07.12.2023
It all starts with a question: how could Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags, such a long-lasting and successful event, possibly have come to be in Riva del Garda, a small Italian town in Trentino? An event capable of attracting people from all over the world, of generating such an impressive turnover and becoming a touchstone for international trade in the footwear and, today, also the accessories market.
Over its first 100 editions, the fair has hosted roughly 70,000 footwear collections. An underestimation, no doubt, because this assumes that at every edition, each exhibitor presented only one collection, which is known not to be the case. It has welcomed some 500 visitors and, in the last 10 years, has convinced industry operators from at least 100 different countries to come to Riva del Garda, at each edition. Today, about 80% of visitors come from Europe and a good 20% from non-European countries (a very high number compared to other events).
The question as to how these numbers were possible was answered by the top management of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, the organiser of Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags, after the institutional speeches by the MIMIT - Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Milena Del Grosso, Consumer Goods Office Manager ITA - Italian Trade Agency and Maurizio Montemagno, General Director for Industrial Policy, Innovation and SMEs of the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy.
For the Chairman, Roberto Pellegrini, “in 100 editions, Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags has proven to be essential in preserving the competitiveness of Italian and European distribution channels. While Italy is no longer a hub for mass production, we now have the opportunity to be – and remain – a leading hub for worldwide distribution: Riva del Garda is a place for international trade.” Pellegrini then revealed the secret of the event's success: “It has always been an event capable of interpreting changes in the market, and accommodating them.”
Reflecting on the significant milestones of the fair over the last 50 years reveals a remarkable journey: bolstering the territorial value, fostering successful collaborations between public and private sectors, expanding into global markets and production, restructuring managerial frameworks, and nurturing strong affiliations with production and distribution networks.
He was echoed by Director Alessandra Albarelli: "It is our internationality, superior to all other industry events, that makes us such an important crossroads for trade: on a global level, 2 out of every 3 pairs of shoes are bought in a country other than the one where they were made.”
Being a successful event that promotes the Italian footwear and accessories market on a worldwide scale is also a responsibility. An event of this magnitude must strive to be sustainable in every respect, for the environment, people and the territory, as Albarelli pointed out: "Waste recycling, sustainable mobility, greener stands are just some of the initiatives implemented in favour of the environment. Inclusivity, which is also achieved by digitalising the various initiatives, is another crucial objective for us. Speaking of caring for people, worthy of mention is our collaboration with the Sole4Souls Charity Program and the initiatives of the National Consortium of Saints Crispin and Crispinian.” Lastly, Albarelli spoke of the fair's positive impact on the Alto Garda region, generating a total economic value of around 29 million euros.
GianPaola Pedretti, Exhibition Manager, outlined how the more than 1,300 brands and visitors from more than 100 nations, who attend each January and June edition of the fair, would celebrate the 100th edition throughout 2024: "Our now customary Innovation Village Retail will be enhanced by a presentation of the key consumer trends in the new Highlights area. To mark the occasion, a special Celebration Night will be held, during which our most loyal stakeholders will be awarded, and a short film, photo exhibition and monograph will also be presented.”
Even the exhibition’s lifeblood – exhibitors and buyers alike – did not want to miss the presentation of the 100 editions. Lia Pittarello of Pittarello S.p.A., Paolo Villa of Villa Group and Bruno Conterno of Nice Footwear all gave their views on the fair: "A must-attend event for its international appeal, the opportunity to discuss important industry topics and preview trends for the coming seasons. And, why not, it’s also a great location in which to catch up with partners and customers after the fair for a drink or a bite to eat, which isn’t always possible at big-city events.”
About Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags: With visitors from all over the world and more than 40 countries represented among exhibiting companies, Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags – organized by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi SpA – is the leading international trade show dedicated to volume footwear, leather goods and accessories. The next edition will be held from 13 to 16 January 2024, at the Riva del Garda Exhibition Centre.
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2024 Calendar
Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags - Riva del Garda 13-16 January 2024
SIGEP - Rimini 20-24 January 2024
TISE - The International Surfaces Event Las Vegas 24-26 January 2024
FIERAGRICOLA - Verona 31 January-3 February 2024
Samuexpo - Pordenone 1-3 February 2024
Pescare Show - Vicenza 3-4 February 2024
Hospitality - Il Salone dell'Accoglienaza - Riva del Garda 5-8 February 2024
Aquafarm/Novel Farm - Pordenone 14-15 February 2024
ForumPiscine - Bologna 14-16 February 2024
OUTEX - Bologna 14-16 February 2024
MYPLANT & GARDEN - Milano 21-23 February 2024
CUCINARE - Pordenone 2-10 March 2024
Ortogiardino - Pordenone 2-10 March 2024
MYPLANT & GARDEN - Milano 21-23 February 2024
Progetto Fuoco - Verona 28 February-2 March 2024
Key Energy - Rimini 28 February-1 March 2024
Vinitaly - Verona 14-17 April 2024
Enolitech - Verona 14-17 April 2024
Sol & Agrifood - Verona 14-17 April 2024
Radioamatore Hi-Fi car - Pordenone 20 21 April 2024
Next Mobility Exhibition - Milano 8-10 May 2024
Transpotec - Milano 8-11 May 2024
Wine to Asia - Shenzhen 9-11 May 2024
Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags - Riva del Garda 15-18 June 2024
Xylexpo - Milano 21-24 May 2024
RIMINIWELLNESS - Rimini 30 May-2 June 2024
Wine South America - Brasil 3-5 September 2024
MILANO Fashion&Jewels - Milano 14-17 September 2024
Marmomac - Verona 24-27 September 2024
SUN Beach&Outdoor Style - Rimini 9-11 October 2024
SIA Hospitality Design - Rimini 9-11 October 2024
FIERACAVALLI - Verona 7-10 November 2024
Ecomondo - Rimini 5-8 November 2024
IBE - Rimini 19-21 November 2024
2025 Calendar
MARCA - Bologna 15-16 January 2025
PTE - Milano 22-24 January 2025
Bit - Borsa Internazionale del Turismo - Milano 9-11 February 2025
SANA Food - Bologna 23-25 February 2025
Italia Legno Energia - Arezzo March 2025
Horeca Next - Pordenone 10-12 February 2025
SANA Beauty - Bologna 20-23 March 2025
ZOOMARK - Bologna 5-7 May 2025
AUTOPROMOTEC - Bologna 21-24 May 2025
IPACK-IMA - Milano 27-30 May 2025
Pharmintech - Milano 27-30 May 2025
RIVE - Pordenone 5-7 November 2025
HOST - Milano 17-21 October 2025
SICUREZZA - Milano 19-21 November 2025
MADE EXPO - Milano 19-22 November 2025
Global Elevator Exhibition - Milano 19-21 November 2025
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