AFE Annual Assembly Approves 2025 Accounts and Nine New Members Forecasting an Excellent 2026 for the Spanish Trade Fair Sector

The Asociación de Ferias Españolas (AFE) held its General Assembly on 22 January 2026 at IFEMA MADRID, coinciding with the FITUR International Tourism Fair. Members reviewed 2025 activities, approved the annual report and accounts, and passed the 2026 budget and activity plan. The assembly ratified nine new members: three organiser members (IFEJA Ferias Jaén, Fundación Feindef and FERMASA Feria de Muestras de Armilla) and six collaborating members, bringing total membership to 53. The assembly presented 2024 data showing combined member revenue of 880 million euros and 2,580 people linked to exhibition activity, split 51 percent male and 49 percent female. An economic impact study by Oxford Economics using 2024 data reported a combined direct, indirect and induced impact of 13,600 million euros, a GDP contribution of 6,900 million euros and 124,400 direct and indirect jobs. AFE president Xabier Basañez stated that 2025 had again been an extraordinary year for the Spanish exhibition industry and that 2026 points to a continuation of that upward trend. AFE and the Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales en Ferias, Exposiciones y Congresos (AMPROFEC) also signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a strategic alliance to promote joint development and strengthen the exhibition industry in both countries.