This coming 18 - 20 July, the appointment returns for a physical edition of the international marketplace dedicated to volume footwear, leather goods and accessories in full compliance with safety regulations and focusing on a virtuous integration between real and digital.
Riva del Garda, 20 April 2021. The calendar for the volume footwear, leather goods and accessories market is starting to take shape by announcing the official dates for the next physical event. The 95th edition of Expo Riva Schuh and the 6th edition of Gardabags, dedicated to the 2022 Spring/Summer collections will take place at the Riva del Garda Exhibition Centre from 18th to 20th July, a month later than the normal summer edition.
A challenge, but also, above all, the result of the synergy of those involved, guided by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, who has spoken loud and clear about the need to hold a live event, which will be of fundamental importance for the footwear industry, which has been hit very hard by the pandemic, to get restarted. All this, of course, considering a clear schedule that aims to give clear references to the exhibiting companies and their businesses, and always keeping in mind the health situation to ensure appropriate solutions in all circumstances.
“Given the way that the pandemic is going at global level, we consider it reasonable to reposition the traditional dates of the two physical events in July - stated Roberto Pellegrini, Chairman of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi. - The new timing of the events, together with the news of the reopening of exhibitions by the Italian government and the gradual improvement of the international situation, leaves us feeling hopeful that the context will be sufficiently favourable for us to organise our event.”
The decision hinges on the need to support the needs of the companies and buyers involved by providing them with concrete answers, and, at the same time, aiming to revitalise a physical event which is vital for the entire industry. “In the 15 months that have passed since the last physical edition of the fair, digital has enabled us to contain the unpleasant consequences that the pandemic has had, and continues to have on the footwear and leather goods markets. Nevertheless, the fashion industry continues to be very strongly linked with the real experience and the need to touch and feel components, materials, designs and products - underlined Alessandra Albarelli, Managing Director of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi. - At this moment in time, a physical event would provide a concrete and timely opportunity for the companies in the industry to restart, and an opportunity that we would like to augment through the digital know-how that we have acquired during this period of forced arrest.”
An innovative system, which has seen the virtuous integration between real and digital, bringing to the forefront a hybrid network, capable of uniting, positively, the two elements in a proactive manner, to best describe the event in which the contribution of the digital experience was fundamental and which accompanied Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags along the way as it continued to grow, even in the absence of the physical event.
In this perspective of synergy between the channels, starting from June 13th and continuing until 30th September, the fair community will have the opportunity to access the virtual platform which, over the past few months, has paved the way towards a return to the physical fair, with a path that is oriented towards business, networking and updates, packed with innovative ideas to give life to an event that is able to combine the very best of online and offline.
The exhibition’s digital platform and the informative content of Expo Riva SHOW, will in fact be the key elements of a business-oriented tour which will kick off virtually on June 13th to culminate, from July 18th to 20th, in Riva del Garda with the summer edition of Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags, concluding online on September 30th 2021.
“Trade fairs are a crucial tool for supporting the economic and industrial systems of the countries involved, and, for them to get back in full swing, the effort required is great and complex. It is necessary to look to technology and safety in order to be competitive and it will be a long job for sure, but the important thing is to enable traditional organisational processes to coexist with the new opportunities offered by digitalisation, forming a virtuous integration which will be fundamental in getting the entire system going again” - concluded Chairman Pellegrini.
The physical fair due to take place in July in Riva del Garda will welcome exhibitors and visitors in complete safety, thanks to a special protocol developed with a team of experts, to guarantee that every element of the event is carried out correctly, with due respect to the health situation. The measures concern access and presence of visitors to the fair, with a refinement of the guidelines that start right from the registration phases to the arrival at the exhibition halls (with the strengthening of a transfer service from the main airports of Northern Italy), passing through an internal triage service with quick post-demonstration swab test and the creation of structured and rational paths within the designated areas.
These are the next dates:
95th edition of Expo Riva Schuh - 18/19/20 July 2021 | Riva del Garda (Italy)
6th edition of Gardabags - 18/19/20 July 2021 | Riva del Garda (Italy)
Digital Connection - 13 June / 30 September 2021 | Swapcard Platform (online)