The edition of Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags to be held from June 17 to 20, 2023, will be number 99 and will be a sure-to-be successful event. The excellent results of the last two post-pandemic editions have led to a very high demand for participation from the international manufacturing world, which is returning en masse to Riva del Garda. In fact, Halls A1 and A3 will also be opened to increase the exhibition area, which will then reach the maximum capacity of the fairgrounds. All sold out!

The good news mainly concerns the origin of the exhibitors. More than 40 countries including China, which is strongly represented by all major manufacturing districts, Brazil, India, Turkey and Europe will participate. This is a reconfirmation of the very strong international character of the event.

Pleasant surprise is the return of Japan and Nepal and the first times of a collective of companies from the Czech Republic and one from Taiwan. It will also be the first time for CLIA – China Leather Industry Association and the Municipality of Wenzhou, among the most important manufacturing districts in China.

It promises to be an edition to be framed also thanks to the forecasts of visitor participation, which on paper already exceed January’s numbers: more than 120 international buyers are expected, ready to get an idea of the next trends for summer 2024.

One of the goals of the organization has been to increase the variety of the offer, encouraging the presence of leather goods and fashion accessories manufacturers, both with own production brands and third-party brands.

As usual, there will be many appointments to mark on the agenda, in addition to the classic meetings at the stands: the Summit promoted by CIFA – Confederation of International Footwear Association; the Innovation Village Retail; the Startup Competition; and the Market Focus, exclusive, invitation-only events that will bring together exponents of the world of production with those of distribution.

There is no lack of commitment to sustainability: the search for sustainable productions and products in the catalog is encouraged; carpeting provided by a certified company that, at the end of the event, recovers all recyclable material; food that is not consumed during the days of the event is recovered and destined for the most needy; waste is differentiated with great care to be destined for recycling; and green set-up booths are offered.