# Interihotel MAD26 Explores Creative Rebellion in Hospitality Design Global design leaders gather in Madrid to challenge hospitality conventions through radical experimentation. - **Source:** [design archives | designboom | architecture & design magazine](https://brifing.si/source/11868f8d-1e20-41ac-bc2d-8c5af32d721b) - **Published:** 2026-10-19 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/5c313bb9-52f3-432a-8900-b3a3c64e22af ## Sixteenth Edition Launch The interihotel MAD26 event returns to IFEMA Madrid from November 17 to 19, 2026. Organized by the AMBIT Living Spaces Cluster, this sixteenth edition gathers 350 exhibiting brands and 200 international speakers. The program focuses on the theme of Creative Rebellion to challenge existing hospitality paradigms through radical design and material experimentation. ## The Inside Rebellion Day one focuses on design identity and human emotion. Stefan Sagmeister headlines with his presentation titled No Doom, no Gloom, which utilizes data visualization to promote optimism in design. The session also features collaborative discussions with Nini Andrade Silva and Astet Studio to explore how emotional resonance shapes modern hospitality interior environments. ## The Green Rebellion The second day shifts toward environmental responsibility and circularity. Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu of Neri&Hu lead discussions alongside Lucas Muñoz Muñoz, Studio Animal, and the Rockwell Group. These sessions aim to reframe sustainability and guest wellbeing, emphasizing how material choices and architectural layouts can foster long-term ecological and social responsibility. ## Future Guest Experiences The final day, titled The Future Rebellion, features Michelin-starred chef Dani García. He leads a panel on reinventing guest experiences alongside industry disruptors like Luca Pronzato of We Are Ona, Laura Vall of Axel Hotels, and Kike Sarasola of Room Mate Hotels. They analyze how service models must evolve alongside physical spatial design. ## Interiors Living Lab Beyond forum talks, the event features two full-scale, walk-through physical prototypes. HBA presents The Sensory Explorer Concept Room, inspired by the Barceló Hotel Group. Simultaneously, Livit unveils The Social Playful Concept Restaurant, designed for the hospitality brand Lamucca. These installations translate theoretical design discourse into tangible, immersive experiences for industry professionals. ## Specialized Material Labs The event includes dedicated interactive hubs for material innovation. The Materials Lab showcases the Materialidad adaptable installation curated by MATTER, dissecting six evolving material families. Additionally, the Craft Lab, curated by Tachy Mora, highlights contemporary studio ceramics through eight selected makers, while the Xperience Lab offers hands-on interaction with spatial AI co-creation agents. ## Interi-off Satellite Program Extending beyond the IFEMA trade fair grounds, the interi-off satellite program activates Madrid from November 16 to 20. This citywide initiative includes architectural visits, various installations, and evening gatherings. It serves to integrate the event into the broader cultural fabric of the city, connecting professional attendees with Madrid’s local design ecosystem. ## Professional Industry Focus Admission to interihotel MAD26 is reserved exclusively for industry professionals, including hoteliers, restaurateurs, architects, interior designers, and real estate developers. Attendees must secure professional accreditation via the official website to participate. This gatekeeping ensures that the discourse remains centered on high-level industry challenges, networking, and the practical application of new spatial concepts. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.designboom.com/design/stefan-sagmeister-neri-hu-dani-garcia-interihotel-mad26-creative-rebellion/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._