One week to go until MAPIC 2026.
Before heading to Cannes, there are a few things worth having under control: where to find the Iberian companies, which sessions to add to your agenda, when to download your badge and what is happening beyond the exhibition floor.
On 3–4 November, the Palais des Festivals will once again bring together the international retail real estate industry for two intensive days of meetings, conferences, networking and new business opportunities. Here is our practical guide to MAPIC 2026.
1. Know where to find the Iberian companies
With only two days of MAPIC, knowing where everyone is before you arrive can save a lot of time.
This year, the Iberian presence will be spread across the exhibition area, Networking Tables and Hospitality Suites, so here is where to find them:
EXHIBITORS
AECC - Asociación Española de Centros y Parques Comerciales (R7.H17) | Sonae Sierra (Stand R7.L9) | TRISON NECSUM (R7.H3) | theleisureway (R7.F35)
NETWORKING TABLES — RIVIERA 8
NEINVER, Galería Canalejas, Laborde Marcet, Apostamos por Madrid by TrueBroker, Caldas da Rainha, Município de Santarém and Placer
HOSPITALITY SUITES
Entrecampos Lisbon (Hospitality Suite D)
Planning these stops in advance will make it much easier to organise your meetings and move efficiently between Riviera 7 and Riviera 8.
👉 View the full MAPIC 2026 floorplan here to find every exhibitor, Networking Table, Hospitality Suite, conference stage and key area across the venue.
2. Add the Iberian sessions to your agenda
MAPIC’s conference programme covers everything from investment and high street retail to leisure, innovation, F&B and urban regeneration.
This year, the Iberian presence also extends beyond the exhibition floor, with companies and cities taking part in the programme, networking events and sponsorship opportunities.
Sonae Sierra and Entrecampos Lisbon are both Global Sponsors of MAPIC 2026, reinforcing the strong Iberian presence at this year’s edition.
Among the key sessions and networking moments to add to your agenda:
3 November | 11:30–12:30
-When Malls Become Media: From AI Powered Brand Platforms to AI Driven Media Networks
📍 Industry Insights Stage, Riviera 7 | A session exploring how AI and new media models are transforming shopping centres into increasingly powerful platforms for brands and consumers, with Sonae Sierra taking part in the conversation.
3 November | 14:00–14:30
-High Street Opportunities: Madrid – Barcelona – Lisbon
📍 Highstreet Retail Stage, Riviera 8 | A session focused on the opportunities, locations and consumer trends shaping three of the Iberian Peninsula’s key retail cities.
3 November | 17:00–17:30
-Networking Cocktail: Destination Portugal
📍 Highstreet Retail Stage, Riviera 8 | A networking opportunity focused on Portugal and the companies, projects and destinations driving its retail market.
These are just two highlights from a much broader programme covering retail parks, outlets, international expansion, investment, leisure and the future of retail destinations.
3. Download your badge before arriving
One of the easiest things to sort before travelling: your MAPIC badge.
Before downloading it, make sure your attendee profile is complete and that you have uploaded your photo, as this is required to generate the badge correctly. Once everything is ready, download your badge and keep it accessible on your phone or print a copy if you prefer.
⚠️ Important: only the latest version of your badge will work. If you download it more than once, any previous QR code will automatically become invalid.
So, if you update your details or download a new version, make sure you delete the old one and use only the most recent badge when entering MAPIC.
If you are arriving in Cannes the day before, the registration desk opens on 2 November from 14:00, so you can also complete any pending registration steps in advance.
4. Save the MAPIC Awards in your calendar
The first day of MAPIC ends with one of the key moments of the event: the MAPIC Awards Ceremony.
📅 3 November | 19:00 📍 Grand Auditorium, Palais des Festivals
The ceremony recognises some of the most outstanding projects, concepts and brands shaping the future of retail real estate worldwide.
This year, Iberia is also represented among the finalists:
- Vila do Conde Porto Fashion Outlet Expansion, VIA Outlets — Best Refurbishment Project
- Lefties — Most Exciting – Retail
- Honest Greens — Most Exciting – Food & Beverage
Your MAPIC badge gives you access to the ceremony, so make sure you leave some room in your agenda and stay until the end of the day.
5. Know the opening hours and plan your arrival
MAPIC 2026 returns to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, with two packed days ahead. Checking the opening hours beforehand can help you avoid unnecessary rush and make the most of your time from the moment you arrive.
🕣 General access: 8:30–19:00
🕗 Exhibitor access: from 8:00
If you have an early meeting or a packed agenda, arriving before the first sessions begin will give you time to get oriented, locate the stands and Networking Tables you need and avoid unnecessary rushing.
It is also worth checking your route to the Palais in advance, especially if you are staying outside central Cannes.
6. Leave some room for the unexpected
A well-planned agenda helps, but MAPIC is also about the conversations you did not schedule.
Between meetings, conference sessions, Networking Tables and cocktails, some of the most valuable connections can happen spontaneously.
So plan your key meetings in advance, but avoid filling every single slot.
Sometimes, the meeting you did not schedule is the one you remember most.
With your badge ready, meetings confirmed and the key locations and sessions already on your radar, you are ready for MAPIC 2026.
Keep this guide close during the event and remember to check the latest programme before each day.
See you in Cannes on 3–4 November.
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