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?
It is an event capable of attracting people from all over the world, generating such an impressive turnover and becoming a touchstone for international trade in the footwear and, today, 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. In the last ten years, it has welcomed some 500,000 visitors and convinced industry operators from at least 100 different countries to come to Riva del Garda at each edition.
For recent editions, about 80 percent of visitors come from Europe and 20 percent 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 Maurizio Montemagno, General Director for Industrial Policy, Innovation and SMEs of the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy (MIMIT) and Milena Del Grosso, Consumer Goods Office Manager ITA - Italian Trade Agency.
"In 100 editions, Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags has proven 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," said Chairman Roberto Pellegrini.
Pellegrini said the secret of the event's success is that it has always been capable of interpreting and accommodating changes in the market.
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
- Nurturing strong affiliations with production and distribution networks
Director Alessandra Albarelli echoed this.
"Our internationality, superior to all other industry events, makes us such an important crossroads for trade. On a global level, two out of every three pairs of shoes are bought in a country other than the one where they were made," said Albarelli.
Being a successful event promoting the Italian footwear and accessories market worldwide is also a responsibility. As Albarelli pointed out, an event of this magnitude must strive to be sustainable in every respect for the environment, people and territory.
"Waste recycling, sustainable mobility, and greener stands are just some initiatives implemented to protect 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.
"A presentation of the key consumer trends in the new Highlights area will enhance our customary Innovation Village Retail. 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 also 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 to catch up with partners and customers after the fair for a drink or a bite, which isn't always possible at big-city events."
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