In Madrid, Spain on 15-17 September 2026, the 27th European Foodservice Summit (EFSS) will gather more than 300 C-level and senior executives from over 25 countries, reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s most influential leadership platforms for the restaurant and hospitality industry.
Hosted at the historic Real Fábrica de Tapices, the Summit combines high-level strategic insight, curated peer-to-peer exchange and immersive industry experiences, creating a unique environment where senior decision-makers shape the future of foodservice.
A high-level community of decision-makers
Designed exclusively for senior leaders, EFSS brings together CEOs, founders and top executives from leading restaurant groups and key industry partners. The Summit opens with an intensive face-to-face speed networking session, enabling participants to establish meaningful connections, setting the tone for two days of high-impact dialogue.
“The foodservice industry is entering a phase where navigating complexity and making the right strategic choices becomes a true leadership challenge. With EFSS, we create a space where senior decision-makers can step back, gain clarity and discuss what really matters for their business,” says
Katrin Wissmann, programme director of the Summit, who will co-moderate alongside 1473 Media’s Michael Jones, editorial director of FCSI’s Foodservice Consultant portfolio.
Top industry voices on stage
The 2026 programme features leading voices from across the global foodservice ecosystem, underscoring the Summit’s relevance at the highest level.
Among the confirmed speakers are:
- Inès Lima, McDonald’s Spain, sharing insights on growth and execution at global scale
- Chad Mueller, Alshaya Group, UAE, offering perspectives on navigating geopolitical complexity in the Middle East
- Marcos Casarin, Oxford Economics, UK, delivering macroeconomic outlooks shaping hospitality
- Edurne Uranga, Circana, Spain, presenting the latest European consumer and market data
- Radu Savopol, 5 to go, Romania, one of Europe’s fastest-scaling founders
- Steve Tatham, former Walt Disney Imagineer, USA, bringing cross-industry insights on experience design
Together, they reflect “the Summit’s cross-functional, international and forward-looking perspective,” says Wissman.
A program focused on what matters now
Across two days, the Summit addresses the most critical challenges and opportunities facing the industry:
- Global economic uncertainty and market dynamics
- Shifting consumer behaviour across generations
- Business transformation and turnaround strategies
- Artificial intelligence and operational performance
- Brand building in the age of generative AI
- Experience-driven hospitality and new growth models
Beyond keynotes, the programme is defined by interaction. New in 2026, Executive Roundtables, introduced in response to participant feedback, create space for deeper, peer-level discussion in small, curated groups of senior leaders. Together with breakout sessions and live demonstrations, these formats are designed to turn insight into actionable outcomes.
From insight to experience: exploring Madrid’s food ecosystem
A defining feature of EFSS is its experiential dimension. On 15 September, participants engage in Restaurant Study Tours, offering curated access to Madrid’s most innovative foodservice concepts.
Three dedicated tracks cover:
- Fast Casual & QSR innovation and scalability
- Full-service restaurant ecosystems and hospitality concepts
- Food halls and market-driven business models
Each tour includes direct interaction with founders and operators, translating trends into tangible, actionable insights.
The pre-event programme is complemented by hands-on workshops, equipping participants with practical frameworks for scaling businesses and unlocking internal growth.
Distinctive venues framing the experience
The Summit takes place at the Real Fábrica de Tapices, a rare “living heritage” venue founded in 1721, providing a distinctive and authentic setting for strategic dialogue.
Evening events extend the experience across Madrid:
- Azotea Cibeles offers panoramic skyline views, creating an inspiring backdrop for networking
- Finca El Gasco, set in the countryside just outside the city, provides a more relaxed, retreat-like atmosphere for deeper conversations
Together, these venues reflect the Summit’s balance of heritage, modernity and meaningful connection.
A platform shaping the future of foodservice
More than a conference, the European Foodservice Summit is a trusted community of industry leaders. Its curated audience, high-calibre content and immersive format create a space where strategic ideas translate into concrete action.
As the Summit arrives in Madrid, it continues its mission: connecting Europe’s most influential foodservice leaders to share insights, build relationships and shape the industry’s next chapter.
Further details:
European Foodservice Summit 2026
Pre-Event Programme: 15 September 2026
Conference: 16–17 September 2026
Location: Real Fábrica de Tapices, Madrid, Spain
Audience: 300+ senior leaders from 25+ countries
Website: www.efss.live
