Key Takeaways
- Organizers of the Food Tech Congress in Barcelona face backlash from sponsors demanding refunds due to event delays.
- With no confirmed dates and silence from organizers, sponsors express concern over the event’s viability.
- Futurae Events, the Lithuanian company behind the conference, has not responded to multiple inquiries regarding refunds or the event status.
Event Delays and Sponsor Concerns
The Food Tech Congress, initially set for November 2025 in Barcelona, has been postponed to June 2026. As the date approaches, numerous sponsors are demanding refunds after experiencing a lack of communication from the organizer, Futurae Events UAB.
Originally marketed as “Europe’s premier food tech event,” the congress previously occurred in Warsaw in 2023 and 2024, drawing international audiences and speakers. However, uncertainty now clouds its future as the event’s website fails to provide firm dates or an agenda. Several speakers reached by AgFunderNews reported not receiving updates for months. Additionally, the Palau de Congressos de Barcelona, the listed venue, has not confirmed its booking status.
Sponsors have voiced frustrations, stating that organizers have gone “silent” after collecting fees. One sponsor expressed feeling scammed, mentioning a promise of a refund from the CEO that never materialized. Others have waited since January for responses, with one detailing how their refund was promised within 100 days but has yet to be fulfilled.
Multiple sponsors highlighted the negative financial impact of the organizers’ inaction on their businesses. One executive, scheduled to speak at the congress, remarked on the unusual nature of the situation, indicating that the event seems unlikely to proceed as planned.
AgFunderNews attempted to reach representatives from the Food Tech Congress but received no replies. Information from Lithuanian business registries shows that Futurae Events UAB reported revenues of €1.17 million in 2024. However, it also carries significant liabilities, raising questions about its financial stability. Meanwhile, Futurae Media Ltd, the parent company in London, is listed as “active” but has overdue filings, adding to the uncertainty around the organizers’ operations.
As of now, sponsors and interested parties remain in limbo, awaiting clarification on both the event’s status and the refunds owed.
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