Hospitality professionals will gather at GUEXT Forum 2026 from October 15 to 17 to discuss how artificial intelligence, sustainability, kitchen technology and changing consumer habits are reshaping the industry.

Taking place in Hall 12 at the IFEMA MADRID Exhibition Centre, the forum forms part of the second edition of GUEXT, the International Exhibition of Suppliers and Services for the Hospitality Industry. The exhibition is organised by IFEMA MADRID in collaboration with FELAC, Spain’s federation representing manufacturers of equipment for hospitality, catering and related industries.

Moderated by food journalist Sara Cucala, the forum will open with discussions on the social impact of gastronomy and emerging foodservice business models. Other sessions will examine connected professional kitchens, digital management and the relationship between dining spaces, tableware and customer experience.

A technology highlight will be the presentation of Cooking Workbench by GOe Tech Center, the Basque Culinary Center’s gastronomy technology centre. The AI-powered workspace is designed to help culinary teams develop, organise and reuse recipes and culinary knowledge, incorporating information such as ingredient flavour profiles and nutritional values.

Sessions on October 17 will address sustainable contract catering, kitchen design and the influence of working environments on productivity and staff wellbeing. A further discussion will explore how convenience foodservice can combine speed with quality.

Alongside the main programme, MAB Hostelero magazine will organise its Sobremesas de MAB roundtables, moderated by Sandra Rodríguez. These discussions will focus on automation, multifunctional equipment, energy solutions, purchasing decisions and functional design in hotels and restaurants.

The programme will also recognise industry professionals. On October 16, Miguel López of Pilsa will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Hospitality Distribution, while the recipient of the FELAC Professional Career Award will be announced that day.

The final of the first National Competition for the Best School Menu will also take place on October 16 at KitchenXperience by Dimasa, which will host live demonstrations of hospitality equipment and technology.