2.700 visitors from 179 countries. 406 exhibiting companies and 3 days of fairs. These are the big numbers of Expo Riva Schuh, that took place at Riva del Garda between July 18th and 20th.

"Despite the uncertainty caused by the current social and economic situation, the participation was excellent, generating feelings of positivity and satisfaction and rewarding the efforts of the organization, exhibiting companies and buyers”, says the fair organization in a statement.

More than 2700 visitors from 79 countries, not only from across Europe – and in particular from Italy, Germany, Poland, Spain, France and Netherlands – but also from Russia, Canada, the USA and Taiwan visited the more than 400 companies at Riva del Garda. Portugal was represented by 20 companies.

"The return to the physical edition of Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags is an important turning point for us and proof of the strength, maturity and professionalism of our companies, which had the opportunity to resume business in total safety”, concludes Roberto Pellegrini, president of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi.

The next edition of Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags will take place from January 15th to 18th, 2022.

Portuguese footwear returns to international fairs
The return of footwear companies to international fairs continues throughout Europe. After Düsseldorf, the attention turned to Italy, more precisely Florence. Pitti Uomo, considered one of the biggest men’s fairs of the industry – entitled Mecca men’s fashion -, returned to its physical format, welcoming footwear brands associated with APICCAPS: Ambitious and Mariano. Also, with the ‘made in Portugal’ seal, Atlanta Moccasin and Vandoma, a company specialized in the production of ties, were in Florence.

Approximately 10.000 persons gathered at Fortezza de Bacho, including 4.000 buyers. The visitors were mainly from Italy and other European countries, but the fair was also visited by buyers from the USA and some Asian countries.
From July 18th to 20th, also in Italy, at Riva del Garda, began another edition of Expo Riva & Schuh & Gardabags. The Portuguese delegation at the event counted with approximately 20 footwear companies. 

At the end of August, attention will again turn to Düsseldorf. From August 29th to 31st, takes place Gallery Shoes & Fashion. "Business is returning to normal”, claims Ulrike Kähler. The director of Igedo, the entity that organizes the fair, assures that feedback from exhibitors has been very positive, with more than 400 brands expected to be present.  

Milan Fairs start in September
In September, Milan will once again be the epicentre of the footwear industry. From September 22th to 24th,  with close dates to the MICAM, Fiera Milano welcomes Lineapelle. Imagination & Re-Wonder (to find wonder again) sets the tone for the presentation of winter trends 2022/2023.
So far, more than 600 exhibitors from 18 countries are registered, a number that the organization deems a sign of hope in the return of the physical events. The Portuguese delegation at the event will include around two dozen of companies from the footwear components and tannery sectors.
"Inevitably, some foreign visitors, particularly those from Asia, cannot enter the exhibition event. However, throughout the pandemic, we were constantly in contact, promoting and implementing a continuous number of online activities and projects”.

Days before it’s MICAM turn, from September 19th to 21st, after an interruption last February. The fair’s campaign communication remains inspired by fairy tales. The iconic "crystal slipper” will be the theme of the next three editions of the largest footwear fair in the world. "At a time with an overwhelming desire to start over and to dream, we chose one of the most famous fairy tales in the world, for the message of hope it contains”, says Siro Badon, Chairman of MICAM.
Recently, the organization’s fair announced the opening of Hall 6. Due to the increase of registers, the organization decided to open Hall 6, in addition to the Halls 1 and 4 initially planned. It’s relevant news given the number of national companies that usually exhibit in this pavilion.

Ambitious debuts at Pitti Uomo
Ambitious debuted at Pitti Uomo, presenting the collection SS 2022. In addition to the iconic Haven and Rhome lines, the company from Guimarães presented a new line: CAP, a 100% eco-sneaker made with recycled and eco-friendly products. The new model includes recycled rubber soles, seaqual canvas uppers, recycled polyester labels, laces, yarn, insole, box and fabric recycled and recyclable.