The Saló de l’Ocupació and Saló del Comerç have concluded after two days at Fira de Barcelona’s Montjuïc venue, attracting around 14,500 visitors. Organised by Fira de Barcelona and supported by Barcelona City Council through Barcelona Activa, the events offered job search resources, career guidance and support for local retailers. 

Over the two days, more than 100 companies and organisations presented around 1,200 job opportunities, while more than 2,000 interviews and 5,000 individual advisory sessions took place. The event also featured seven talent marketplaces, bringing jobseekers into direct contact with more than 40 companies offering vacancies. 

This year, the Saló de l’Ocupació doubled its exhibition space and reorganised its programme into themed areas. With more than 160 scheduled activities, it offered training, career guidance and practical resources to improve employability. Highlights included live demonstrations of trades and professions (Taller d'oficis), workshops on preparing job applications and sessions exploring the use of artificial intelligence in job searches. The event also introduced Talent en directe, a new format featuring short meetings with employers. 

The fair also hosted the second event held under the Barcelona Agreement for Quality Employment (ABOQ), bringing together around 130 representatives from public institutions, experts and social and economic organisations to discuss competitiveness, access to employment and job quality. 

The Barcelona Activa stand offered personalised advice and information about job search services and resources. The Activa el teu futur area, dedicated to young people, also featured immersive experiences using artificial intelligence and virtual reality, giving visitors the opportunity to explore new career guidance and professional development tools. 

Meanwhile, the Saló del Comerç held its first edition, attracting strong interest from retailers, professionals and industry organisations. Activities focused on business succession, the transformation of retail businesses, digitalisation and adapting to changing consumer habits. 

As part of the event, Barcelona Activa organised El comerç que activa Barcelona, a session for businesses that have benefited from the Impulsem el que fas, Crea Feina and B-Crèdits programmes. The event included panel discussions on business succession, digitalisation, traditional trades and entrepreneurship, providing an opportunity for local businesses to share experiences. 

Holding the two events together helped connect employers with jobseekers and highlighted the retail sector’s role in creating jobs and driving economic activity. The Saló del Comerç is also one of the initiatives associated with Barcelona’s designation as the 2026 European Capital of Local Retail. 

The next editions of the Saló de l’Ocupació and Saló del Comerç will take place on 20 and 21 October 2027 at Fira de Barcelona’s Montjuïc venue.