Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Notable exhibitors
Companies exhibiting at HR Expo 2026 include a3Satel, A3SIDES, ABIRE Contratos de Formación en Alternancia, ADADE E-CONSULTING IURISPREVEN DIAGRAM and Adaral.
- a3Satel
- A3SIDES
- ABIRE Contratos de Formación en Alternancia
- ADADE E-CONSULTING IURISPREVEN DIAGRAM
- Adaral
Event overview
Overview
HR Expo 2026 is set to take place from 18 to 19 November at IFEMA - Feria de Madrid, Spain. This trade show focuses on the latest innovations in human resources, bringing together key industry players to discuss strategies and solutions.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network with professionals and learn from expert speakers about the future of HR practices. HR Expo 2026 takes place in Madrid, Spain.
Venue: IFEMA - Feria de Madrid.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Madrid edition is listed for November 2026 at IFEMA - Feria de Madrid (Campo de las Naciones), the fairground served by Metro Line 8's Feria de Madrid station; confirm final dates, halls and opening hours at hrexpo.es before booking travel.
- 2Sector Focus: An HR and people-management event staged by Diversified UK & Europe, built around HR technology (HRIS, ATS, HCM), talent acquisition, payroll and HR services, learning and development
- 3Who Exhibits: HR software vendors, payroll and employer-of-record providers, recruitment and RPO firms, benefits and wellbeing platforms, assessment and L&D suppliers, and HR consultancies selling to Spanish and international employers.
- 4Who Attends: HR directors and CHROs, talent acquisition and HR operations leads, payroll and reward managers, learning and employee-experience managers, plus HR consultants and shared-service teams.
- 5Registration: Free visitor registration for industry professionals is indicated for this show; verify the current registration route, badge terms and any trade-only rules on the official site.
Why visit
Visiting HR Expo 2026 offers professionals insights into cutting-edge HR technologies and practices. Dates and Venue: HR Expo 2026 takes place on 18-19 November 2026 at IFEMA - Feria de Madrid, Spain. Buyer Authority: Attendees include HR managers, talent acquisition specialists, and organizational development leaders.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at HR Expo 2026 provides companies with direct access to HR decision-makers. Buyer Authority: Attendees include HR managers, talent acquisition specialists, and organizational development leaders. Meet qualified buyers and partners including HR technology companies offering software solutions, Consulting firms specializing in HR strategy, Training organizations providing professional development. Position your offer across hr management software and tools,.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
HR managers seeking innovative solutions
Talent acquisition specialists looking for new tools
Organizational development leaders interested in best practices
HR consultants aiming to network with potential clients
Training and development professionals exploring new methodologies
Technology providers showcasing HR software
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
HR technology companies offering software solutions
Consulting firms specializing in HR strategy
Training organizations providing professional development
Recruitment agencies looking to connect with employers
Wellness program providers focusing on employee health
Payroll and benefits management firms
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
HR management software and tools
Employee engagement solutions
Talent acquisition platforms
Learning and development resources
Workforce analytics and reporting tools
Payroll and compliance solutions
Location & Facilities
Venue
IFEMA - Feria de Madrid
Madrid, Spain
Facilities
Parking
IFEMA - Feria de Madrid in Madrid typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: IFEMA - Feria de Madrid in Madrid typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at IFEMA - Feria de Madrid for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Who runs the show
Organisers
Diversified UK & Europe
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Last edition
2025
Completed
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Madrid, Spain
Why it matters
Attending HR Expo 2026 on 2026-11-18 to 2026-11-19 in Madrid lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
Spain Human Resource Technology Market (2025-2031) | Supply ...
ReadHuman Resources Provision in Spain Industry Analysis, 2026
ReadRecursos humanos en EL PAÍS
ReadNoticias sobre Recursos humanos - EL ESPAÑOL
ReadSpain Human Resource (hr) Software Market CAGR, Emerging Tech ...
ReadGlobal Human Resource (HR) Technology Market Size, Share, Growth Trends ...
ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · EUR
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Campo de las Naciones / IFEMA district
The most convenient option: short walk or one bus stop to the entrances. Inventory is limited for a trade fair week, so reserve 2-3 months ahead where possible.
Airport zone (Barajas / T4 corridor)
Metro Line 8 connects the airport terminals to Feria de Madrid station, so airport hotels can work for visitors without a car. Confirm whether the hotel shuttle runs to the fairground.
Central Madrid (Salamanca, Chamberi, Sol-Gran Via)
Allow 25-40 minutes each way to IFEMA via Metro Line 8 with a change, or 20-35 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. Metro Line 8 runs from Nuevos Ministerios, a hub for central districts.
Metro Line 8 corridor (Mar de Cristal, Pinar del Rey, Colombia)
A practical compromise between price and travel time: two to five stops from the fairground on the same line as the airport. Confirm walking distance to the nearest station entrance.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
metro
Estimated costEUR 2-5 single metro journey (contactless)
Best forMetro Line 8: Nuevos Ministerios - Mar de Cristal - Feria de Madrid - Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3 - Aeropuerto T4
Feria de Madrid station is the direct metro stop for IFEMA - Feria de Madrid, and the same line links the fairground with the airport and with Nuevos Ministerios for central Madrid connections. Madrid Metro generally runs from about 06:00 to 01:30 daily; validate tickets at the gates and keep them until you exit.
bus
Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forEMT Madrid urban buses serving the Campo de las Naciones / IFEMA area (incl. lines historically routed to the fairground)
Bus routes around IFEMA are useful for short hops from nearby hotels that are not on Line 8. Check the current EMT network map or the IFEMA access page for the specific line and stop serving your hall entrance.
cercanias_rail
Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forCercanias C1 (Principe Pio - Chamartin - Aeropuerto T4) and Chamartin / Nuevos Ministerios interchange to Metro Line 8
Suburban rail does not stop directly at the fairground; use Cercanias to reach Chamartin or Nuevos Ministerios, then switch to Metro Line 8 for Feria de Madrid. Useful if you are staying near a Cercanias station rather than the venue district.
taxi
Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forAdolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas (MAD) to IFEMA - Feria de Madrid
Madrid taxis are white with a red diagonal stripe and are metered. Ranks operate at all terminals, and the run to the Campo de las Naciones district is short compared with journeys into central Madrid. Allow extra time on the first morning of the show.
taxi
Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forCentral Madrid hotel districts to IFEMA - Feria de Madrid
Taxis are convenient for evening events and for exhibitors carrying materials, but road traffic around the Campo de las Naciones district is heavy at opening and closing times. Metro Line 8 is usually faster at peak.
shuttle
Estimated costOften free or included in hotel or exhibitor packages; confirm with your hotel or the organiser.
Best forHotel and organiser shuttle services to IFEMA - Feria de Madrid
Some IFEMA-area and airport hotels run scheduled shuttles during trade fair weeks, and organisers sometimes arrange courtesy buses from selected hotels. Ask your hotel at booking and check the organiser's visitor information page.
Weather
Madrid in November is cool and changeable rather than cold: daytime highs typically sit in the 13-16 C range and overnight lows in the 4-7 C range, with occasional colder snaps. November is one of the wetter months of the Madrid year, typically bringing around 40-50 mm of rain spread over roughly 6-8 rain days, often as short showers rather than all-day rain. The fairground halls are large and climate-controlled, so the main weather consideration is the outdoor walk between metro, car parks and hall entrances. These are climatological approximations for planning only - check a current forecast in the week before travel. Dates referenced: November 2026 (confirm exact dates at hrexpo.es).
