Event transformation agency launches new creative festival in Barcelona

UK event transformation specialists Flip180 have announced a multi-year partnership with Fira de Barcelona to run and develop exciting new creative industry event.

Flip180 and major Spanish trade show organiser Fira de Barcelona are to launch Blend BCN, which will take place on 8 November 2024 in Fira de Barcelona’s Montjuïc venue, Blend BCN is an international one-day creative industries festival, designed to unite creative minds and brands to imagine, explore and develop high-impact collaborations together.

Colocated with the iconic digital arts and contemporary music festival MIRA, Blend BCN will offer curated content including keynotes from true agents of change, avant-garde art installations, immersive experiences, transformative workshops, insightful panel discussions, and live performances.

Blend BCN 2024 aims to be a key gathering for industry leaders and next generation creatives who seek to actively shape the future of creative commerce.

Flip180’s CEO, Oliver Merlin (pictured) revealed the long-term vision for the festival: “Blend has been designed by creatives, for creatives.

“Blend is unique to other creative festivals in that it has been developed as not only a festival but also with a real mission in mind: to facilitate serious discussion of important global topics of the day that are important to creatives and society at large. There will also be partnership opportunities for creative talent, brands and agencies.

“The event will also provide B2B commercial opportunities for direct business engagements with a key focus on networking opportunities.

“We are delighted to have signed a multi-year partnership with the Fira to launch and develop Blend into an unmissable annual gathering for brand leaders and the creative industry.”

Fira de Barcelona, Ruben Dalmau, sales and marketing director, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Flip180 to bring Blend BCN to life at our iconic Montjuïc venue.”

“This festival represents an opportunity to drive innovation within the creative industries, a sector we consider key and with potential for growth.

“With this alliance, Fira furthers its commitment to developing new products in fields with a promising future.”

Already confirmed to be speaking at Blend BCN is Trevor “Trouble” Andrew, aka GucciGhost. The former Olympic snowboarder, is a true master of cross-discipline transformational art and will be taking to the main stage at Blend, as well as unveiling an exciting new bespoke GucciGhost installation at the festival.

Blend will also play host to the inspiring Nigerian-born British photographer, entrepreneur, and social activist Misan Harriman, and Harry Yeff, aka Reeps One.

Launched last year by Oliver Merlin and Shelley Morgan, event transformation agency Flip180 has quickly built an impressive client list including Hyve, the GSMA, FastMarkets and Clarion among others.

Last year the highly experienced duo oversaw the first post-pandemic edition of IFA Berlin. Under the guidance of Merlin and Morgan, the 100-year-old German technology show attracted over 182,000 visitors and more than 2,200 exhibitors.

Blend BCN marks the first ‘long-term event-organiser’ project Flip has won.

For more information on Blend BCN, visit blendbarcelona.com and follow Blend BCN on Instagram: blend_bcn.