Concerns Grow Over Food Tech Congress in Barcelona as Sponsors Seek Refunds

As anticipation builds for the Food Tech Congress in Barcelona, sponsors have begun to demand their money back. The event, originally slated for June 2026, has faced delays, leading many to question its viability.

Event Background

Promoted as “Europe’s premier food tech event,” the congress successfully occurred in Warsaw, Poland, in both 2023 and 2024, attracting numerous international speakers and attendees. The next edition was scheduled for early November 2025, but has now been postponed until June 2026. However, with uncertainty looming, sponsors are growing increasingly restless.

Communication Breakdown

Three months prior to the rescheduled event, the official website lacks a confirmed date and agenda. Inquiries sent to the venue, Palau de Congressos de Barcelona, have gone unanswered, raising further doubts about the event’s status.

Allegations of Scamming

‘We Believe We Have Been Scammed’

Several sponsors have expressed frustration regarding the lack of communication and responsiveness from the organizing entity, Futurae Events UAB. Many have reported that their requests for refunds have gone unanswered.

One concerned sponsor shared, “We believe we have been scammed. At this point, we have no idea if the event is still going ahead. I had a brief exchange with the CEO on LinkedIn, where he promised to refund our payment, but then he went silent.”

Refund Issues

Another sponsor stated: “We requested a refund in January, and while they confirmed our request, we have yet to see any money.” A third sponsor noted, “We were on board for the November edition that was cancelled, and we haven’t heard anything about a refund or the new date.”

Concerns have mounted among the sponsors, with several claiming follow-ups on supposed refunds have gone unanswered. One sponsor recounted, “They promised payment 100 days after cancellation. That timeframe has passed, and after two reminders, I still have not heard back.”

Voices From the Industry

One speaker listed on the event’s website remarked, “The whole situation is strange. Having attended and spoken at their events before, I received no explanation for the last-minute postponement. It’s becoming evident that the conference is unlikely to occur.”

Organizers’ Background

AgFunderNews has made multiple attempts to reach out to members of the Food Tech Congress team but has not received a response. The event is organized by Futurae Events UAB, a Lithuanian entity specializing in various industry-specific events.

According to Lithuanian business registry aggregator Scoris.lt, Futurae Events UAB reported revenues of €1.17 million for 2024 but also carries liabilities exceeding its assets, raising questions about its financial stability.

Records from Companies House UK indicate that Futurae Media Ltd, the parent company, has overdue accounts and has been marked for compulsory strike-off, further complicating the situation.

Conclusion

As concerns continue to mount regarding the Food Tech Congress, sponsors and industry professionals remain hopeful for clarity and resolution. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.