Liber (Feria Internacional del Libro) 2027 – Madrid, Spain

What to expect

Liber (Feria Internacional del Libro) is one of Spain’s leading professional events for the publishing and Spanish-language book industry. It brings together publishers, literary agents, distributors, booksellers, librarians, authors, translators, illustrators, cultural institutions, technology companies and other professionals involved in the production, promotion and international distribution of books.

The event is promoted by the Federación de Gremios de Editores de España (FGEE) and organised by IFEMA MADRID for its Madrid edition. LIBER is designed primarily as a business and professional fair rather than a conventional public book festival, with a strong emphasis on publishing rights, international markets, networking, professional development and the presentation of new editorial projects.

Visitors can expect an exhibition floor featuring publishing companies and related businesses alongside professional conferences, author encounters, presentations, industry discussions and opportunities to discover new books, publishing services and emerging trends. Previous editions have also incorporated dedicated spaces for professional services, smaller publishers, rights trading and exhibitor presentations.

A major strength of LIBER is its international character. The fair serves as a meeting point for the Spanish-language publishing market while also connecting Spanish publishers with international buyers, literary agents, distributors and cultural organisations. Its alternating presence between Madrid and Barcelona gives the event a broad national reach within Spain.

For the upcoming edition, the official website has already opened professional registration and is collecting interest from visitors and exhibitors. However, the detailed 2027 programme, speaker roster, exhibitor catalogue and individual activities have not yet been fully announced.

Event dates

Liber (Feria Internacional del Libro) 2027 will take place from September 21 to September 23, 2027, in Madrid, Spain.

The event is scheduled as a three-day professional book fair. Exact daily opening hours and the detailed programme timetable have not yet been published on the official 2027 registration pages, so visitors should check the official LIBER website as the event approaches for the confirmed schedule.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & exhibition site

The upcoming edition is confirmed for Madrid and is being presented through the IFEMA MADRID event platform. The fairground is located at Avenida del Partenón, 5, 28042 Madrid, Spain.

The specific pavilion or hall for the upcoming edition has not yet been confirmed in the currently published 2027 visitor information. The most recent Madrid edition used Hall 14.1 of the IFEMA MADRID exhibition centre, demonstrating that LIBER has previously operated within the main fairground rather than at a separate city-centre book venue.

The exhibition environment is expected to combine publisher stands, industry-service areas, professional meeting spaces and areas for conferences and presentations. Previous Madrid editions have used dedicated spaces for rights activity, exhibitor presentations and smaller publishing businesses.

Because the hall assignment for the upcoming edition is not yet publicly confirmed, visitors should use the official exhibitor map and venue information once released rather than relying on an older pavilion number.

Full programme

The detailed 2027 programme has not yet been released. Based on the established LIBER format, the programme is expected to combine exhibition activity with professional conferences, networking, book presentations, publishing discussions and international business meetings.

Previous programming has focused on major developments affecting the publishing industry, including:

• Publishing innovation and digital transformation
• Artificial intelligence and publishing workflows
• Audiobooks and new reading formats
• International expansion of Spanish-language publishing
• Literary translation and rights management
• Reader acquisition and changing reading habits
• Distribution and book marketing
• Professional skills and publishing careers
• Sustainability within the book industry
• Copyright and intellectual property
• International publishing markets
• New business models and digital content

The latest published professional programme demonstrated the scale of this conference element, with dozens of sessions and a large group of national and international speakers. The programme was divided into thematic areas covering innovation, publishing, audiobooks, professional training and international markets.

The Ágora concept has also provided exhibitors with a platform to introduce products, services, publishing projects and industry initiatives directly to professional visitors. This makes the programme useful not only for people interested in books but also for professionals examining how publishing is changing.

Featured authors & speakers

The official 2027 speaker and author programme has not yet been announced. LIBER traditionally combines publishing professionals with authors, literary figures, cultural representatives and specialists in areas affecting the wider book industry.

The previous Madrid programme demonstrated the variety of contributors associated with the fair. It included authors and cultural figures as well as specialists discussing technology, marketing, international publishing, rights, professional development and changing reading audiences.

One prominent literary figure associated with the latest Madrid edition was Rosa Montero, who received the LIBER award recognising an outstanding Spanish-speaking author. Other recognised figures included journalist and communicator Antonio Martínez Asensio and representatives of publishing, bookselling and library institutions.

The eventual 2027 programme may feature authors connected with new releases, international publishing projects, literary awards or special guest-country programming, but names should not be treated as confirmed until they appear in the official LIBER programme.

Publishers & exhibitors

Publishers and publishing-related organisations form the centre of the LIBER exhibition. The exhibitor profile includes publishing houses, editorial imprints, distributors, literary agents, booksellers, cultural institutions, educational organisations, graphic-industry companies and technology businesses involved in publishing and content distribution.

The exhibition is particularly valuable for discovering publishing catalogues and new titles that may not be widely represented outside professional book-industry channels. Visitors can meet representatives directly, discuss distribution opportunities and learn about publishing services and international partnerships.

