Over 1,000 exhibitors and brands from 44 countries, alongside 219 hosted buyers from 49 nations. The events organised by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi offer stability for business, as well as opportunities for insight and connection at a time when global trade is retreating. A total of 22 events will take place, covering innovation, trends and markets — alongside an immersive experience focused on fashion products, with a forward-looking approach to new technologies.

The most acclaimed film at Cannes 2026 was a Korean science fiction blockbuster. It is rare for audiences at such a festival to applaud during a screening — especially after an action sequence lasting almost an hour. Yet this year it happened, with Hope by Na Hong-jin. It may sound unusual. But perhaps it simply shows that opening borders can still lead to unexpected discoveries. Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags believe in this: openness to internationalisation always pays off.

The 105th edition, taking place from 13 to 16 June 2026 in Riva del Garda, tells this story through its numbers. Over 1,000 brands and exhibitors from 44 countries. Of these, 62.63% come from outside Europe and 37.37% from within the EU — figures that alone shift the centre of gravity of the event. China accounts for 34.46% of exhibitors, Italy 17%, Turkey 10.61% and India 9.39%. Then there are the new entries: Vietnam, Tunisia and South Africa at Expo Riva Schuh; a Vietnamese delegation, a Japanese company and a Croatian brand in the Gardabags Brands area.

On the buyer side, the geography expands even further, with visitors expected from 100 countries. There are 219 international hosted buyers from 49 countries, 26 of which are represented for the first time in the incoming programme. To reach them, 19 offices of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) have been activated worldwide.

Welcoming them, in Hall B4, is a new Buyers’ Lounge designed specifically for this community.

Internationalisation, however, is not just about the number of passports. It is also about diversity of thought — perspectives that grow richer through exchange. This is demonstrated by the LATAM Footwear Leader Summit, taking place at the Riva del Garda Congress Centre during the fair, bringing together members of ACCAL, the organisation representing the main national associations and chambers of commerce of the Latin American footwear and components sector.

A further step in the evolution of the event into a business & learning platform serving the international community.

OPENING UP IN A CLOSING WORLD

Tariffs, trade barriers, shifting alliances. How can a trade fair grow at a time when global commerce seems increasingly fragmented? Only by continuing to be a place where markets truly meet — not just symbolically. A challenge renewed with every edition. And a meeting point not only for business relationships, but for understanding and interpreting change.

Supporting this process are the 22 events on the programme.

The Innovation Village Retail (Mainstage A2) brings together 10 start-ups from 7 countries — Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain and South Korea — culminating in the Startup Competition on Monday 15 June. A space to discover concrete innovations capable of reshaping footwear distribution.

Speaking of innovation: for this edition, organisers have developed an immersive experience combining communication and product. A selection of exhibitor collections will be presented in a completely new way. We won’t reveal more — but it will be an unmissable opportunity for those looking to the future.

The Area Highlights, developed with Arsutoria, acts as a trend barometer, with six sessions dedicated to bags (Sunday and Monday, 10:00), footwear (Saturday and Monday, 14:00), sneakers (Sunday, 14:00) and the DACH market (Sunday, 16:30, with Claudia Schulz).

The Market Focus confirms four sessions dedicated to Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, while introducing two new features. “India Calling — New Routes for Global Business” will explore opportunities arising from the EU–India free trade agreement, opening the Market Focus Asia programme.

FAIST – Fábrica Ágil, Inteligente, Sustentável e Tecnológica, with Pedro Duarte from CTCP (Portuguese Footwear Technology Centre), will present the digital transformation of the Portuguese footwear sector, opening Market Focus Europe.

Hall A2 will host the new Gardabags Area Showcase. This year’s theme: Glow Up. A curated selection built around transparency, layering and light, where each product does not reflect colour — it generates it. Once again, the product takes centre stage.

And then there is Expo Riva Nights at PalaVela: a live performance by choreographer and dancer Giacomo Frassica, followed by a DJ set. An opportunity for the community to enjoy informal moments together, strengthening relationships among those who see connection as a powerful driver of business.

The entire programme is available via the official fair app, which serves as a practical guide: exhibitor and product catalogue, interactive hall map, event schedule, and information on transfers and shuttle services. Gardabags stands are marked in pink; those dedicated exclusively to early childhood products in yellow.

Not an event as such, but a noteworthy update: Expo Riva Schuh introduces a new layout for Hall B4, designed to enhance the visitor experience and improve navigation across the exhibition space.

TWO IDENTITIES, ONE PLATFORM

The strength of the event lies in bringing together different exhibitor profiles: sourcing and brands, private label and brand identity, flexibility and positioning.

The same applies to buyers: retailers, e-commerce players, buying offices, importers and international chains all operate within the same environment. This is not accidental — it is a strategic choice. It reflects the dual nature of visitors: 41.7% are exclusively interested in private label products; 26.5% focus only on brands; 31.7% explore both.

And while the breadth of sourcing and private label at Riva del Garda is well established, one question may arise: are there also strong brands? The answer is yes. Among those present at Expo Riva Schuh: Windsor Smith, Primadonna, Gap, Levi’s, Jungle Joggers, Wrangler, O’Neill, Lee, Alpacas, Kangaroos, Kastinger, Jako, Marco Tozzi, Tamaris, Igi&Co, Imac, Primigi, Valleverde, Goldstar, Leon, S. Oliver, Marina Galanti, Armata di Mare, Manas, Bronx, Bufflox, Comeby, Urbanfly by Vegastyle, Xti, Paredes, Marila, Refresh, Carmela, Amarpies, Rockaway.

Gardabags features over 80 companies, evenly distributed across Brands, Sourcing for Bridge and Sourcing. Among them: Marchetti, Pelletteria Charlotte, Marina Galanti, Marta Marzotto, Pet Sezona, Luana Ferracuti, Y-dry, Rocai, Ferchi, American Traveler, McLanee, Plavoangel, Genny il Pellettiere, Alex Max, Marini Silvano, Maxfly, Alexia, Kingson.

The message of the 105th edition of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags (13–16 June 2026) is clear: opening up is essential — persistently so. And being where borders become opportunities is no longer an option, but a necessity.