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Madrid has strong 4G and 5G mobile coverage across the city, the airport and the Campo de las Naciones district, and IFEMA-area hotels normally offer Wi-Fi in rooms and public areas. Visitors on EU/EEA mobile contracts can usually roam in Spain under roam-like-at-home rules; visitors from outside the EU should check roaming charges or buy a Spanish prepaid SIM or eSIM from operators such as Movistar, Vodafone, Orange or Yoigo, which typically requires photo ID registration at the point of sale. Venue Wi-Fi is usually available for visitors and exhibitors, but treat it as shared and unsuitable for sensitive HR or payroll data: use a VPN or mobile hotspot for demos and confidential client material. Confirm current venue Wi-Fi access rules and any exhibitor-specific bandwidth options with the organiser or IFEMA.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Working hours run later than northern Europe
Madrid business days often start around 09:00-09:30 with a lunch break in the 14:00-15:30 window and meetings running into the early evening. Evening networking receptions and dinners commonly begin after 20:00, with restaurant kitchens busy well past 22:00, so plan your show-day schedule and evening hosting accordingly.
Greetings and language at the fair
A handshake is the standard business greeting at Spanish exhibitions, and Spanish is the default language on most stands even when staff speak English. A short greeting in Spanish is appreciated, and exhibitors targeting Latin American buyers often work in Spanish throughout the day. Business cards and app-based contact exchange are both common.
Payments, tipping and tax
Card and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis and metro ticket machines. Tipping is modest: rounding up or leaving small change for taxis and cafes is normal, while restaurant service may already be included. Note that Spanish IVA (VAT) is generally 21% on goods and business services and 10% on restaurant bills, which matters when claiming expenses.
November public holidays and Sunday closures
Early November includes national and local holidays in Madrid - 1 November (All Saints' Day) is a national holiday and 9 November (La Almudena) is Madrid's regional holiday - which can affect shop openings, restaurant availability and supplier deliveries around the show period. Many smaller shops close on Sundays. Confirm the public holiday calendar for your exact travel dates before booking build-up or courier schedules.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: MAD
Book flights into Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas (MAD), the closest commercial airport to IFEMA and the only major gateway for the city. Direct services from most Western European hubs take roughly 2-3 hours, and Madrid is also a major connection point for Latin American routes, which is relevant if colleagues are travelling from Spanish-speaking markets. For a November show, booking about 6-10 weeks ahead usually gives a better choice of schedules before trade fair demand tightens availability on Monday and Friday flights. Allow buffer time on arrival day for terminal transfers at Barajas, and on departure day allow 2-3 hours between leaving the fairground and reaching the terminal if you use public transport. Fares are not published by the organiser - compare live fares before booking.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas (MAD). Allow road or rail time to IFEMA - Feria de Madrid; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near IFEMA - Feria de Madrid: Campo de las Naciones / IFEMA district: Campo de las Naciones / IFEMA district; Airport zone (Barajas / T4 corridor): Airport zone (Barajas / T4 corridor); Central Madrid (Salamanca, Chamberi, Sol-Gran Via): Central Madrid (Salamanca, Chamberi, Sol-Gran Via).
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps including Uber, Cabify and Bolt operate in Madrid, with designated pickup zones at Madrid-Barajas terminals and in the streets around the IFEMA site. Fares are usually comparable to metered taxis outside peak times but can surge when the halls close or during rain, so compare the app estimate with the taxi rank. Madrid's licensed taxis (white cars with a red diagonal stripe) remain a reliable fallback and are metered. Confirm app availability, pickup points and any airport pickup rules before you travel, and keep a payment card registered in the app in case your home number cannot receive verification texts abroad.
Public transit: The venue's direct rail link is Madrid Metro Line 8, which stops at Feria de Madrid station between Mar de Cristal and the airport terminals, connecting IFEMA with Nuevos Ministerios for central Madrid and with the airport for arriving visitors. An airport supplement applies to metro journeys that start or end at the airport stations, so buy the correct ticket at the machine or use a rechargeable card. EMT urban buses also serve the Campo de las Naciones district for short hops from nearby hotels, and Cercanias suburban rail stations at Chamartin and Nuevos Ministerios link to Line 8 for visitors arriving by regional train. Madrid Metro generally operates from about 06:00 to 01:30 daily. Approx. single-journey metro fares run around EUR 1.50-2.00 in Zone A; confirm live fares, route numbers and service hours before travel.