Previous Madrid participation included hundreds of companies from multiple countries. The latest Madrid edition recorded 248 exhibiting companies from 13 countries, while the wider LIBER format regularly attracts publishers and industry professionals from international markets.

Smaller publishers and emerging businesses also have opportunities to participate. The MicroLiber concept has been used to provide smaller publishers, entrepreneurs and startups with opportunities to meet buyers and professional visitors.

The official 2027 exhibitor catalogue is not yet complete. Once published, it should provide the most reliable source for identifying individual publishers, brands, literary agents and organisations attending.

Book launches & presentations

Book presentations are an important part of the LIBER experience, although the exact 2027 schedule has not yet been released.

The fair’s presentation areas allow exhibitors and participating organisations to introduce new publications, publishing projects, services and initiatives to professional audiences. These sessions can be particularly useful for visitors interested in discovering new authors, editorial trends and titles entering international markets.

Previous editions have also used the Ágora area for exhibitor-led presentations. This creates a more focused environment where publishers can explain new products, services and experiences rather than simply displaying them at a stand.

Visitors interested in particular publishers should check the official programme once it becomes available because individual presentations may have limited seating or require professional access.

Talks, panels & readings

LIBER’s professional talks and panels focus heavily on the challenges and opportunities facing modern publishing. Rather than functioning solely as an author-focused literary festival, the programme examines the entire publishing value chain.

Previous sessions have covered artificial intelligence, emerging audiences, marketing in different languages, comics and manga, international markets, sustainability, professional skills and technological innovation.

The international dimension is particularly important. Previous programming has included international publishers, literary agents, librarians, distributors and cultural representatives, providing a broader perspective on the movement of books and intellectual property between markets.

Author meetings, literary discussions, presentations and readings can complement the business-focused sessions. Special cultural programmes connected with guest countries have also included poetry, narrative, literary heritage and author encounters.

The final 2027 timetable should be checked before planning a visit because the individual sessions and speakers are subject to official programme publication.

Ticket types & visitor access

LIBER is a professional trade event. The official visitor information states that access is intended for professionals in the publishing and wider book sector, and visitors must complete professional registration. General casual admission in the style of a public book fair is not the standard access model.

The official 2027 registration page is already available and invites visitors to register to receive information for the upcoming edition.

Professional visitor registration: The primary access route is professional accreditation through the official LIBER registration system.

Exhibitor invitation: Exhibitors can generate invitation codes for professional guests through the event’s registration system.

Press accreditation: Journalists can apply through the appropriate press accreditation process.

Industry access: Certain professional meetings and rights-related activities may require additional eligibility, invitations or advance registration.

No official 2027 admission price has been published. LIBER is structured as a professional accreditation event rather than a conventional paid public book fair, so there is currently no verified public ticket price to convert into USD. The safest approach is to complete the official professional registration and follow the access conditions supplied by IFEMA MADRID.

Professional & industry access

Professional networking is one of the main reasons to attend LIBER. The event connects publishers with distributors, booksellers, librarians, literary agents, international buyers, cultural institutions and other decision-makers.

Rights trading is especially important. Previous editions have included a dedicated Rights Hall where publishers and literary agents conduct scheduled business meetings concerning translation rights, territorial rights, licensing, co-editions and content adaptations.

International buyer and decision-maker programmes have also been used to strengthen connections between Spanish publishers and overseas markets. Previous programmes included international publishers and literary agents from numerous countries, reinforcing LIBER’s role as a business platform rather than simply an exhibition.

Professional visitors can also use the event to investigate publishing technologies, distribution services, audiobook development, digital content, copyright management and new approaches to reader engagement.

For publishers and agents, the event can be particularly valuable for discovering international partners and opening conversations about rights and distribution.

Event rules

LIBER operates under the professional admission and venue rules of IFEMA MADRID.

Visitors should carry their professional accreditation and follow instructions from event staff. Access to particular meetings, rights sessions or professional activities may be restricted according to the relevant accreditation or invitation requirements.

Animals are generally not permitted inside the IFEMA MADRID venue except where legally required, particularly assistance dogs. IFEMA also maintains venue rules concerning safety, emergency exits and prohibited behaviour.

Professional visitors should also be aware that LIBER is not designed primarily as a family entertainment event. IFEMA states that minors may enter professional fairs but that attendance is not recommended because of the professional nature of the environment.

How to get there

IFEMA MADRID is located at Avenida del Partenón, 5, 28042 Madrid. The venue is in the northeastern part of the city and is well connected to Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport and the wider public transport network.

The venue can be reached by metro, bus, taxi or private vehicle. Madrid-Barajas Airport is particularly convenient for international visitors because the fairground is close to the airport.

Visitors travelling from central Madrid can use the metro connection to the IFEMA area, while those arriving from other parts of Spain can connect through Madrid’s wider rail and public transport network.

Public transport & parking

The most direct public transport option is Metro Line 8, with the Feria de Madrid station providing access to the IFEMA fairground. The metro connection also links the venue with Madrid-Barajas Airport and the wider Madrid transport system.

