Trade fair catering at IFEMA Madrid
We cater for exhibitors and teams during trade fairs at IFEMA MADRID: coffee break or cocktail on the stand when show rules allow, or team lunch and client dinners off-site when the venue permits. We are not an IFEMA-approved caterer; we explain the current rules and align logistics with your stand.
Updated on
What we do in the IFEMA context
María Lluch Catering is a Madrid caterer for companies. When your team is at a trade fair at IFEMA MADRID (Campo de las Naciones), we can handle food and service on the stand when show rules allow, or off-site: coffee break, canapés for guests, team lunch at a hotel or office, or a client dinner in Madrid.
We are not an IFEMA-approved caterer or official venue supplier. IFEMA keeps an approved catering directory; where approval is required (congress rooms, Convention Centres, etc.) you must hire from that list.
To estimate quantities, use the catering calculator. For menu, date and venue details, request a quote and we reply within 24–48 hours.
Formats we often use at trade fairs
| Format | Purpose | Typical location |
|---|---|---|
| Stand coffee break | Sweet and savoury pause for staff or short visits | Your exhibitor stand; show rules apply (IFEMA §9: approved caterer or free-for-visitors exception with notice) |
| Exhibitor cocktail | Welcome clients on the stand with small bites | Your stand; non-approved supplier: IFEMA exception — free for visitors and notice to catering@ifema.es |
| Team lunch (buffet) | Lunch with the team away from the stand | Hotel, restaurant or office in Madrid (off the IFEMA site); subject to venue permission |
| Client dinner | Close the day off the hall | Hotel, restaurant or office in Madrid; subject to venue permission |
Menu details match our office breakfasts and coffee breaks and corporate catering pages; here, access, timing and show rules matter most.
IFEMA rules (summary)
Sources checked on 31 October 2026:
- General participation rules — §9.1: catering usually via the concessionaire or approved companies. §9.2: exception for free catering offered by the exhibitor on its stand, with a non-approved supplier, after mandatory notice to catering@ifema.es. §§23-24: setup, door and loading times follow each show’s specific rules, not one universal timetable.
- Organisers’ regulations — §9.3: in halls, coordination with organiser and IFEMA. §§9.2 and 9.4: Convention Centres, Congress Palace and North Convention Centre stands — approved caterers only.
- Rules hub: Participation rules | IFEMA MADRID.
The exhibitor or organiser must comply before confirming menu and service time. We adapt delivery, setup and staff to what the show and your stand allow.
Off-site: hotels and meeting rooms
Many teams combine show days with dinners or lunches at hotels in Barajas, near the airport or in central Madrid. We can cook and serve there if the venue allows external catering and we know access times and loading rules. We do not promise prior deals with specific hotels: confirm permissions with the venue and share events or front-desk contacts when you request a quote.
Logistics: access, setup and timings
At IFEMA, setup and dismantling windows change by show (FITUR, ARCOmadrid, Madrid Fusión, etc.). Check the show rules and exhibitor manual; we do not assume universal loading bays or time slots.
To coordinate we need at least:
- Show, dates and approximate headcount per service.
- Location (stand, hall, hotel or off-site address).
- Delivery and collection time window.
- On-site contact and any access rules from IFEMA or the organiser.
See our glossary on setup and dismantling.
IFEMA shows on our calendar
If your dates overlap a major show, book catering and venues early:
- FITUR 2027 (20–24 January)
- Anuga Select Ibérica 2027 (16–18 February)
- Madrid Fusión 2027 (1–3 February)
- ARCOmadrid 2027 (3–7 March)
- Winemad 2027 (15–17 March)
Our events calendar lists more trade fairs and public holidays that affect planning in Madrid.
Allergens, diets and invoicing
Tell us about allergies, intolerances and diets when you request a quote. We invoice your company for corporate services. To compare price lines, see How we quote.
IFEMA
Frequently asked questions
Is María Lluch an IFEMA-approved caterer?
No. IFEMA publishes an approved catering list and María Lluch is not on it. We do not present ourselves as an official or approved venue caterer.
Can food be served on an IFEMA stand without an approved caterer?
Under IFEMA general participation rules (§9.2, checked on 31 Oct 2026), an exhibitor may offer **free** catering to visitors **on its own stand** using a non-approved supplier, but must **notify IFEMA in advance** at catering@ifema.es. Without that notice, it may not be offered. Convention Centres, the Congress Palace and North Convention Centre stands follow different rules: approved caterers only (organisers’ regulations, §§9.2 and 9.4).
How much does IFEMA or stand catering cost in Madrid?
There is no fixed rate: the quote depends on the format (coffee break, cocktail, lunch or dinner), headcount, logistics (stand, hotel or off-site office) and the staff and equipment required. We send a tailored quote once you share show, dates and guests; use our catering calculator and How we quote for guidance.
Which formats suit an IFEMA trade fair?
The most common are a stand coffee break, a welcome cocktail on your own stand (only when show rules allow; with a non-approved supplier, IFEMA’s exception requires free catering for visitors and prior notice to catering@ifema.es), a team lunch off the hall (hotel, restaurant or office) and a client dinner in Madrid. The format depends on stand hours, loading access and what the show organiser permits.
Do you handle allergens and dietary needs?
Each dish has an allergen sheet; tell us about allergies and intolerances and we adapt the menu. Our menu includes vegetarian and vegan options. See also our glossary entry on the 14 allergens.
How much food should we order for the stand?
It depends on the format and how many people you expect in the service window. Estimate quantities with our catering calculator (pick event type and headcount), then request a quote via contact.
Can you cater client dinners at hotels during FITUR or other shows?
We can prepare meals outside the IFEMA venue (hotels, restaurants or offices in Madrid) when the venue owner allows external catering. We do not promise pre-arranged deals with specific hotels: confirm permissions and timings with the venue before we finalise menu and service.
Next step
Tell us the date, venue and number of guests. We will reply with a tailor-made quote.