Parking: IFEMA - Feria de Madrid operates extensive on-site car parks around the fairground, and additional parking is available in the surrounding Campo de las Naciones business district. Space is generally easier during build-up days than on peak show days, and exhibitor vehicles may need permits arranged through the organiser. Tariffs are set by IFEMA and are usually charged per day or per entry, with different arrangements for exhibitors and visitors - confirm current rates, entry gates and vehicle-height restrictions with IFEMA or the organiser before driving. For visitors staying in central Madrid, Metro Line 8 is usually faster than driving during show opening hours.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026 (confirm exact event dates at hrexpo.es)
Temperature: Approx. 5-16 C across the day: typical afternoon highs of 13-16 C and overnight lows of 4-7 C, with occasional colder spells. Confirm the forecast in the week before travel.
Seasonality: November is one of Madrid's wetter months, typically bringing around 40-50 mm of rain over roughly 6-8 rain days, usually as short showers rather than sustained rain. Daylight hours shorten noticeably through the month, and mornings can be misty. Check a current forecast shortly before departure - these are climatological approximations.
Packing: Pack layers rather than heavy winter kit: a light coat or jacket for mornings and evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof shell for showers, and comfortable walking shoes for the long distances inside IFEMA halls. Business attire is standard on the show floor, with slightly warmer layers useful for air-conditioned halls and cool evening networking events. Bring a small day bag for a laptop or tablet, chargers and business cards, and consider a power bank since charging points on the floor are limited at busy times.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at HR Expo 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
T-14: Confirm your registration confirmation and badge type on hrexpo.es, and check whether your badge is issued for all show days or selected days.
T-2
T-14: Book flights into Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas (MAD) and reserve a hotel in the Campo de las Naciones/IFEMA area or on the Metro Line 8 corridor while show-week rates are still reasonable.
T-3
T-12: Download the exhibition directory and shortlist stands by category (HRIS/HCM, ATS, payroll, EOR, benefits, learning, analytics) and book any meetings while calendars are open.
T-4
T-10: Check the conference programme and register for sessions that require a separate seat or fee; note the language of each session.
T-5
T-7: Plan arrival day logistics: Metro Line 8 route from the airport to Feria de Madrid station, or a taxi/rideshare transfer, including the airport supplement on metro tickets.
T-6
T-7: Confirm whether you need a Schengen short-stay visa or business-visitor documentation and carry an invitation letter if your consulate requires one.
T-7
T-5: Pack for a cool, sometimes wet November in Madrid: layers, a compact umbrella or waterproof shell, and business-casual dress that works in large climate-controlled halls.
T-8
T-3: Save offline copies of your badge, hotel confirmation, meeting schedule and venue map; check connectivity options (EU roaming or a local eSIM).
T-9
T-2: Re-confirm meetings with exhibitors and note the hall and stand number for each, plus the walking time between halls at IFEMA.
T-10
T-1: Check travel conditions, leave buffer time for morning congestion around the Campo de las Naciones district, and set an early start for day one security screening.
T-11
Post-show: Log contacts and product notes within 48 hours, request quotes or follow-up demos while the buying conversation is fresh, and file receipts for expense claims.
Day 1
Arrive 30-45 minutes before opening to collect your badge, pick up a floor plan and orient between halls before meetings begin.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at IFEMA - Feria de Madrid
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2HR Expo 2026 registration concourse
IFEMA - Feria de Madrid
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
IFEMA - Feria de Madrid
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights€190.00
- Per diem × 2€150.00
Estimated total€340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether HR Expo 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is HR Expo in Madrid?
It is an HR and people-management exhibition listed under the hrexpo.es domain and organised by Diversified UK & Europe, bringing together HR technology vendors, payroll, recruitment, benefits and learning providers with HR decision-makers from Spanish and international employers. Confirm the current scope and hall layout on the organiser site before planning meetings.
When and where is the next edition?
