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Rio2C generates over half a billion reais for the Rio economy and creative industry.
Published on 02/06/2026 - 19:10 | Updated
The event, held between May 26th and 31st at Cidade das Artes, attracted over 50 participants. Photo: Press Release/FilmArt Rio2C 2026, considered the largest creativity event in Latin America and one of the main hubs for innovation, business, and cultural production in the Southern Hemisphere, held between May 26th and 31st at Cidade das Artes in Rio de Janeiro, generated an estimated R$ 516,1 million in the economy of the city and in the sector's business volume, equivalent to US$ 100,3 million. This economic impact estimate is based on the study "Potential Economic Impacts of Rio2C 2026," prepared by the Rio de Janeiro City Hall, through the Municipal Secretariats of Economic Development (SMDE) and Culture (SMC), as well as Riotur, in partnership with Rio2C.
– Events like Rio2C are fundamental to strengthening Rio de Janeiro as a strategic environment for innovation, entrepreneurship, and business generation. The event brings together companies, investors, startups, creators, and professionals from different sectors in an atmosphere that stimulates connections, partnerships, and new opportunities. More than a creativity festival, Rio2C is a platform for economic development, capable of boosting businesses and positioning the city at the center of discussions about the future of innovation – says the municipal secretary of Economic Development of the city of Rio, Osmar Lima.
Held annually in the city, Rio2C brings together thousands of participants to attend presentations by experts and representatives from the public and private sectors of the creative economy in a multidisciplinary program focused on knowledge exchange, opportunity generation, and the development of new projects. The event's impact is also directly reflected in tourism and various service sectors in Rio de Janeiro.
– Rio2C has established itself as one of the most strategic events on Rio de Janeiro's calendar by combining creativity, innovation, and business generation with a direct impact on the tourism economy. The city welcomes thousands of professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and visitors from different parts of Brazil and the world, boosting hotel occupancy and stimulating bars, restaurants, transportation, and various service-related sectors – highlights the president of Riotur, Bernardo Fellows.
The study considered expenses related to transportation and food for participants, speakers, and attendees, ticket sales, event production, sponsor activations, and parallel events. Furthermore, it is projected that the event generated approximately R$ 364,3 million in closed deals, bringing the total potential economic impact to R$ 516,1 million.
For the Rio de Janeiro Municipal Culture Secretariat, the event also reinforces the role of culture as a driver of economic development, innovation, and international projection for the city. “Culture today occupies a strategic place in the development of Rio de Janeiro, both from a symbolic and economic point of view. Rio2C reinforces the city's vocation for creativity and innovation, connecting talents, ideas, and opportunities in different areas of the creative economy,” emphasizes the head of the department, Lucas Padilha.
According to the study, Rio2C 2026 is expected to have generated approximately 4,7 jobs, of which 46,4% were direct and 53,6% indirect. The projected earned media is also significant: around R$ 78,4 million in this edition. Since its inception, Rio2C has accumulated approximately R$ 289,4 million in earned media, increasing Rio de Janeiro's visibility on the national and international stage.
– The projected numbers for this edition show how Rio2C has established itself as a strategic platform connecting creativity, innovation, and business. The event expands opportunities for companies, professionals, and investors, in addition to strengthening Rio de Janeiro's image as one of the main centers of creative production and economic development in Latin America – highlights Rafael Lazarini, the creator of Rio2C.
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