Futurmoda returns to Elche, again to its natural headquarters, this Wednesday and Thursday: Alicante Trade Fair Authority (IFA)which is already yours 48 prints and specifically that it will regain 90% pre-pandemic attendance according to the October 2019 edition. Likewise, it will grow by 15% compared to the October 2021 edition and 8% compared to the March issue of this year.
The most important after Lineapelle (Milan) and held biannually (excluding the pandemic) in Elche, this international trade fair for leather, components, tanning, textile and footwear and leather goods machinery has great expectations among exhibitors: February or March and now In October. In total, 410 exhibitors and 325 booths Land in Futurmoda with 7% of new companies that have never attended the event.
Over two days at the event, training sessions and parallel events will include validation of the usage concern as well as topics such as the introduction of Artificial Intelligence to optimize competitiveness or the digitization of sustainability. materials and processes that do not harm the planet.
“We’re coming from the Milan fair, which was very successful with visitors, and it looks like more action is needed. We’ve seen that in Paris, and now we’ll see it at home,” he predicts. Manuel Román, President of the Spanish Association of Shoe Component Companies (AEC)It is the organizer of this international competition, which will cover a total area of 11,680 square meters at IFA and 30% of the participating companies will be foreigners.
Professional visitors from more than 40 countries, mainly from Germany, France, Italy, Portugal and Morocco, have already confirmed their participation in an event that will open at 12 noon this Wednesday by Rosa Ana Seguí, Managing Director of Sustainable Economy. and in addition to the presence of the mayors of Elche, Elda, Petrer, and possibly the chairman of the Provincial Council and other officials, model and actress Laura Sanchez.
José Antonio Ibarra, president of Futurmoda, this Monday showed the desire to continue the growth that the industry has experienced in recent months and not be a “mirage”. “Let’s see if we can make an important move again and position ourselves as before the pandemic,” Ibarra said. he added. Álvaro Sánchez, CEO of AECHe reminded us that Futurmoda “helps us really test what the market is like.” And this room, which is supported by Elche City Council with 22.000 Euro in addition to 12.000 Euro as a subsidy to the AEC this year, is closing the circuit of the world calendar of the sector.
Futurmoda is, in any case, the most profitable fair due to its return on investment, and as Álvaro Sánchez explains, a firm presence in Lineapelle can range from 10,000 to 20,000 euros, while a booth at Futurmoda in Elche can go up to 200. % less as it costs around 1,800 Euros. “The number of visitors per exhibitor here is much higher than at Lineapelle,” explains AEC’s managing director.
Elche’s Economic Promotion Mayor Carles Molina reminded that Futurmoda is one of the reference fairs of IFA and in fact, as Ibarra stated, it is the second most important fair in the international environment in its sector.
Fear
For now, while the industry’s prospects for closing the year are good, the Spanish Association of Shoe Components Companies (AEC) inflation, day by day consumption and with it the sales of shoes and textiles are declining. If that were the case, the good numbers for 2021 would not finally be achieved in 2022. And last year, in the midst of a pandemic, the utility footwear industry increased its turnover by 15% compared to 2020. , exports reached a similar rate, and employment even rose by two to three percentage points. “We are afraid that energy problems and inflation will be hit hard, which will result in a decrease in consumption of shoes and clothing. let’s go day by day‘, says Manuel Roman.