EXPO RIVA SCHUH and GARDABAGS promote a global understanding of the market
EXPO RIVA SCHUH and GARDABAGS will take place from January 16 to 19, 2027, in Riva del Garda, Italy, with a program focused on understanding the market. Organized by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi SpA, the event typically brings together an international offering of footwear, leather goods and accessories aimed at the volume market, with exhibiting companies from 41 countries and visitors from more than 100 markets.
The campaign selected for the two 2027 editions is built around the concept “Be Here or Be Wrong. Meet. Connect. Grow.” Through this message, the organizers aim to shift their communication away from product indicators, pavilions, figures and exhibitor numbers toward an understanding of the market. According to this approach, participation is no longer valued solely by the orders placed, but also by the information it provides to compare strategies with commercial realities and the direction of the industry.
The January edition will also take place early in the international calendar. This timing will allow buyers to observe trends, develop strategies and organize orders ahead of other industry events.
The simultaneous staging of EXPO RIVA SCHUH and GARDABAGS will provide access to combined solutions across different categories. Both exhibitions will bring together footwear, accessories, bags and travel goods, creating an offering aimed at the volume market and prepared for retail.
Riva del Garda is also part of the event's identity. The organizers incorporate the concept of BLeisure, which combines professional activities and leisure time, presenting the setting as an environment that encourages networking on a more personal scale and facilitates exchanges among participants.
Innovation Village Retail will continue to serve as a space for start-ups, young companies and professionals, where projects related to innovation in the sector will be presented, while also promoting business opportunities and providing a platform for networking.
Meanwhile, Highlights Area will bring together content related to consumer trends and stylistic developments, in a setting aimed at exhibitors and buyers seeking early insights into fashion.
June provided positive precedents for the new edition
Ahead of January, the June 2026 edition featured a diverse offering in terms of quality, materials, design and production techniques. More than 1,000 brands and exhibitors from 44 countries participated in the event, which welcomed approximately 8,000 visitors, with international attendees accounting for 69.7%. Supported by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), 235 journalists and buyers from 51 countries were also invited.
Among the new features were AI-generated fashion shows, which allowed products to be visualized on digital models before visitors examined them at the stands.
Internationalization, innovation and exhibitor diversity were therefore the main highlights of the event.
