Bilbao’s artistic quarter, facing the Guggenheim Museum. In just a few words, this is a terrace for art. Located just a 5-minute walk from Bizkaia Aretoa and an 11-minute drive from the Bilbao Airport. It has private parking for visitors who come to the city with their own car. In general, its excellent location means it is close to all points of interest in the city.
Inaugurated in 2002 under the name Gran Hotel Domine, this is the first one hundred percent boutique hotel in Spain, made by the architecture studio IA+B along with artist Javier Mariscal and Fernando Salas.
Address: Alameda de Mazarredo 61
Hotel Miró Bilbao
This is an exclusive 4-star boutique hotel designed by renowned fashion designer Antonio Miró.
Just a 3-minute walk from the emblematic Bilbao Guggenheim Museum and from Bizkaia Aretoa, this hotel is a few short minutes from the commercial and financial district of the city of Bilbao. Moreover, it is only a 12-minute drive from the Bilbao Airport.
Address: Alameda de Mazarredo 77
Vincci Consulado de Bilbao
Located in the heart of the city, this 4-star hotel is on the Paseo de Abandoibarra, next to the Ría, between the Isozaki towers and the Guggenheim Museum. Located just a 10-minute walk from Bizkaia Aretoa and a 15-minute drive from the Bilbao Airport.
Inaugurated in 2019, this hotel has a nautical-inspired avant-garde design, simulating a ship sailing the Bilbao Ría. The hotel is strategically located less than 10 minutes from the city’s commercial and financial backbone, with private paid parking for those who wish to travel to Bilbao by personal car.
Address: Alameda de Mazarredo 22
EXPLORE BILBAO
Bilbao is a modern, welcoming, and well-connected city. It is perfect both for doing business and to enjoy its dynamic ambience and impressive cultural heritage. The conference is the perfect opportunity to explore the city.
Noteworthy places of interest in the area include:
- The Historic Town Centre, with picturesque medieval streets, food, and rich history.
- The Bizkaia Hanging Bridge, in Portugalete, declared World Heritage by UNESCO, an exceptional example of 19th-century engineering.
- What is more, for those who wish to relax in a natural environment, they can visit the Doña Casilda Park, or explore el Mercado de La Ribera, one of the largest markets in Europe, to enjoy local cuisine.
Interesting links
GEM Sponsors
Conference sponsors
