Quick answer: You don’t need an IFEMA-homologated company to build your stand at IFEMA Madrid. Under IFEMA’s general participation rules, any exhibitor or builder can submit plans, at least one month before build-up. Stands are generally limited to 4 m, with exceptions, and double-deck stands need an inspection certificate and structural supervision. The Adam Expo Stand cost calculator estimates custom stands at €450–650/m². Always check the show-specific rules for your event.
Who can build your stand at IFEMA Madrid?
Any competent contractor can. IFEMA’s general participation rules let the exhibitor or its chosen builder submit the stand project. What matters is that the design follows the rules and the paperwork arrives on time.
That’s good news for international exhibitors. You can bring your own design agency, hire a local builder, or use a turnkey contractor that handles design, fabrication, plan submission and installation in one contract. The rules below come from IFEMA’s general rules. Your show’s exhibitor manual can add to them or change them, so check the show-specific rules for your event.
IFEMA “homologación” explained (and why you don’t need it)
You’ll often see the word homologación (homologation) around IFEMA. It refers to IFEMA’s continuous homologation of suppliers for the design, build, maintenance and dismantling of free-design stands (file Exp. 20/074).
It is a procurement channel, not a licence to build. IFEMA sells free-design stands through its own service catalogue and splits those orders 50/50 between homologated suppliers and the winner of its framework agreement. To be homologated, a company must prove legal capacity, show that no contracting ban applies to it, and meet technical and financial solvency requirements (Annex I of the rules).
- Official page: IFEMA homologations
- Rules: homologation rules for free-design stand suppliers (PDF)
- Current list: IFEMA homologated suppliers, June 2026 (PDF)
So, if you’re building your own stand or hiring your own contractor, the homologated list is not a requirement. It matters only if you order a free-design stand through IFEMA’s own catalogue.
IFEMA stand rules that shape your design
These come from IFEMA’s general participation rules (PDF). Design to them from day one. Redesigning after a rejected plan costs more than getting it right first.
Height limits
- The general maximum height is 4 m.
- One perimeter element can reach 6 m, provided it is not adjacent to a neighbouring stand.
- With a 1 m setback from neighbours, all elements may go higher.
- Some zones remain limited to 4 m, whatever the setback.
Double-deck stands
A two-storey stand needs an inspection certificate and a structural supervision declaration. Plan for this in your timeline and budget. It’s engineering work, not a form you fill in the week before.
Plan submission deadline
Under the general rules, plans go in one month before build-up. Shows can set their own dates, and they’re often earlier.
Show example: FITUR 2027
The FITUR 2027 exhibitor guide and specific rules (PDF) allows double-deck stands up to 7 m with a 1 m setback, and the free-design stand deadline is 13 December 2026. It’s a good example of why the show manual always comes before the general rules.
Power, cleaning and flooring
Who orders these, and what is billed separately, is set per show. Check your exhibitor manual.
What international exhibitors need to prepare
A contractor can only move as fast as your brief. Send these early:
- Show name, hall and stand number, plus the floor plan showing open sides
- Stand size in m² and the show’s exhibitor manual
- Brand guidelines, logos and graphic files
- AV and power needs (screens, demos, lighting)
- Meeting room, storage and hospitality requirements
- Budget range and commercial objective (leads, launches, meetings)
Also check your show’s exhibitor manual for service order deadlines and plan submission dates.
What a stand at IFEMA costs (estimates)
The Adam Expo Stand exhibition stand cost calculator gives these estimates. They aren’t quotes: scope, height and services change the final price, and space rental and show services are paid separately.
| Item | Calculator estimate |
|---|---|
| Modular stand | €280–380 per m² |
| Custom-built stand | €450–650 per m² |
| Double-deck stand | €750–1,100 per m² |
| AV package | €1,500–4,000 |
| Meeting room | €1,200–2,500 |
| Storage | €400–800 |
| Events in the rest of Europe | +15% |
The calculator’s default example comes to €16,200–23,400. Not sure whether modular or custom fits your show? Read our guide to modular vs custom exhibition stands at IFEMA Madrid.
