First-time exhibitor at MATELEC Madrid: your essential guide

Exhibiting at MATELEC for the first time is a big step. This guide covers realistic goals, choosing your stand space, understanding the full budget, what to ask your stand builder, and how to manage the event itself. We want to help you make the most of your participation at MATELEC.

Before booking space at MATELEC

MATELEC, held every two years at IFEMA Madrid, is the International Trade Fair for the Electrical and Electronics Industry. It runs alongside Genera, forming the International Week of Electrification and Decarbonisation. This is where manufacturers and distributors of electrical equipment, switchboards, and lighting meet installers, engineering firms, and key buyers.

You need to decide what you want to achieve. Do you aim to secure new distributors? Launch a new product? Strengthen existing client relationships? Be specific. Don't just show up to 'be seen'. Realistic goals mean you can measure your return.

Consider your product. MATELEC demands working displays: switched-on luminaires, live switchboards, functional EV chargers. This isn't a show for brochures alone. Your stand needs to integrate these working elements safely and effectively.

Choosing your stand location is critical. Heavy footfall areas cost more, but they might be worth it. Think about the flow of visitors. Is your product best placed near a specific hall entrance or a major competitor? Corner stands offer more visibility but can be pricier. Inline stands are common and can be very effective with good design.

Don't book a space too small for your displays. If you need to show an open switchboard, measure its footprint. If you have several luminaires, ensure there’s enough wall or ceiling space. Underestimating space leads to a cramped, ineffective display. A good stand builder can help you visualise this before you commit.

The full budget, not just the stand

Many first-time exhibitors focus solely on the stand cost. That's a mistake. The stand itself is only one part of the overall expenditure. You need a comprehensive budget plan.

Your space rental fee is a major component. This is charged by IFEMA based on square metres and location. Factor in any early booking discounts or penalties for late payment.

Then there's the stand design and build. This includes materials, labour, transport, and installation. At Standarte, we provide a closed quote in 24 hours, ensuring no hidden surprises. We also offer a 3D prototype within 72 hours, so you know exactly what you're getting.

Utilities are essential at MATELEC. You'll need a properly sized power supply for all your working equipment. Don't forget internet access. These services are ordered directly from IFEMA and can add up.

Staffing costs are often overlooked. You'll need to pay for your team's time, travel, accommodation, and meals in Madrid. A well-briefed, enthusiastic team is vital for success.

Marketing and promotion before the show will drive traffic to your stand. This could include targeted emails, social media campaigns, or advertising in industry publications. Don't rely solely on the show organiser's promotion.

Finally, consider lead capture technology, follow-up materials, and shipping your products to and from IFEMA. A full budget accounts for everything, not just the pretty facade.

What to ask your stand builder

When you're exhibiting at MATELEC, your stand builder needs to understand the technical demands of the show. Don't settle for someone who builds generic stands. Ask specific questions.

Can they handle the power requirements? We size the power with you and arrange the supply with IFEMA. We build a technical wall that carries switchboards and enclosures at their real weight. The wiring is hidden but reachable from behind, important for safety and maintenance.

How do they manage working luminaires? We design ceilings or trays so your displayed luminaires are the focus, not our stand lighting. This ensures your products shine, literally.

What's their experience at IFEMA Madrid? We have over 20 years building at shows across Spain and Portugal, including extensive experience with stand design and assembly in Madrid. We know the venue, the regulations, and the logistics.

Do they offer a single point of contact? This simplifies the process. At Standarte, you deal with one person from design through to installation. This prevents miscommunication and keeps things running smoothly.

What's their production process? We have our own workshop. This means we control quality and timelines. We even perform a switch-on test before the stand leaves our facility for IFEMA. This 'Audited Project' guarantee means what you see in the prototype is what gets built.

Can the stand be reused? MATELEC is biennial. We design technical walls that can be adapted for the next edition, saving you money in the long run. This might mean a different product layout but using the same core structure.

Two months before opening is a comfortable lead time. This allows for IFEMA's technical approval, manufacturing in our workshop, and that crucial switch-on test.

During and after the show

Your team on the stand is your biggest asset. They need to be well-briefed, knowledgeable about your products, and ready to engage visitors. Make sure they understand the goals you set before the show. Provide comfortable shoes, regular breaks, and plenty of water. A tired team is not an effective team.

Lead capture is paramount. Don't rely on business cards alone. Use a system to scan badges or quickly enter contact details, along with notes about the conversation. Qualify leads on the spot: hot, warm, cold. This saves time during follow-up.

After the show closes on 26 November 2026, the real work begins. Your follow-up strategy needs to be immediate and organised. Contact hot leads within 24-48 hours. Personalised emails or calls are far more effective than generic mass mailings.

Review your goals. Did you achieve them? What worked well? What could be improved for next time? Gather feedback from your stand team. Analyse your lead data. This post-show analysis is crucial for refining your strategy for future events, perhaps even for Genera or Advanced Manufacturing Madrid.

Exhibiting is an investment. Treating the 'after' as seriously as the 'before' ensures you get the best return.

Frequently asked questions

How can we ensure our technical product displays work reliably?

We work with you to plan the exact power requirements for all your working equipment, from switchboards to luminaires. We manage the power supply with IFEMA and build robust technical walls in our workshop, pre-wiring and testing everything before it arrives at the venue. This minimises on-site issues.

What if we need to make changes to our stand design close to the show date?

Our in-house design and manufacturing mean we have more flexibility than companies that outsource. While we always recommend starting two months out, having our own workshop allows us to react to changes more quickly. We can adjust elements and still ensure the 'Audited Project' guarantee.

How do we handle the logistics of getting our products and equipment to IFEMA?

We coordinate with your team to ensure your products are integrated into the stand design and delivered to the correct location at IFEMA during installation. Our single point of contact oversees the entire process, including load-in and load-out, so you don't have to manage multiple contractors.