The listing places the Madrid edition in November 2026 at IFEMA - Feria de Madrid in the Campo de las Naciones district. Exact opening days, hall numbers and daily opening hours should be confirmed at hrexpo.es, since they are set by the organiser closer to the show.
How do I register and is entry free?
Free visitor registration for industry professionals is indicated for this show. Registration normally runs through the official site and requires a business email and company details; confirm the current registration route, badge terms and any trade-only restrictions directly with the organiser.
Is the event open to the public or trade only?
This is a business-to-business HR event, so expect trade-only or industry-professional admission rather than public entry. Check the organiser's admission policy for students, job seekers and non-HR professionals before travelling.
How do I get to IFEMA from Madrid-Barajas airport?
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas (MAD) is roughly 12-15 km from the fairground. Metro Line 8 runs from the airport terminals (Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3 and Aeropuerto T4) to Feria de Madrid station, which serves IFEMA; taxis and rideshare apps take about 15-30 minutes depending on traffic, and an airport supplement applies to metro journeys from the airport stations. Confirm live fares and service hours before travel.
Are there hotels near the venue?
The Campo de las Naciones district immediately around IFEMA has business hotels within walking distance of the halls, and the airport zone adds more options one or two metro stops away. Central Madrid hotels are typically 25-40 minutes away by Metro Line 8 and connecting lines. Show-week demand pushes rates up, so book early.
What language are sessions and stands in?
Spanish is the primary working language for most stands and conference content, with English used by many international vendors and in international sessions. Confirm the language of specific sessions in the published programme if you plan to attend talks.
Can exhibitors get stand build, rigging and logistics information?
Exhibitor logistics at IFEMA - from stand construction rules and rigging to deliveries, insurance and badge allocations - are published in the organiser's exhibitor manual rather than on the public visitor pages. Request the manual from the Diversified UK & Europe show team once your stand is confirmed.
What should I bring on the day?
Bring a printed or digital badge confirmation and photo ID, business cards or a lead-capture app, a charged phone with the venue map, and comfortable shoes because IFEMA halls involve long walking distances. November in Madrid is cool and sometimes wet, so a light waterproof layer is useful for transfers between halls and parking.
Glossary
- HRIS (Human Resources Information System)
- The core system of record for employee data, contracts, org structure and HR transactions.
- HCM (Human Capital Management)
- A broader suite that combines HRIS records with talent, payroll, time and workforce planning modules, often delivered in the cloud.
- ATS (Applicant Tracking System)
- Software that manages vacancies, applications, interview scheduling and hiring workflows for recruiters.
- People analytics
- The use of workforce data (attrition, engagement, productivity, skills) to support HR and business decisions.
- Employee experience (EX)
- The sum of digital tools, workplace services and processes that shape how staff move through the employee lifecycle.
- Total rewards
- The combined package of pay, variable compensation, benefits, pensions, flexibility and recognition offered to employees.
- Employer of Record (EOR)
- A service model in which a third party legally employs staff on behalf of a client that has no local entity in the country.
- Payroll outsourcing
- Delegating payroll calculation, payslips, tax filing and compliance to an external provider or shared-service centre.
- RPO (Recruitment Process Outsourcing)
- Transferring part or all of an organisation's recruitment function to an external specialist provider.
- Skills-based hiring
- Screening and promoting on demonstrable skills and competencies rather than on job titles, degrees or tenure alone.
- LMS (Learning Management System)
- A platform to assign, deliver and track training, compliance courses and certifications.
- Workforce management (WFM)
- Tools for scheduling, time and attendance, absence and labour-cost control in shift-based operations.
- Consent and data protection in HR
- Handling employee and candidate data under GDPR and Spanish data protection rules, including retention limits and lawful bases for processing.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- HR Expo 2026
- HR Expo 2026 Madrid
- HR Expo 2026 Madrid 2026
- HR Expo
- HR Expo Madrid
- HR Expo Madrid 2026
- HR
- HR 2026
- HR Madrid
- HR Madrid 2026
3 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.