Finally, given the greater flexibility measures and the sustained decrease in the epidemiological level, the organizers of the fairs decided to define the dates of the next sectoral meetings to be held in the country.
EXPOCAIPIC, the traditional exhibition of Argentine suppliers of materials, components, accessories and technology is taking place on October 19th, 20th and 21st, 2021, in Costa Salguero in Buenos Aires.
EFICA, the fair of manufacturers of footwear and manufactures, was scheduled for January 9th, 10th and 11th, 2022, also in Costa Salguero in Buenos Aires, with a volume of more than 150 exhibitors; while EXICAL, the footwear and manufactures exhibition organized by the footwear chambers of Santa Fe and Córdoba, will take place in Córdoba, at the Forja premises, on February 12th, 13th and 14th, 2022.
The resumption of the fair activity has added a share of optimism and hope in the sector, with a view to restarting a new period of recovery for the Argentine footwear industry.
Although there are still economic and political issues to be solved, the latest data on industrial activity and consumption in general show positive growth and restoration rates.
The footwear sector in particular is benefiting from resuming higher levels of sales than in the pandemic, where it was relegated by higher priority products such as groceries and sanitary ware. With the advent of greater mobility and social interaction, family spending has been redistributed to items such as footwear and clothing, which directly affect production and employment.
Added to this situation were official economic policy measures that have administered more controls on footwear and manufactures imports, which have created new spaces for further development of local industry. The typical example is reflected in the return of the big international brands, such as NIKE, ADIDAS, PUMA, etc. that considerably increased their productions in the country, at the expense of having restricted their imports.
In this context, the need for live fairs is increasing, both for manufacturers and buyers, since due to the characteristics of the products marketed, it is seen that face-to-face attendance is essential to energize and realize business.
Without diminishing the virtual alternative, which has been extremely useful in times of full pandemic, its use is here to stay, and it will be an undisputed complement to physical events, with infinite new possibilities that the world of digitization will offer in the future.
