Futurmoda is returning to its traditional base in Elche this week, with the Alicante Trade Fair Authority steering the event for its latest edition. The fair is expected to reclaim about 90% of its pre-pandemic audience, according to projections based on the October 2019 edition. Growth is also anticipated, with attendances up roughly 15% over the October 2021 edition and about 8% higher than the March edition held earlier this year.
The event, one of the top international fairs after Lineapelle in Milan, is held biannually in Elche. It gathers the leather, components, tanning, textile, and footwear sectors along with leather goods machinery, making a strong comeback in October after a February or March run. In total, 410 exhibitors and 325 booths will participate at Futurmoda, with 7% of the exhibitors being newcomers who have never attended before.
Futurmoda challenges the crisis and strengthens company participation
Over two days, the program will include training sessions and parallel activities that address practical concerns and the adoption of new technologies. Topics will cover the use of artificial intelligence to boost competitiveness and the digitization of sustainability, focusing on materials and processes that minimize environmental impact.
José Antonio Ibarra, Carles Molina, Álvaro Sánchez and Manuel Román will be part of the opening group this Monday, along with Antonio Amorós.
“We’re returning from the Milan fair, which drew strong visitation, and it appears more action is required here at home. We’ve seen similar momentum in Paris, and now we expect to see it materialize in Elche,” said Manuel Román, president of the Spanish Association of Shoe Component Companies (AEC). He noted that Futurmoda will cover a total area of 11,680 square meters at IFA, with about 30% of participating companies hailing from abroad.
Professional visitors from more than 40 countries, led by exhibitors from Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, and Morocco, have confirmed attendance for an event opening at noon on Wednesday. Rosa Ana Seguí, the Managing Director of Sustainable Economy, will lead the opening ceremonies, which will be attended by the mayors of Elche, Elda, Petrer, and possibly the chair of the Provincial Council, among other officials, plus model Laura Sánchez.
Futurmoda returns 17 months after the last pre-COVID fair in Europe
Futurmoda’s president, José Antonio Ibarra, expressed a clear desire to sustain the industry’s recent growth and avoid a fragile rebound. “Let’s aim for a significant move again and reestablish our position as it was before the pandemic,” he said. Álvaro Sánchez, the chief executive of AEC, added that Futurmoda serves as a crucial market test, offering insights into current industry dynamics. This event, supported by the Elche City Council with substantial funding, completes the annual calendar for the sector.
Futurmoda is considered highly cost-effective, especially for exhibitors. As Sánchez explains, Lineapelle booths can command costs from 10,000 to 20,000 euros, while Futurmoda booths in Elche can be significantly cheaper, often around 1,800 euros. In comparison, the per‑exhibitor visitor ratio at Futurmoda tends to be higher than at Lineapelle, reinforcing its appeal for brands seeking efficient exposure.
Elche’s mayor of Economic Promotion highlighted Futurmoda as a cornerstone fair for IFA and noted its importance as the second most significant event in the sector on the international calendar, underscoring the fair’s enduring value to the city and to participants alike.
Concerns remain regarding inflation, energy costs, and consumer spending in the near term. The sector faces pressure as household purchases of shoes and textiles may slow if cost pressures persist. Still, current projections for the year remain hopeful, with the industry aiming to maintain momentum and close on strong results. Manuel Román cautions to monitor energy and inflation trends closely, stressing a steady, day-by-day approach to navigate any potential downturns while continuing to push for growth at Futurmoda.