Madrid vs Barcelona: IFEMA vs Fira Barcelona rules for exhibitors
Exhibiting in both cities? Don’t assume one design will pass at both venues. Here is how the published rules compare. Fira Barcelona data comes from its Technical Regulations (PDF). Check the show-specific rules for your event at either venue.
| Criterion | IFEMA Madrid | Fira Barcelona |
|---|---|---|
| Who can build | Any exhibitor or builder submits plans; homologation not required | Plans go to Operations in advance; contractor passes are issued per show via the event’s Contractor Area (e.g. Automobile Barcelona contractor area) |
| General height | 4 m; one 6 m perimeter element; higher with a 1 m setback; some zones 4 m | 5 m; taller counts as a complex structure; some zones 4 m |
| Double-deck | Inspection certificate + structural supervision declaration | Complex structure: technician-stamped project, supervised build-up, final certificate; upper floor ≤50% of stand area at Fira events |
| Plans and approval | One month before build-up (FITUR 2027 free design: 13 Dec 2026) | In advance, per show, via [email protected]; no build-up until approved |
| Services and rigging | Ordered per show (see manual) | Services via Servifira and BuildUp Fira; rigging only through Fira’s official supplier |
| Always | Check show-specific rules | Check show-specific rules |
In practice: a 6 m feature wall that passes in Madrid may need a stamped engineering project in Barcelona, and a double-deck sized for IFEMA may break Fira’s 50% upper-floor rule. Decide early which venue sets the tightest limit, and design to it.
How to choose a stand contractor for IFEMA
Skip the rankings. Ask these questions instead:
- Do they handle the paperwork? Plan submission, double-deck certification and structural supervision should be in the quote.
- Do they design, build and install in-house? One contract and one project manager means fewer gaps at build-up.
- Have they built at IFEMA? Ask for photos of real stands, not renders only.
- Is the quote itemised? Structure, graphics, AV, furniture, transport and services should be listed separately.
- Are they insured for build-up and dismantling at the venue?
We work in custom wood carpentry design and build, modular stands with Aluvision and beMatrix systems, and turnkey projects. If you need a contractor in Madrid, see our exhibition stand builder service at IFEMA Madrid and our exhibition stand builder in Madrid, Spain page. For a wider view of the market, there’s also our overview of exhibition stand builders in Europe.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be IFEMA-homologated to build my stand?
No. Homologation is the channel IFEMA uses to sell free-design stands from its own service catalogue. Under IFEMA’s general participation rules, any exhibitor or builder can submit stand plans.
How high can my stand be at IFEMA Madrid?
Generally 4 m. One perimeter element can reach 6 m if it is not next to a neighbouring stand, and with a 1 m setback from neighbours all elements may go higher. Some zones stay at 4 m, so check the show-specific rules for your event.
What do I need for a double-deck stand at IFEMA?
An inspection certificate and a structural supervision declaration, with plans submitted one month before build-up. Some shows set their own limits: FITUR 2027, for example, allows double-deck stands up to 7 m with a 1 m setback.
When must stand plans be submitted to IFEMA?
At least one month before build-up under the general rules, unless your show sets its own date. For FITUR 2027, the free-design deadline is 13 December 2026.
How do Fira Barcelona’s stand rules differ?
The general maximum height is 5 m. Anything taller is a complex structure that needs a technician-stamped project, supervised build-up and a final certificate. At Fira events, the upper floor of a double-deck may cover at most 50% of the stand area, and rigging goes only through Fira’s official supplier.
Can a foreign company manage an IFEMA stand remotely?
Yes. You don’t need to be in Madrid: your stand contractor prepares and submits the plans and runs build-up, while you approve the design remotely. Check the show’s exhibitor manual for the deadlines that apply to you.
Planning a stand at IFEMA Madrid?
Send us your show, stand number and size. We’ll prepare the design, handle the plan submission and send an itemised quote. Request a 3D design consultation via our contact page, or start with the cost calculator.
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