Bus connections include lines 73, 112 and 122, while interurban line 828 also serves the IFEMA area. Taxi ranks are available at the venue, including the South and North entrances.

Drivers can reach the fairground using the M11, M40 and A2. IFEMA MADRID provides parking areas connected to the principal entrances.

Because access arrangements can change during venue works or depending on other events taking place at the fairground, visitors should check the official IFEMA access information shortly before travelling.

Accommodation areas

Visitors coming from outside Madrid have several practical areas to consider for accommodation.

Barajas: The airport and Barajas area are convenient for international visitors who want short transfers to IFEMA.

Campo de las Naciones: This is one of the most practical areas for visitors attending events at the fairground because of its proximity to IFEMA and public transport connections.

Canillejas: Canillejas offers another convenient option with transport links toward the exhibition centre and other parts of Madrid.

Salamanca: Visitors who want to combine the fair with central Madrid sightseeing may prefer the Salamanca area, although the journey to IFEMA is longer than staying close to the venue.

Central Madrid: Sol, Gran Vía, Retiro and surrounding central districts provide a much larger choice of restaurants, attractions and hotels, with public transport available for travelling to the fairground.

Food & refreshments

Visitors can find food and refreshments within the IFEMA MADRID complex, making it possible to remain at the venue during a busy professional schedule. The fairground has a broad food offer including Spanish, Mediterranean, Asian, Latin American and other international options.

Available concepts include cafés, bars, restaurants, food trucks and quick-service options. IFEMA lists venues and food brands such as Aloha Poké, Eat Spain, Farine, Mahou, Pepito Grillo, Rodilla, Tacos Don Manolito and Tim Hortons across different areas of the complex.

For a full-day professional visit, eating at the venue can be convenient because the exhibition centre is large and conference schedules may leave limited time for travelling elsewhere.

Visitors staying in Madrid can also find extensive dining options outside the fairground, particularly in central neighbourhoods.

Accessibility

IFEMA MADRID provides accessibility support for visitors with reduced mobility. Visitors requiring specific assistance can use the venue’s reduced-mobility access process and are advised to submit requests in advance.

Wheelchair and electric scooter reservations are subject to availability, while manual wheelchairs are available without charge. IFEMA recommends submitting accessibility requests at least 48 hours before the event to allow the venue to prepare the necessary arrangements.

Visitors with accessibility requirements should check the official access instructions before travelling because entrance arrangements and available services can depend on the specific event configuration.

Best sessions & events to attend

The best activities will depend on the final 2027 programme, which has not yet been published in full. For industry professionals, several types of sessions are likely to be particularly valuable.

Rights and international publishing: These sessions are ideal for publishers, agents and rights professionals looking for translation, licensing and international distribution opportunities.

Publishing innovation: Technology, artificial intelligence, digital publishing and new production methods have become important areas of discussion within the LIBER programme.

Audiobooks and emerging formats: Sessions examining changing reading habits and alternative formats can be useful for publishers adapting their catalogues to new audiences.

Professional training: Visitors developing careers in publishing can benefit from sessions dealing with new skills, marketing, distribution and changing professional roles.

Author and literary encounters: Readers and literary professionals should look for author conversations, book presentations and cultural programming.

Ágora presentations: Exhibitor presentations can provide a quick way to discover new publishing services, products and projects.

The strongest strategy is to review the official programme before attending and build a personal schedule around the sessions most relevant to your professional interests.

Previous year’s highlights

The latest Madrid edition attracted more than 9,400 professional visitors from 50 nationalities and featured 248 companies from 13 countries. Chile participated as Guest Country of Honour, adding an international cultural and literary dimension to the programme.

The event placed significant emphasis on internationalisation and the business side of publishing. More than 60 international publishers and literary agents participated in rights-related activity, while the professional guest programme strengthened connections with international buyers and decision-makers.

The professional programme addressed topics including technology, artificial intelligence, emerging audiences, marketing, sustainability, professional development, comics and manga, international markets and new publishing opportunities.

The latest Madrid edition also recognised major figures and organisations through the LIBER Awards. Rosa Montero received recognition as an outstanding Spanish-speaking author, while other awards highlighted contributions to reading promotion, bookselling, libraries and audiovisual adaptation.

These results demonstrate why LIBER remains particularly important for professionals looking beyond individual book sales toward publishing rights, international partnerships, industry knowledge and long-term business development.

Official tickets & registration

Professional registration for the upcoming edition is available through the official LIBER and IFEMA MADRID registration system. The current registration page invites professionals to sign up and receive information for their visit.

LIBER is a professional event, so visitors should complete the appropriate accreditation rather than expecting conventional public ticket sales. Individual registration is personal, and IFEMA states that each person must register using their own account and email address.

The detailed 2027 programme, exhibitor information, pavilion allocation and specific professional activities should be checked through the official event website as they are released.

Official information and registration: LIBER official website (https://www.liber.es)

Official IFEMA visitor registration: LIBER 2027 registration (https://www.ifema.es/liber/entradas)