From November 17 to 19, 2026, IFEMA Madrid is set to transform into a vibrant epicenter of optimistic innovation as interihotel MAD26 returns for its landmark sixteenth edition. Organized by the AMBIT Living Spaces Cluster, the premier event will bring together approximately 350 exhibiting brands and over 200 international speakers, solidifying its reputation as a crucial global gathering for hospitality design professionals. Under the provocative theme of ‘Creative Rebellion,’ this year’s comprehensive program directly challenges established hospitality conventions, leveraging radical creativity and rigorous material experimentation to spark fresh, forward-thinking paradigms for hotels and restaurants worldwide.
The Anatomy of a Rebellion
Uniting deep-rooted craftsmanship with cutting-edge industry insights, interihotel MAD26 has structured its rich narrative across three dedicated thematic days, each addressing a critical dimension of modern spatial design. Day one, titled ‘The Inside Rebellion,’ dives deeply into design identity and human emotion. This opening segment is headlined by designer Stefan Sagmeister’s much-anticipated presentation, No Doom, no Gloom, which brilliantly blends data visualization with design to champion a refreshing wave of optimism. Sagmeister’s keynote will be complemented by engaging discussions featuring prominent industry voices such as Nini Andrade Silva and Astet Studio, setting a reflective yet ambitious tone for the conference.
Shifting the focus toward ecological urgency, day two explores ‘The Green Rebellion.’ During this segment, Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu of the acclaimed practice Neri&Hu will join forces with designer Lucas Muñoz Muñoz, Studio Animal, and the Rockwell Group to reframe circularity, environmental responsibility, and holistic wellbeing within the built environment. The dialogue will investigate how sustainable practices can move beyond mere compliance to fundamentally redefine the luxury and comfort of hospitality spaces.
On the final day, the program pivots toward ‘The Future Rebellion,’ where Michelin-starred chef Dani García leads a vital discussion on reinventing the guest experience. García will be accompanied by a roster of industry disruptors, including Luca Pronzato of We Are Ona, Laura Vall of Axel Hotels, and Kike Sarasola of Room Mate Hotels. Together, they will analyze shifting consumer behaviors, emerging travel trends, and the technological innovations that are actively reshaping how guests interact with temporary living and dining spaces.
Concept Rooms and Material Labs Explore New Guest Experiences
Beyond the rigorous intellectual discourse of the forum talks, interihotel MAD26 translates theoretical concepts into tangible, immersive spatial experiences on the exhibition floor. At the heart of the layout sits the Interiors Living Lab, which features two full-scale, walk-through physical prototypes designed to test the limits of spatial design. Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) presents The Sensory Explorer Concept Room, an atmospheric guest room installation inspired by the Barceló Hotel Group that investigates how sensory stimuli can enhance emotional well-being during a hotel stay. Concurrently, Livit unveils The Social Playful Concept Restaurant, a dynamic dining environment designed specifically for the hospitality brand Lamucca, exploring the intersection of play, community, and gastronomy.
To further expand the event’s experimental footprint, specialized interactive hubs have been integrated into the exhibition space. The Materials Lab showcases cutting-edge sustainable material innovation through the AMBIT Cluster and Materialidad adaptable, an insightful installation curated by MATTER that meticulously dissects six evolving material families. Nearby, the Craft Lab, curated by Tachy Mora, highlights the enduring relevance of contemporary studio ceramics through the works of eight selected makers, bridging the gap between industrial scale and bespoke craftsmanship.
Meanwhile, the Xperience Lab offers visitors hands-on interaction with emerging technologies, including spatial AI co-creation agents, Virtual and Mixed Reality modeling tools, and industrialized modular building configurations. Extending the event far beyond the physical bounds of the trade fair, the interi-off satellite program will activate the city of Madrid from November 16 to 20, offering curated architectural visits, site-specific installations, and evening networking gatherings across various urban venues.
Admission to interihotel MAD26 is reserved exclusively for industry professionals, including hoteliers, restaurateurs, architects, interior designers, and real estate developers. Professionals seeking to engage with the forefront of hospitality design can secure their accreditation pass directly through the official interihotel website.
