Joint staging of SIMM & MODACALZADO+IBERPIEL

The changes that have been witnessed with regard to retailing and demand within the clothes manufacturing and footwear sectors mean that an increasing number of establishments now bring together clothing items and accessories under the same roof in order to make up a total look. This is one of the main developments that encouraged IFEMA to launch this project in the first place.

According to the Director of both fairs, Francesco Malatesta, the current economic climate requires the active promotion and development of both events. "SIMM and MODACALZADO+IBERPIEL will present a larger and more comprehensive exhibition, one that adapts perfectly to new needs and trends at points of sale. In addition, our vision aims to strengthen the Latin-based identity of the event, founded on a clear cultural heritage, effectively setting the fair apart from other events of the same kind around the world. In this sense, the fair will become the gateway for Latin American clothing and footwear manufacturers who wish to enter the European market. We are already making progress regarding this idea and have enlisted companies from Latin America who are interested in taking part". Mr. Malatesta has also declared that, in view of the current economic climate, "only those fairs that offer a diverse exhibition made up of different sectors will have a future, compared to those that present a monographic range of products".

Another factor that has played a key role with regard to the idea of combining the two fairs consists of buyer demands. Professionals today tend to cut short the duration of their trips in order to optimise their time and money, whilst also being extremely selective with regard to the fairs that they visit, to the point where they only attend those where they can find an extensive range of products and services. "In this respect, if we can make this new project attractive to visitors, we will also make it attractive to exhibitors, who will regard the fair as an important business forum", states Mr. Malatesta.

"Exhibitors will witness a larger number of visitors for both fairs when analysed on a separate basis, whilst buyers will find a more interesting and more comprehensive range of products and services grouped together," concludes the Director of both fairs.

The Organising Committees of both events have already been informed of the decision to stage SIMM and MODACALZADO+IBERPIEL jointly and have warmly welcomed the idea.