More than ninety industry experts will take part in the different knowledge forums included in the Padel World Summit 2026 programme, taking place from May 26 to 28 at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue.
In this context, the event has unveiled the first confirmed speakers for the Global Padel Conference and the Innovation Arena, the two key platforms dedicated to strategic content and investment. Among them are Bill Ullman, Mark Hewlett, Ignacio Soto Borja, Inés Álvarez, Ben Hanley and Patricio Misitrano, international figures who will share insights into the economic and business growth driving the global expansion of padel.
Padel World Summit continues to strengthen its position as the leading international meeting point for operators, investors, manufacturers and brands, creating an environment where growth opportunities are identified and projects are developed within the global padel ecosystem. Within this framework, the Global Padel Conference serves as a platform to anticipate trends, exchange business models and foster strategic partnerships.
Under the theme “Next Padel: vision, partnerships and transformative power”, the 2026 edition will bring together more than forty experts and structure its content around six key areas: global and institutional expansion, sustainable business models, strategic partnerships, technological innovation, talent development and professionalisation, and the social and emotional impact of padel as a lifestyle.
This programme is complemented by the Innovation Arena, which will host more than fifty additional presentations focused on startups, technology and investment, bringing the total number of speakers to over ninety.
Among the confirmed participants are international profiles actively contributing to the growth of padel as an industry. Bill Ullman, president of the United States Padel Association, combines his financial background with a strong commitment to the sport, including co-founding the Anglo-American Padel Cup. Meanwhile, Mark Hewlett leads Soul Padel, a company focused on developing padel centres in the United Kingdom.
Former world number one Inés Álvarez will address the development of university padel in Argentina and the United States, while Ben Hanley will present his experience integrating padel into the British Army. In addition, consultant and Racket Social Club founder Patricio Misitrano will moderate a session focused on maintaining padel’s accessibility and social nature while preserving quality standards and strategic value.
At the same time, the Innovation Arena will feature an exclusive interview with Ignacio Soto Borja, a key figure in the history of padel and current vice president of the International Padel Federation and president of the Mexican Federation.
Beyond the conference programme, Padel World Summit 2026 will gather more than 150 exhibiting companies under the slogan “Where passion meets business”, including leading firms from across the industry. The event will also feature the Play Arena, equipped with ten courts for product presentations, exhibition matches and brand activations.
The organisation expects to welcome more than 6,000 professionals from around the world to this edition, which will take place in Hall 6 of the Gran Via venue.
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