Venue
Innovate!Europe 2005’s host city will be Zaragoza, Spain. Its strategic location in the centre of northeast Spain makes Zaragoza an ideal location, since it lies in the centre of the Madrid-Barcelona and Valencia-Bilbao axes, and is only 250 kilometres from France.
The official conference venue where presentations and sessions will be held is the city’s beautiful Auditorio de Zaragoza.
Auditorio Palacio de Congresos de Zaragoza
Calle Eduardo Ibarra 3
50009 Zaragoza
Spain
Map
Zaragoza at a Glance
Population: 640,000
Climate: Continental
Zaragoza, in the heart of the Aragon region, is among the fastest growing economies in Spain.
Located in the centre of the geographical square formed by Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and the Basque Country, Zaragoza is Europe’s gateway to the Iberian Peninsula and has long played a decisive role in the interchange of communications and commerce.
Settled by the Romans in the year 14 B.C. along the banks of the Ebro River, Zaragoza conserves within its urban landscape traces of the ancient cultures most important in shaping the history of Spain. Amid this rich history, Zaragoza today is a thriving center of commerce embracing the challenges and opportunity of the digital economy. Here, entrepreneurs and shop-keepers, intellectuals and creators, workers and technical experts, teachers and students, all living and working together, provide Zaragoza with the energy that has made it a dynamic city.
The Aragon region has a rich cultural heritage. It is the homeland of world-renowned artists including Goya and Buñuel. Prestigious universities throughout the region host outstanding faculty in computer technology, telecommunications, the arts and sciences.
All of these qualities make Zaragoza a wonderful host city for Innovate!Europe, and we encourage you to extend your stay to explore the area’s many attractions.
Traveling to Zaragoza
Zaragoza is at the hub of the motorway network of Northern Spain, linking Catalonia and the Basque Country with the Levante region and the Castillian plateau.
RENFE’s high-speed AVE rail service connects Zaragoza to Madrid in just over one hour.
Zaragoza’s International airport (ZAZ) offers regular flights to Frankfurt, Milan, and London, as well as domestic destinations within Spain.
Guidewire Group has arranged significant airfare discounts from Northwest Airlines and KLM. Details about these discounts will be provided with confirmation of your registration for the conference.
Hotel Information
Guidewire Group has arranged conference rates at several of Zaragoza's premier hotels located conveniently to the conference venue.
Check out the basic information below, or download the detailed information including room options, prices and a faxable hotel reservation form.
Hotel Palofax (*****)
Prestige, tradition and design are the keys to the success of this five star hotel. Located in the social and business centre of the city, the Hotel Palafox enjoys functional modern design and the most up-to-date facilities. Its architectural style is unique.
The Hotel Palafox combines traditional hospitality with the latest technology and an outstanding professional team to provide the best possible attention for all guests who are really made to feel at home.
The Palafox Hotel is decorated and furnished to the design of Pascua Ortega. Following traditional practice, Ortega uses materials from the region and incorporates elements of Aragonese art. An example is the depiction of the ancient city gates of Zaragoza outside the Victoria Room.
Hotel Melia (*****)
The hotel is centrally-located, very close to the commercial area and the monuments of Zaragoza, 900 m from the Basilica of the Virgin of the Pillar and La Seo, the Cathedral of the Savior, 1.8 km from the Auditorium and Convention Center, 5 minutes from the train station and 20 minutes from the airport. In Hotel Meliá Zaragoza you will be able to enjoy all the features of a five-star hotel: 247 recently-renovated rooms and suites, Royal Service, a varied breakfast buffet with show-cooking, a restaurante à la carte, spa, Business Center, and other things.
NH Gran Hotel (****)
The NH Gran Hotel, inaugurated in 1929 by HRH D. Alfonso XIII preserves the flavour of that era and offers you its sumptuous and luxurious installations. Located in the heart of the city in the shopping and cultural district, next to the Paseo de la Independencia and close to the Basilica del Pilar and the historic district.
Hotel Zenit Don Yo (****)
The Hotel Zenit Don Yo is an important and antique Hotel in Zaragoza and the modern equipments, recently restaured, give to Hotel a remarkable quality and confort facilities.
Located in the centre of Zaragoza, in the commercial and business area. Near the Independencia boulevard and Pilar Square.
