Barcelona Debuts HOWS Congress to Tackle Global Housing Crisis — Fira Internacional de Barcelona

Event summary

HOWS Barcelona, a new international congress on urban and affordable housing, will take place from November 3–5, 2026, at the Gran Via venue as part of Smart City Expo World Congress.
The event is promoted by Barcelona City Council and organized by Fira de Barcelona, featuring 20 sessions and over 100 speakers.
Key themes include urban planning, housing regulation, building innovation, renovation, and financing mechanisms for affordable housing.
High-level activities include the Housing Mayors Meeting and the Housing Mayors Roundtable, fostering political dialogue and international cooperation.
The Barcelona Housing and Renovation Forum (FHAR) is integrated into the program, focusing on expanding public housing supply and market regulation.

The big picture

The launch of HOWS Barcelona underscores the growing urgency of affordable housing solutions in urban centers. As cities grapple with housing shortages and rising costs, this congress aims to bridge gaps between policymakers, developers, and investors. The event's integration with Smart City Expo World Congress highlights the intersection of urban development and technology, positioning Barcelona as a hub for global housing innovation.

What we're watching

Policy Impact: How the congress's policy recommendations will influence national and international housing regulations.
Industry Collaboration: Whether the event can sustain long-term collaboration among cities, developers, and investors to address housing challenges.
Innovation Adoption: The pace at which building innovation and renovation technologies will be adopted to accelerate housing delivery.