Milan. 18,000 seats, one 1,500 seat auditorium, one 4,500-seat plenary hall, 73 modular halls accommodating from 20 to 2,000 seats, and 54,000 m2 of supporting exhibition space. These figures define the plans of the new Milano Convention Centre (MIC), unveiled this morning at Fieramilanocity, which will give Italy the largest convention centre in Europe in 2011. “The new Convention Centre is the first new infrastructure planned to host some of the Expo events, well in advance of 2015. In addition, it bolsters and completes the important services of the Fiera Milano Group. It is a major step toward full redevelopment of Portello in the framework of the functions consistent with our mission,” stated Luigi Roth, Chairman of Fondazione Fiera Milano.”In recent years, Fiera Milano Congressi has grown significantly,” notes Maurizio Lupi, Managing Director of the Fiera Milano Group company which will run the new convention centre. “We are the leading operator in Italy and regularly participate, with good results, in Europe-wide tenders for large international congresses, especially those in the medical and scientific sectors. Expansion of the Milano Convention Centre will put us into the top position in Europe and will allow us to work even more efficiently in this business segment, which represents the top market segment. The segment is dynamic and generates economic repercussions that are particularly important to the region. Furthermore, we will also be able to host several events concurrently.” www.micmilano.it