GUEXT Forum 2026 to Spotlight Innovation, AI and Sustainability in Hospitality
GUEXT 2026, the International Exhibition of Suppliers and Services for the Hospitality Industry, will place knowledge sharing and innovation at the center of its second edition, taking place 15-17 October 2026 at IFEMA MADRID. Organized by IFEMA MADRID in collaboration with FELAC (Spanish Federation of Associations of Manufacturers of Machinery for Hospitality, Catering and Related Industries), the event aims to address the major challenges and opportunities transforming the hospitality and foodservice sectors.
GUEXT Forum: Industry Trends and Transformation
- Digitalization of professional kitchens
- Artificial intelligence and process optimization
- Sustainability and energy efficiency
- Emerging foodservice business models
- Changes in out-of-home dining habits
- Customer experience and hospitality design
The sessions will be moderated by food journalist Sara Cucala and feature discussions on social responsibility, technology, culinary innovation, operational efficiency, and evolving consumer expectations.
Major Highlights of the Program
15 October
- Cooking with a Humanitarian Conscience will explore gastronomy's social impact.
- New Business Models in Foodservice will examine evolving restaurant and hospitality concepts.
- The Connected Kitchen Is Already Here will focus on smart kitchens, connectivity, and digital management.
- Designing the Dining Area: When Space, Tableware and Experience Speak the Same Language will discuss how design influences guest experiences.
16 October
- The GOe Tech Center of the Basque Culinary Center will showcase the Cooking Workbench, an AI-powered platform designed to help culinary teams create, organize, develop, and reuse recipes and culinary knowledge using advanced data and analytics.
17 October
- Smart and Sustainable Contract Catering will examine innovation and sustainability in institutional foodservice.
- Designing Kitchens to Work Better will analyze workplace design, productivity, and employee wellbeing.
- Foodvenience: Eating Quickly Without Compromising on Quality will explore the growing demand for convenient yet high-quality food solutions.
MAB Hostelero Roundtable Discussions
- The Kitchen of the Future: Fewer Resources, Greater Capacity
- The Kitchen Operators Need: Efficiency, Durability and Service
- Beyond Aesthetics: Spaces That Work, Connect and Sell
These discussions will focus on automation, energy-efficient equipment, operational performance, customer experience, and profitability.
Awards and Industry Recognition
- Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Hospitality Distribution to Miguel López (Pilsa).
- Presentation of the FELAC Professional Career Award.
- Final of the 1st National Competition for the Best School Menu, hosted at KitchenXperience by Dimasa, which will also feature live equipment and technology demonstrations.
Key Takeaway
By combining expert-led discussions, technology showcases, industry recognition, and practical demonstrations, GUEXT 2026 aims to reinforce its role as a leading platform for innovation, knowledge exchange, and business development in the hospitality and foodservice industries. The event will provide professionals with insights into the technologies, operational strategies, and consumer trends expected to shape the sector's future.
