HIP 2026 the leading European hospitality innovation expo runs at IFEMA Madrid from 16 to 18 February bringing together professionals from hotels restaurants and catering.
This 10th-anniversary edition is expected to draw over 60,000 professionals and features several prestigious awards recognizing innovation in the hospitality sector.
On 17 February the main auditorium stages the Horeca New Business Models Awards gala honouring breakthroughs in technology product design sustainability and guest experience. The event showcases solutions in digitalisation smart kitchens foodservice and design supporting the transformation of Spain’s vital hospitality sector.
The main innovation awards hosted during the event include:
- Horeca New Business Models Awards 2026: These awards recognize companies that have pioneered transformation in business models, products, or customer experience. The gala ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in the Main Auditorium.
- The Best Digital Restaurants Awards: Organized in collaboration with DiegoCoquillat.com, these awards honour excellence in digital management, online marketing, and technological creativity within the restaurant industry.
- Future Gastronomy Startup Forum: A platform for high-impact startups. The top five finalists present their disruptive projects—ranging from AI and robotics to blockchain—on February 17, 2026.
- Best Practices Awards 2026: This summit concludes with a unique ceremony recognizing chefs and establishments that demonstrate ethical leadership and excellence in training new culinary generations.
The expo also features the Hospitality 4.0 Congress, which includes over 30 summits focused on emerging trends like AI in Horeca, automated food service, and sustainable management.
