From 13 to 16 June, the international marketplace for footwear, bags, fashion accessories and luggage returns to Riva del Garda. In a context of rising costs and unstable trade routes, the two fairs focus on internationalisation and innovation: over 1,000 brands and exhibitors from 44 countries, the debut of the first AI-generated runway shows.
The 105th edition of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags opens today in Riva del Garda. Four days, running until 16 June, dedicated to the international market for footwear, bags, fashion accessories and luggage, organised by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi.
The event takes place in an increasingly complex economic environment. Geopolitical tensions are expected to impact the footwear sector — and, to a similar extent, other product categories — primarily through rising costs rather than an immediate drop in demand. The survey highlights the expected effects of the US–Iran conflict: concerns focus on transport and logistics (30.6% of respondents), raw materials (27.8%) and energy (18.5%)*. Not a collapse in consumption, therefore, but a growing need to diversify supply chains and keep margins under control. As World Footwear points out, geopolitics has become a structural risk factor.
It is precisely in this context that Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags position themselves as an international hub, offering a valuable opportunity to understand and address the growing challenges of the market.
Roberto Pellegrini, President of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, states: «While global trade is raising barriers, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags respond by focusing on two pillars: internationalisation and innovation.
Riva del Garda remains the ideal place — as the fairs open the Spring/Summer 2027 season — to evaluate and purchase new collections, and confirms itself as the optimal platform for interpreting market trends and building strategic relationships.»
INTERNATIONALISATION
The figures clearly illustrate the first strategic focus. Across 11 halls covering 51,400 sqm and 4 hotels, more than 1,000 brands and exhibitors from 44 countries will be present, with the centre of gravity now shifting beyond Europe: 62.63% come from outside the EU, and 37.37% from within. China leads in terms of exhibitor numbers, followed by Italy, Turkey and India. New entries include Vietnam, Tunisia and South Africa at Expo Riva Schuh, as well as a Vietnamese delegation, a Japanese company and a Croatian brand in the Gardabags Brands area. On the buyer side, visitors are expected from 100 countries, alongside 235 hosted buyers and journalists from 51 nations, 26 of which are represented for the first time in the incoming programme. A total of 38 trade associations will also be present, representing their respective countries.
INNOVATION
Innovation was addressed by Alberto Mattiello, business futurist and member of the Scientific Committee of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags, during the opening speech attended by Maurizio Fugatti (President of the Autonomous Province of Trento), Alessio Zanoni (Mayor of Riva del Garda), Alessandro Greco (Coordinator of the Fashion Sector, Consumer Goods Office, Italian Trade Agency), and Roberto Luongo (Advisor to the Minister for Internationalisation and the Promotion of Made in Italy at MIMIT).
«An international trade fair is not just a meeting place: it is an amplifier of collective intelligence, where diverse and partial insights come together to build a shared vision of the global market». Starting from this perspective, Mattiello outlines the innovation strategy of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags. First: data, digital tools and AI do not replace operators’ experience — they enhance it. They help predict what will sell, where and when, manage sourcing, design products differently and optimise logistics. Decisions remain in human hands; what changes are the tools that allow them to be made in advance.
Second: the criteria for evaluation are changing. Shoes and bags are no longer valued only for how they look or are worn, but for the supply chain behind them. Sustainability becomes a purchasing driver, traceability becomes reputation, and production reliability becomes a competitive advantage. Achieving this transition requires advanced digital tools.
Third: the Innovation Village Retail is not a side element of the fair, but its radar. Digital fitting, stock intelligence, AI visual content and brand protection: start-ups represent the early signals that help anticipate where the market is heading.
Further signs confirm that innovation is at the core of the 105th edition.
This is evident in the debut of the AI-generated runway shows. As Alessandra Albarelli, General Manager of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, explains: « Artificial intelligence is not the future — it is already part of design, communication and sales processes. For the past five years, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags have invested in innovation through the Innovation Village Retail, supporting manufacturers, retailers and distributors in understanding new market models. While the value of relationships and the physical experience of products remain essential, the dialogue with end consumers has profoundly changed. As a trade fair, our role is to help the industry interpret and manage this transformation. This is the rationale behind the AI runway show, which enhances the visibility of exhibitors’ products and new collections. » Explore the story behind the first AI runway show.
Innovation is also reflected in the continued experimentation with AI, which will extend beyond the fair itself. Not as a mere exercise, but as a way to inform the community in an engaging manner. Introducing Elora and Nico, two AI influencers who will observe the market with a critical perspective, exploring how products, consumption patterns and global market dynamics evolve.
Finally, the Innovation Village Retail features nine start-ups from seven countries competing in the Start-up Competition on Monday 15 June. Discover the start-ups.
AND MORE
The full programme includes 22 events that have established Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags as a key reference point for industry insights: Market Focus sessions to explore global markets, the Area Highlights to track consumer trends, India Calling to examine one of the world’s leading economies, the FAIST project showcasing Portugal’s approach to innovation, the LATAM Footwear Leader Summit bringing together key South American players, and Expo Riva Nights for informal and engaging networking.
The full programme is available via the official event app, which also allows users to manage their meeting schedules between exhibitors and buyers.
While operators in the footwear and bags sector cannot resolve complex geopolitical and trade dynamics, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags are committed to helping them navigate this complexity through the continuous evolution of the event. Business, openness and innovation will remain key drivers for understanding the present and preparing for the future.
* Data from the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey
