International NightLife Association

Roundtable 1: Security as a priority in the Nightlife Industry

Moderated by Camilo Ospina, president of the board of directors of Asobares Colombia

Speakers:

• Saul Peleg, Strategy & Partnerships Manager of Where You At (WYA)
• Joaquim Boadas, secretary general of Fecasarm, Spain Nightlife and of the International Nightlife Association
• Maurizio Pasca, president of the Italian Nightlife Association, president of the European Nightlife Association and vice president for Europe of the International Nightlife Association
• Rodolfo di Pinto, president of the Federation of Discotheques of Argentina

In the first roundtable of the 9th International Nightlife Congress, experts discussed the importance of security in the industry. Participants agreed that security is a priority for the nightlife industry and that measures are needed to improve it.

Among the proposals put forward, the need to unify safety regulations and measures in the nightlife industry at an international level, develop mobile applications that allow users to find their friends and alert them of any problems they are experiencing, and train nightlife workers in security matters were highlighted.

Roundtable 2: Technological advances and formulas to guarantee coexistence and cohabitation of uses in the nightlife industry

Moderated by Jeroen Paymans, Environmental Acoustics, Noise and Vibration Consultant, Axioma Consultors Acústics SL.

Speakers:

• Bartomeu Rosselló i Boeres, expert engineer in applied acoustics
• Montserrat Surroca, first commissioner for coexistence of the l'Ajuntament de Barcelona
• Ana Espinel, general director of Audiotec
• Michael Kill, CEO of Night Time Industries Association UK (NTIA)

Experts discussed the importance of technological innovation to guarantee coexistence between nightlife and other uses in cities. They agreed that technological innovation can be a key tool to improve coexistence in the nightlife industry.

Among the proposals put forward, the need to use technology to improve communication between users and operators of night-time venues, and to promote training and awareness-raising of nightlife workers in matters of coexistence and respect for the environment were highlighted.

Roundtable 3: The role of women in the nightlife industry: a role that is becoming increasingly important and relevant

Moderated by Cristina Maestre, Manager of Igualia.

Speakers:

• Ariel Palitz, former Mayor of Nightlife in New York
• Montse Escudé, head of the Technical Area of ​​Proximity and Citizen Security of Mossos d'Esquadra
• Gemma Alfonso, sub-inspector of the Guardia Urbana and inspector responsible for the Victim Assistance Service of the Guardia Urbana
• Àngela Torres, co-founder and spokesperson for the Comissió Nocturna de Barcelona

With only women, the experts discussed the importance of women in the nightlife industry. Participants agreed that women play a fundamental role in the nightlife industry and that they can contribute to creating safer and more respectful environments.

Among the proposals put forward, the need to demystify the danger of nightlife and to inform without stigmatizing the sector, to promote the participation of women in the sector, both at the management and work levels, and to develop training and awareness-raising programs to prevent sexual violence in the nightlife industry were highlighted.

Roundtable 4: Innovation, sustainability and new marketing strategies in the nightlife industry

Moderated by Patricia Franganito, Director of Sustainability South West Europe of Bureau Veritas.

Speakers:

• Krizia Ferriello, Brand Manager of La Feria Club
• Camille Guitteau, co-founder of Bye Bye Plastic Foundation
• JC Díaz, president of the Nightlife Association of the United States
• Hayan Abou Assali, representative of the International Nightlife Association in the Middle East

Summary:

The speakers agreed on the importance of sustainability for the nightlife industry, both from an environmental and social point of view.

Krizia Ferriello highlighted the actions that La Feria Club takes to reduce its environmental impact, such as reducing plastic use, creating partnerships with sustainable companies, and betting on self-sufficiency in energy through renewable sources.

JC Díaz pointed out that nightlife companies must adopt sustainable practices to attract a more conscious clientele.

Hayan Abou Assali highlighted the importance of new technologies in creating innovative and successful marketing campaigns.

In addition, the strategic collaboration of the International Nightlife Association with Bye Bye Plastic Foundation was announced, which represents a significant step for the nightlife industry, which is thus committed to reducing its environmental and social impact.

4th Spanish Nightlife Congress

Roundtable 1: Safety regulations in Spain's autonomous communities: is there a need for unification?

Moderator: Joan Clarella, director of GESEME Events

Speakers:

• Nacho López, manager of Preventia
• Francisco Javier Martín, chief of the Marbella Police Department
• Joan Camps, deputy director general of Entertainment and Recreational Activities of the Catalan Government
• David Bernabé, managing director of the Professional Association of Fire Technicians (APTB)

Summary:

The speakers agreed on the need to unify safety criteria in nightlife venues at the national level.

Nacho López proposed the creation of a coordinating body between autonomous communities that would act as a link between the administration and the entertainment sector.

Francisco Javier Martín pointed out the difficulty of achieving full unification, but highlighted the importance of harmonizing certain parameters, such as the designation of activities, capacity, and certificates.

Joan Camps highlighted the importance of regular updating of protocols and regulations by the administration.

David Bernabé cited the figures from the 2022 Spanish Fire Victims Study, which found a total of 235 fatalities, the worst since 2010. The expert highlighted the need for fire prevention training for nightlife workers.

Roundtable 2: Nightlife as a top tourist attraction and strategic ally for the territory

Moderator: David López, president of the Associació Front Marítim de la Barceloneta and Fecasarm

Speakers:

• Juan Miguel Costa, director of the Consell Insular d'Eivissa
• José Luis Benítez, president of the International Nightlife Association
• Anna Merino, director of the Economics & Strategy team at PwC
• Ragnar Fridriksson, secretary general of World Chefs (France)

Summary:

The speakers agreed that nightlife is a top tourist attraction and a strategic ally for the territory.

Juan Miguel Costa and José Luis Benítez highlighted the role of Ibiza as a successful model in the nightlife sector.

Anna Merino presented a study that highlights the role of the nightlife sector in Barcelona as a socioeconomic engine.

Ragnar Fridriksson highlighted the importance of the union between nightlife and gastronomy to create unique experiences for visitors.