The Spanish capital has scored another significant win in its unofficial rivalry with Barcelona to host the biggest international events. The president of the Madrid regional government, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has officially announced that starting from 2026, Madrid will become the new home of The District World Summit. This forum, considered the main event in Europe’s real estate sector, had been held in Catalonia for the past four years, but will now move to the capital.
The move of such a prestigious event is part of Madrid’s long-term strategy to turn the region into the leading business and cultural hub of Southern Europe. Choosing the Ifema Madrid exhibition center as the summit’s new venue highlights the capital’s robust infrastructure and organizational capacity. The event is expected to attract thousands of investors, developers, and experts from around the world, further strengthening Madrid’s position on the global stage.
“This is exactly how our region grows. It proves that we are one of the most attractive places in the world—a place where everyone wants to enjoy life, advance, and see opportunities multiply for all,” said Isabel Díaz Ayuso during her visit to the Movistar Arena, commenting on the upcoming event.
Capital ambitions
After four successful years in Barcelona, The District is set to open a new chapter in its history. The summit will take place at Ifema Madrid from September 22 to 25, 2026. This move not only solidifies Madrid’s reputation as “one of the main hubs for capital, talent, and major international events,” but also deals a significant blow to the image of the Catalan capital as a center for business tourism. Organizers expect the 2026 forum to become one of the most influential exhibitions held at the venue.
The projected number of participants is impressive—over 15,000 industry professionals. This far exceeds previous years’ figures and reflects growing interest in the Spanish real estate market, particularly in the Madrid region. Experts see the relocation of the summit as a logical step, signaling a shift in attention from major investors toward the more stable and predictable business environment Madrid offers.
Economic Impact
The numbers speak for themselves. The last The District summit in Barcelona gathered 14,537 participants from 37 countries. The direct economic impact on the city exceeded 35 million euros. With even higher visitor projections for Madrid, it is safe to say that the financial benefits for the capital’s economy will be even greater. The arrival of thousands of affluent guests will have a multiplier effect on the hotel industry, restaurants, transportation, and the service sector.
For Madrid, this is not just about money, but also an investment in the future. Each such event helps strengthen the city’s international brand, attracting not only tourists but also skilled professionals and the headquarters of major companies. Successfully hosting the real estate summit could become a catalyst for new large-scale investment projects in the region’s construction sector.
A succession of major events
The District World Summit will add to Madrid’s already impressive lineup of world-class events set to take place in the coming years. As the regional leader noted, these events “feed off each other,” creating a powerful synergy. In 2026, the city will host the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix for the first time—a historic milestone for Madrid. The calendar also features games of the National Football League (NFL), the prestigious Madrid International Marathon, the 2029 European Basketball Championship, and, of course, matches of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Such a concentration of world-class events makes Madrid an uncontested leader not only in Spain, but across Europe. This is the result of a targeted policy to attract investment and create the most favorable conditions for organizers, allowing the capital to confidently outpace its competitors in the race for the most coveted projects.
Incidentally, the Ifema Madrid exhibition center, which will host the summit, is one of the most important in Europe and the leading venue in Spain. Founded in 1980, it covers over 200,000 square meters, housing 13 pavilions and numerous conference centers. Each year, it hosts more than 700 events, including world-renowned fairs such as FITUR (tourism), ARCOmadrid (contemporary art), and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid. The complex plays a key role in the region’s economy, generating thousands of jobs and bringing in billions of euros in revenue.
