Since its inauguration, the Exhibition Centre has undergone a notable evolution, establishing itself as a multisectoral benchmark in the archipelago. What began as a space to boost trade and industrial exhibitions has transformed into a platform for international congresses, specialized fairs, cultural showcases, and major institutional events, acting as a driver of competitiveness and investment attraction for Canary Islands companies.
The president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, emphasized during the event that the Centre has played a “very important role in the economic and social development of Santa Cruz and Tenerife,” becoming a space for “meeting, activity, and opportunities.” She noted that its more than 40,000 square meters have hosted numerous events, “contributing to energizing the city and the Island,” and stated that it remains a “vibrant, versatile space at the service of Tenerife.”
The vice president, Lope Afonso, highlighted the “vertebrating dimension of the Centre in the configuration of the capital and its surroundings,” asserting that it transcends the traditional concept of an exhibition space to become a place where the economic pulse, commercial activity, and social cohesion of the island converge. He underscored its capacity to adapt to new times and generate vital economic and employment returns.
The Minister of Industry and vice president of the Centre, Manuel Fernández, focused on its role as a catalyst for competitiveness and innovation. He stated that having an infrastructure of this level “has been a decisive competitive advantage” for the business fabric, and that the Centre has grown in parallel with the economy, becoming the definitive showcase for the talent of Canary Islands companies. He highlighted the “resilience, rigor, and collective effort” of thousands of professionals.
The celebration included an emotional institutional and social recognition ceremony for individuals, entities, and companies that have sustained the Centre's activity. Tributes were paid to the memory of the first managers, Ignacio Pintado Mascareño and Ignacio Domínguez Paniagua, and to the technical work of Eduardo José Díaz Dorta.
The associative and business fabric was represented by awards to entities such as Asnáutica, Elecnor, Fepeco, Fred. Olsen, S.A., Cajasiete, El Corte Inglés, Liberty, Fredica, Selecy Global Security / SGS, and the Empresa Insular de Artesanía.
In the realm of culture, leisure, and traditions, awards were given to Videojuegos Flipper, Sillas Perdigón, Limpiezas Apeles, Berock Marketing, promoters Farra World and New Event, the Asociación de Canaricultores Pinzón del Teide, Gabi Fotografía, Proyecto Foxter / TLP, Interideas (creator of the Canary Islands Gastronomic Show), the Club Español del Presa Canario, and the current Carnival Queen 2026, Carla Castro, representing the organization of large events.
Solidarity and socio-health commitment was recognized through awards to the Spanish Red Cross, the Tenerife Breast Cancer Association Ámate, and the Department of Social Action, Inclusion, and Volunteering of the Cabildo and IASS, headed by Águeda Fumero. Finally, the importance of island communication and information dissemination was reflected in distinctions awarded to Grupo Prisa / Cadena Dial-Radio Club Tenerife and Click Comunicación.
