In an increasingly competitive international landscape for the exhibition and congress industry, Riva del Garda Fierecongressi - the organising company behind Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags - is launching a major internal reorganisation, aligned with an ambitious growth strategy and a significant infrastructure development plan. The company is entering a strategic phase characterised, on the one hand, by growing global competition in attracting events, exhibitors and buyers, and on the other by a substantial real estate investment programme aimed at expanding and enhancing exhibition and congress facilities.
In this context, the Board of Directors, during its September meeting, defined the strategic guidelines that will shape the company’s future development, identifying eight priority areas of action: real estate development and third-party asset management, recapitalisation, corporate structure, internationalisation, trade fairsand events, organisation, partnerships and sustainability. An integrated system of strategic levers designed to strengthen the company’s competitive positioning and ensure balanced and sustainable growth. Among the most significant initiatives already underway are the recapitalisation process required for the construction of the new exhibition hall — currently in progress — and the decision to make internationalisation a permanent structural function. No longer limited to individual events, it will become a cross-functional and ongoing activity focused on developing international markets and building strategic relationships on a global scale.
Within this framework, a new Internationalisation Area has been established, entrusted to GianPaola Pedretti, Chief International Officer, formerly Exhibition Manager of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags, bringing extensive experience in international markets and a deep understanding of industry dynamics. At the same time, the reorganisation has led to the integration of the International Fairs and Italy Fairs Business Units into a single structure, with the aim of enhancing operational synergies, optimising resources and strengthening strategic alignment across different markets. The new Fairs Business Unit will be led by Giovanna Voltolini, Group Exhibition Manager, who has been with the company for over fifteen years and has built extensive experience in the management and organisation of its trade fairs.
The new organisational structure is completed by a strongly product- and project-oriented operational model, with three event managers: Mauro Di Molfetta, Product Manager of Gardabags, confirmed in his role, while Ying
Zhang assumes the role of Project Manager for Expo Riva Schuh.
Supporting commercial activities and market relations, Sabrina Miorelli will coordinate the sales team, while Arianna Morelli will lead the commercial office, ensuring operational continuity and process oversight.
This reorganisation represents a key step in the company’s evolution: a more integrated model, focused on efficiency and international competitiveness, capable of supporting the expansion of exhibition spaces and maximising the value of its event portfolio.
With this initiative, Riva del Garda Fierecongressi strengthens its role as an international platform for the development of trade fairs, congresses and business relationships, reaffirming its commitment to creating value for the local area and for
its key economic sectors.
Riva del Garda, May 22, 2026
