The Conference venue will be the “Palace Velodrome Lluis Puig”, one of the best indoor facilities in the world. Located in the northeast of the city, in the “Benimámet” area and close to the “Feria de Muestras”, it was first inaugurated in the summer of 1992 on the occasion of the World Cycling Track Championships. At the end of that competition, the roof was installed and Their Majesties King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia were present at the official opening ceremony on 9th November 1992. It was in 1994 that the third and final phase of improvements to the building took place and a 200m oval track was installed to host the Spanish Championships in February 1995. Three years later, the arena witnessed an unforgettable hosting of the European Indoor Championships.

The arena has hosted a large number of remarkable sports and cultural events throughout its 15-year history. We should highlight among them the above mentioned World Cycling Championships and European Athletics Championships in 1992 and 1998 respectively, the European Swimming Championships - a swimming pool was built for the occasion but it was demolished immediately after the event, the European Cycling Track Championships in 2004, several Spanish Indoor Athletics Championships as well as international permit meetings and the Spanish Cup in team competition, the Spanish Masters Tennis tournament, Gymnastics National Championships, a Billiards International tournament, World Dancing Championships, the 3rd and 4th International Aerobic Congresses, concerts by soloists and international bands. In addition, the “Palau” is the headquarters of the autonomous region of Valencia Cycling Federation and the High Performance Cycling Track centre.

With a view to the World Indoor Championships in Athletics staged in 2008 the “Palace Velodrome Lluis Puig” underwent improvements and extensive works for such an important event. On 2nd November 2006 the first phase was completed, consisting of the installation of a new roof allowing natural light and improved heating. The renovation included the refurbishment of the competition arena including re-wiring and the building of new stands for authorities, media and public which has increased the overall capacity to 6000 seats.

The scheduled investment cost €3.4 million and also included the linking of the sports arena and the nearby Valencia Trade Fair so that its pavilion number 5 and the cycle track form a single unit. The new building comprised the track, the athletes’ warm-up area as well as the Media Centre, the ticket office and other facilities. At the same time the synthetic track was totally relaid, and was inaugurated on 3rd December 2007.

Palace Velodrome Lluis Puig Statistics:
These are the technical characteristics of the Palace Velodrome Luis Puig:

Overall area: 12.025,73 square metres
Height: 37 metres
Capacity: 6000 seats
Athletics track: 200 metres
Material: rubber treated with polyurethane and laid on chipboard
- 200m athletics track
- warm-up area for athletes
- weightlifting area
- Fitness Suite