From 15 to 18 June, 1300 exhibitors, brands and companies represented, coming from 40 nations, will liven up the exhibition pavilions of the 101st edition of Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags. 50,000 gross m2 of exhibition space, 11 full pavilions and 4 hotels involved. The area dedicated to bags, luggage and accessories of Gardabags includes 47 companies, coming from Bangladesh, China, Germany, India, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Taiwan and Turkey. As many as 19 events were organised, with market focus, talks on fashion and trends, appointments with innovation and celebrations for the 101st edition.
Only a couple of years ago there were those who were talking about the end of in-person fairs, in favor of virtual events. Never has a prediction been so wrong. This is demonstrated by recent research by Prometeia which highlights how companies that participate in trade fair events achieve growth levels that are almost double the average and how, in the next three years, they could bring an additional increase of almost one percentage point to the growth of their sectors to which they belong. The research also shows that over 50% of Italian exports are generated through contacts initiated during exhibition events.
In recalling the recent death of one of the founders of the event and great friend of Riva del Garda, Friedrich Karl Eichholz, the President of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, Roberto Pellegrini reveals the secret of the success of Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags: “It is all due to genius of those who thought they could do business in a beautiful and relaxing place and, especially in recent years, to open up to internationality and consistently aim for the involvement of all the main producing countries on a global level”.
Let’s get to the numbers put on the table by this edition, which will feature 1300 exhibitors, brands and companies represented from 40 nations, including the world’s largest producing countries. 37% of the exhibitors come from geographical Europe (of which 20% Italy) and the remaining 63% from non-European countries.
Which nations are most represented? China leads the list of exhibitors, accounting for almost 35% of attendance, followed by Italy (20%) and Turkey and India which stand at 11%. Also noteworthy is the presence of several producers from Brazil (around 3%) and, in particular, companies from the flooded districts of Rio Grande do Sul who did everything they could to still be at the fair despite the enormous difficulties they face.
Visitors to the 101st edition of Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags will have at their disposal the usual variety of offers of both product types and producers with their own brands or available for private labels. There are also various price ranges that cover a range from 8 to 60 euros, as well as a good representation of the range up to 100 euros and more. The theme of sustainability is not missing: 18% of exhibitors offer certified products.
Remarkable numbers which are completed with an exhibition area of 50,000 gross m2, 11 full pavilions, 4 hotels involved and 19 events organised. The area dedicated to bags, luggage and accessories at Gardabags is animated by 47 companies from Bangladesh, China, Germany, India, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Taiwan and Turkey.
