With around 8,000 visitors from over 100 countries, the 103rd edition of Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags ended. While Germany was stable, according to the organizers, the number of participants increased in particular from Poland, Great Britain, Africa and the USA. The fair opened the order season spring/summer 2026 and relied on business, networking and innovation impulses with numerous special formats.
According to the organizers, a highlight was the premiere of the new Gardabag concept with its own hall area and a doubled exhibition area. The three theme zones “Sourcing”, “Sourcing4bridge” and “Brands” gave the event a new profile and were particularly well received by international visitors.
The accompanying supporting program also met with a positive response, according to the fair in Riva del Garda. “The great strength of this event is changing: We are not only a trading platform, but also combine exchanges, information and further development,” says Alessandra Albarelli, General Manager of Riva del Garda Fiertecongressi.
The Romanian company Irisphera won the startup competition during the fair with a AI-based 3D solution for personalized fashion advice. As a price, the company receives an exhibition site at the January edition 2026.
For the next three years, trade fair president Roberto Pellegrini announced an extensive expansion program: With an investment volume of around 50 million euros, the exhibition center is to be expanded by a further 20,000 sqm and added to new halls – a signal for the international development of the platform.
Numbers for the 103rd edition (June 14-17, 2025):
• 8,000 trade visitors from over 100 countries
• +15 % visitor growth from Poland, +5 % from UK
• +10 % from Africa and the USA
• +13.6 % from India
• Extension investment: approx. 50 million euros by 2028
The next Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags will take place from January 10th to 13th, 2026.
