As the footwear and accessories industry enters a new phase, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags will serve as the global meeting point where technological innovation transforms into commercial opportunity.
“Our fairs are not just product showcases but also spaces for dialogue on the trends reshaping the market. The innovations discussed in Shanghai show that the future of footwear and accessories will be defined by cross-cutting technologies that impact both luxury and mass production alike. Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags are the moments when these transformations take shape and turn into real business opportunities”, shared Alessandra Albarelli, General Manager of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi.
The footwear and accessories industry is entering a phase of significant transformation, driven by technological advances showcased at recent international events such as the UITIC Congress in Shanghai and major Italian trade fairs attended by the Scientific Committee of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags.
These developments are now being applied to real-world products set to debut at the upcoming Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags, organised by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi and scheduled to take place in Riva del Garda from the 10th to 13th of January 2026.
Artificial Intelligence
The recent UITIC Congress underscored the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) as a core component of the footwear industry. AI enables companies to anticipate demand, optimise resources, cut waste and speed up development cycles.
This perspective mirrors ongoing discussions within the Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags community, which has long examined the role of AI in driving sustainability and competitiveness through its Innovation Village Retail initiative. Start-ups such as Sangrove, IFReturns, and ACBC have already showcased how data-driven solutions can enhance inventory planning, streamline returns and guide material choices.
Materials
While artificial intelligence continues to redefine business operations across the footwear industry, materials innovation remains central to product development. A significant area of progress concerns lightweight materials: controlled gas-based expansion of PU, EVA and even dense TPU is reducing weight without compromising strength.
Process automation has also become a key priority, driven by labour shortages and safety concerns. Robotics and co-moulding technologies now allow manufacturers to cut reliance on adhesives and hazardous chemicals while boosting efficiency and precision. Circularity has emerged as a guiding principle, with research focused on replacing thermosetting materials with recyclable thermoplastics and developing scalable recycling methods.
From Innovation to Market
In an increasingly complex global landscape shaped by fragmented supply chains and rising trade barriers, innovation has become a decisive driver of competitiveness in the footwear industry.
At the upcoming Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags, companies will be able to see how cutting-edge technologies are being translated into market-ready products. Exhibitors will present lighter, more sustainable and customisable footwear, accessories made from circular materials and collections designed with AI support.
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