Canary Islands has established itself as the epicenter of national sports debate with the celebration of two significant events within the framework of ExpoDeca 2026. The National Sports Management Congress of the Spanish Sports Management Associations Federation (FAGDE) and the Spanish Sports Day, promoted by the Spanish Sports Association (ADESP), took place on Thursday and Friday at the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium Conference Palace, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Both events gathered prominent representatives from Spanish sports federations, public administration officials, and sector professionals to analyze the main challenges facing sports in Spain. The hosting of these events has reinforced the professional dimension of the third edition of the Canary Islands Physical Activity and Sports Fair, ExpoDeca, promoted by the Government of the Canary Islands and organized by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria.
The Minister of Education, Vocational Training, Physical Activity and Sports, Poli Suárez, highlighted the pride of Canary Islands serving as a meeting point for key figures in national sports management, emphasizing that ExpoDeca is a space for sharing experiences, debating challenges, and driving decisions for the sector's future.
The National Sports Management Congress, organized by FAGDE on November 12 and 13, featured 25 speakers who analyzed topics such as the legacy of major events, the fitness industry, new technologies, artificial intelligence, and public-private collaboration. Representatives from the ACB, the Rally Islas Canarias, Dreamfit, and FAGDE itself participated. The Vice-Minister Ángel Sabroso inaugurated the congress alongside Milagros Díaz, president of FAGDE, and participated in panels on public-private collaboration. Paralympic athlete Desirée Vila concluded the event.
Meanwhile, the Spanish Sports Day, organized by ADESP, brought together eight presidents of sports federations and six directors general of Sports. Discussions covered sports tourism, the digital transformation of federations using tools like artificial intelligence, and new sports development models, including proposals on hyatlón, pickleball, and inclusive sports.
The joint celebration of these two events solidifies ExpoDeca not only as a fair for activities but also as a space for reflection and professional networking at a national level, combining its participatory aspect with a congress program that reinforces Canary Islands' role as a host for major sporting events.
