Business

LEÓN The city of León is one of the most important centers of development in the state. It enjoys a worldwide reputation for the quality of its leather goods, which form the principal motor of its ongoing growth, with exports of more than 25 million pairs of shoes annually. León is an important venue for events such as the SAPICA international fair for shoe manufacturers, with its more than 4,000 exhibitors. SAPICA is only one of many held in the imposing CONEXPO conference and exhibition center. Boasting 23,500 m2 of exhibition space, plus unrivaled facilities and technical resources, CONEXPO is Mexico's premier forum for exhibitions and events. To these beginnings has been added the new complex that establishes the city as the most important business center in Latin America - the POLIFORUM. With 24,000 m2 of exhibition space, the POLIFORUM and CONEXPO together give an astonishing total of 47,500 m2. For business travelers, León has more than 3,840 rooms at hotels in the three-to-five-star range, many of which have their own conference and events facilities, as well as excellent restaurants and everything required for a pleasant and fruitful stay. There are a number of large shopping malls and sports clubs, plus four eighteen-hole golf clubs and numerous nightspots, as well as the Nou Camp soccer stadium, which has played host in two World Cups. For the family, there's the Explora Science Museum, the Metropolitan Park and the Ibarrilla Zoo. CONVENTIONS AND VISITORS OFFICE (4) 763-44040; Fax (4) 763-4401; Toll free: 01-800-716-LEON EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION CENTER (477) 771-2500;