• The Spanish Association of Fairs (AFE) has approved its annual accounts and report, the budget and planned activities for 2026, and has ratified the admission of nine new members
• The association has also released figures on the economic impact generated by exhibition activity in Spain, based on data recorded in 2024

The Spanish Association of Fairs (AFE) held its General Assembly on Thursday, 22 January, at IFEMA MADRID facilities, taking advantage of the celebration of FITUR, the International Tourism Trade Fair, as has become customary in recent years.

During the Assembly, members reviewed the activities carried out in 2025 and approved the annual report, financial statements, and the income and expenditure budget and planned activities for 2026. The Assembly also ratified the incorporation of nine new members into the association, three of whom are organising members and six collaborating members:
IFEJA, Ferias Jaén; Fundación FEINDEF; FERMASA, Feria de Muestras de Armilla; Aluvision NV; Europfast Logística España, S.L.; beMatrix HQ; Moss Place Makers Spain; Barter Partnership, S.L.; B Network Management S.L.U.

During the General Assembly, the turnover figures in Spain for 2024 for all association members were presented, amounting to €880 million. The total number of people linked to exhibition activity across all members of the association was also reported, reaching 2,580 individuals, with a workforce composition of 51% men and 49% women.

The conclusions of the economic impact study of the Spanish exhibition sector, carried out by Oxford Economics using 2024 data, were also presented. The study shows a total direct, indirect and induced impact of €13.6 billion, a contribution of €6.9 billion to GDP, and the generation of 124,400 direct and indirect jobs.

Following the Assembly, AFE President Xabier Basañez stated:
“Based on the preliminary information available, we can affirm that 2025 has once again been an extraordinary year for the exhibition industry in Spain, and all indications suggest that 2026 will maintain this upward trend. The addition of nine new members brings greater strength and increased representativeness to the association within the Spanish exhibition landscape.”

Finally, thanks to the celebration of FITUR and the presence of numerous representatives from Mexico at this year’s edition, a Memorandum of Understanding was formally signed between the Mexican Association of Professionals in Fairs, Exhibitions and Congresses (AMPROFEC) and the Spanish Association of Fairs (AFE). Through this agreement, both organisations establish a strategic alliance aimed at fostering the joint development of their organisations and strengthening the exhibition industry in both countries.
The document was signed by Julio César Bojórquez, President of AMPROFEC 2024–2026; Jorge Arizmendi, President-elect of AMPROFEC 2026–2028; and Xabier Basañez, President of AFE.