From Orlando to Chengdu, via Coventry. The Around The World project takes Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags where trends take shape, regulations are discussed and partnerships are built. Three stops, one objective: turning market knowledge into business opportunities.
The fair continues its commitment to deepening its understanding of global markets and building strategic alliances that support business growth during the event — while remaining firmly aligned with the value of internationalisation as a key driver for the entire sector.
This is the essence of the Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags Around The World project: taking the event beyond the borders of Riva del Garda. Being present where it matters, capturing early signals before they become established trends, and translating them into valuable insights for the fair’s community. Not a promotional tour, but a continuous process of relationship-building aimed at supporting business: listening to markets and bringing their voice back to the fair. Year after year, this approach has helped make the 105th edition (13-16 June 2026) a global point of reference for footwear and bags.
UNITED STATES. Orlando, NSRA Convention. For the fourth consecutive year, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags took part in the annual convention of the National Shoe Retailers Association, the leading event for independent footwear retailers in the United States. A consistent presence, and a strategic choice: branding, lobbying, but above all listening. According to GianPaola Pedretti, Chief International Officer at Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, American retailers “are not overly concerned about the current geopolitical situation”. Tariffs are met with more irony than concern, while there is cautious optimism about returning to trade fairs, planning ahead and developing their brands. In Orlando, the “wow effect” came from Alberto Mattiello — futurist and member of the Scientific Committee of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags, where he focuses on innovation — with a keynote on artificial intelligence applied to retail. From CES in Las Vegas to Google and Maps integrations with Gemini, all the way to a deepfake video of the NSRA president playing basketball in a new pair of shoes — a striking visual summary of where technology is heading. This was followed by a very different presentation, focused on the value of human intelligence, relationships and place. The Riva del Garda fair was presented as a business platform that fosters connections — because it fosters real human interaction. Two forms of intelligence, moving in the same direction.
The next stop was New York, at the headquarters of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), with Director Erica Di Giovancarlo, who will bring a large delegation of American buyers to the fair in June. “The fashion sector here is strong, particularly Italian fashion,” said Di Giovancarlo. The US market continues to be attracted not only by established brands, but also by smaller Italian labels, limited productions and exceptional quality. The reputation of Made in Italy remains strong — even against the background noise of tariffs.
ASIA. Chengdu, strategic agreement. The many trips to Asia — a continent where the majority of global footwear and bag production takes place — have led to a further important agreement. On 8 May 2026, Alessandra Albarelli, General Manager of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, and Li Qijun, representing the Chengdu Footwear Industry Chain Chamber of Commerce & Huidu Fashion Industrial Park, signed a strategic cooperation agreement. Chengdu is one of Asia’s leading hubs for women’s footwear production. The agreement aims to develop networking, international matchmaking, consultancy services for internationalisation, and joint promotional initiatives. “We are strengthening our dialogue with one of China’s most important manufacturing districts, now increasingly focused on quality and innovation, and able to respond effectively to global market demands,” said Albarelli. The signing ceremony was attended by leading Italian and Chinese institutional representatives, including the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Milan and the Italy-China Association for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development (ASEIIC).
UNITED KINGDOM. Coventry, BFA Sustainability Summit. On 23 April 2026, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags once again took part in the Sustainability Summit organised by the British Footwear Association. The message was clear: for European companies, sustainability will become mandatory by 2028 and a condition for market survival by 2030. The footwear sector is undergoing its most significant transformation in the past twenty years. From 19 July 2026, within the EU, the destruction of unsold goods will become illegal for large companies. Traceability, Digital Product Passport, durability as a primary industrial parameter, verified data — these are no longer optional requirements, but essential conditions (and opportunities) for the future. One figure captures the current moment: 85% of consumers would like to make more sustainable choices, but only 29% are actually changing their behaviour. The gap is not willingness — it is information. In other words: those who can clearly communicate what they do will gain a competitive advantage.
Three stops, three geographies, one shared logic: understanding markets so that Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags can continue to fulfil their mission — to be the global point of reference for the footwear and bags industry.
