Given these figures, the trade fair clearly continues to be an international benchmark for the footwear sector, despite the current economic climate. In fact, the exhibition saw 17,610 Italian visitors and 18,945 foreign visitors, down by only -1.5% and -9.4% respectively compared to February 2008.
"We never concealed the fact that we were approaching the exhibition opening with a few worries," comments ANCI president Vito Artioli. "Now, at the end of the event, I nevertheless consider myself to be satisfied. Given the current financial situation, this is still a positive outcome compared to the very negative trend of the last few months in the international markets, and it is therefore a beacon of hope for the entire sector and confirmation of the importance of MICAM."
"It is especially important to emphasise the fact that this trade fair is once again confirmed as a vital marketing tool that allows companies to present themselves to the market and concurrently enables buyers to view the most comprehensive range of products on offer. In such uncertain times for the markets, buyers also demonstrated that they choose consolidated appointments which offer a complete spectrum of proposals."
1,611 exhibitors, spread over a total surface area of 72,474 square metres presented their collections at MICAM for the 2009/2010 autumn/winter season. As always, quality and high fashion were at the heart of the event. Indeed, for buyers from all over the world, the primary reason for placing orders at MICAM is the certainty that they will find products at the very cutting edge at the event, capable of translating into the success of their outlets.
"MICAM's ability to set the trends," continues Vito Artioli "is one of the first reasons for our event's strength as a catalyst for buyers, from both Italy and abroad. For the Russian market, too, which is a key market for Italian products and which is experiencing a particularly difficult time, the trade fair remains an unmissable appointment for trade operators who cannot afford to offer consumers products that are anything but top quality and trendy."
"At a difficult time for the entire footwear manufacturing chain," concludes president Artioli "I believe we really need to remind ourselves that a trade fair which continues to be number one in the world takes place right here in Italy, to represent us all."