Bleisure in Emilia Romagna

Emilia-Romagna offers all the ingredients for creating your perfect event. There are versatile, state-of-the-art facilities, such as modern convention centres, or charming historic mansions, if you are looking for more exclusive venues; there are also unconventional spaces and fully equipped hotel meeting rooms in prestigious art cities like Bologna, Rimini and Parma. The Region has over 1100 venues for events, for a total capacity of almost 400,000 seats. The Convention Bureaus of Bologna and Rimini are the two major centres of attraction in terms of conferences, but the network of facilities scattered throughout the territory is much more extensive and includes a further 9 conference centres, 7 exhibition centres, 60 historical residences and 297 business institutions. In addition, there are also 68 unconventional meeting rooms, 224 cinemas, theatres and auditoriums and 330 hotels with meeting rooms that can accommodate 50 people or more.

If you attend a congress or a corporate event, you can also tap into the attractive products that characterize the local tourism offerings. You can explore the extraordinary Motor Valley, a large 'theme park' dedicated to the fascination of engines and the thrill of speed, visit company museums and circuits, where you can try your hand at driving tests. Legendary cars such as Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Pagani were born in Emilia-Romagna, a true paradise for all four-wheels enthusiast but also for two-wheel enthusiasts, with Ducati.

The region, with its Food Valley, is also a true paradise for foodies, a journey through flavours, gastronomic specialties and creative cuisine. Learning the art of handmade pasta making, visiting dairies and learning about production of the many certified products, is a tasty and dynamic way to learn about local traditions and culture.

The art cities of Emilia Romagna are custodians of fabulous artistic and cultural treasures. With extensive pedestrianised areas often just a short walk from the hotels and event venues, visitors can soak up the atmosphere and local traditions even on a business trip. If this is not enough, you can immerse yourself in the evocative atmosphere of the historic villages, many dating back to the medieval period, often surrounded by beautiful hilly landscapes, or visit the more than 80 castles scattered throughout the territory. Some of them also offer the possibility of staying overnight within the ancient walls or have spaces to organize meetings and events.

The 110 km of coastline feature sweeping sandy beaches with all the facilities you need to relax after a conference or enjoy your favourite beach sport. This blend of healthy lifestyle, good eating and outdoor activities is the concept behind the Wellness Valley. Devised by the Technogym Wellness Foundation and based in Romagna, the project has grown to become Italy’s first and only healthy-living district.

Emilia-Romagna is a destination with endless charms where beauty, goodness and a great tradition of hospitality merge with functionality: here every business trip can turn into something truly special!

- A driving passion

The Motor Valley offers a wide selection of related activities. From Misano circuit to Varano de’ Melegari, via Modena and Imola circuits, there are many exciting and memorable activities: test drives a Ferrari or other supercars; take a safe driving course or visit museums and private collections.

- Mouth-watering breaks

The “Italy’s gastronomic treasure” (Forbes), offers a journey through all the food-related experiences and visits to iconic productions, such as the Visit & Taste of Parmigiano, the Carpigiani Gelato Museum, or the piadina experience. A true heritage of tastes and pleasures!

- Art cities you don’t expect

In addition to historical masterpieces, art cities offer endless opportunities for visits and exciting activities to discover their less known sides: learn about the backgrounds of important personalities; amaze guests with a private performance in an opera house; or create your own work of art by participating in a mosaic workshop.

- Castles and fortresses come to life

In the villages and castles of Emilia Romagna, including the Castles of the Duchy, in addition to discovering legends and breathtaking views, it is possible to organize private and intriguing team building events linked to the history of the dwelling or certain personalities linked to it.

- Not only beach

Besides the wide range of water sports that beaches offer, the extensive coastline also lends itself to the organization of themed incentive and team building events, as well as sailing regattas or sunset aperitifs on motor boats.

1. One of the most original venue in Emilia Romagna is the Labirinto della Masone, close to Parma, which with 200,000 bamboo plants is in fact the largest maze in the world, but it also houses an interesting art gallery and a renowned restaurant.
2. There is no city in the world with so many porticos as Bologna: all together they measure more than 42 km in length. High, wide, narrow and long, they offer safe shelter in every season.
3. Want to learn about real home cooking? You can rely on the first Italian recipe book written by Pellegrino Artusi in 1871. Casa Artusi in Forlimpopoli includes a cooking school, a restaurant and a shop, as well as an exhibit about the father of Italian gastronomy.

1. emiliaromagnaturismo.it
2. meetiner.com
3. Bologna Convention Bureau
4. Riviera di Rimini Convention Bureau