On March 28, 2025, Ugo Valenti, the Director of the Smart City Expo World Congress, will speak at URBIS 2025. This event is a significant milestone in the urban innovation and smart city sector, drawing leaders from global companies, governments, and organizations to discuss ethical and sustainable urban growth.

The 2024 edition of the Smart City Expo World Congress took place from November 5 to 7 at Barcelona's Gran Via exhibition centre under the motto "Live Better." Over 1,100 exhibitors and representatives from 850 cities participated in this event. The main theme was how cities can transform their environment to become more liveable and better equipped to support their inhabitants' prosperity. The programme included the World Smart City Awards and the presentation of 100 selected start-ups in the Start-up Area section.

Notably, the Czech Republic made a significant impact at the 2024 Smart City Expo World Congress. They won the award for the most sustainable exhibit among over 1,100 exhibitors from around the world and also secured victory in the Start-Up Competition organized by the Texas Innovation Agency.

URBIS 2025 is scheduled for October 6 to October 12, offering free entry for representatives of local governments and academic sectors. The event aims to build on last year's successful scenario and continue fostering innovation in urban development.