FUTURMODA: Positive balance in a time of instability
In a period of high international conflict, activities in general, and manufacturing in particular, are reshaping their strategies based on fluctuating demand in line with the prevailing conditions in different markets.
Spain, as a significant producer of footwear, remains attentive to the recovery of domestic consumption and the fluctuations in exports.
In this context, the 50th edition of FUTURMODA took place, the trade fair for suppliers of leather, materials, components, and technology, featuring a majority of domestic exhibitors, accompanied by international companies from Italy, France, Portugal, China, Turkey, and others.
The event was held in Elche, Alicante, on October 18th and 19th, with approximately 200 exhibitors welcoming around 8,000 national and international visitors (unofficial data).
The first day saw more than 4,000 attendees, surpassing initial expectations.
Álvaro Sánchez, Director of the Spanish Association of Components for Footwear (AEC), highlighted the pleasantly surprising number of visitors in this edition. "Despite the pessimistic forecasts, we are delighted to see that FUTURMODA has registered very satisfactory visitor numbers on its first day. This demonstrates the vitality of the industry and the importance of this event for our sector."
José Antonio Ibarra, President of FUTURMODA, expressed optimism and noted that the second day was even better than the first. "Today, people are working perfectly at the stands, and we are confident that between yesterday and today, we will achieve the same attendance figures as in the previous edition, despite the decrease in demand in the sector. This is indicative of the resilience and adaptability of the footwear components industry."
Manolo Román, President of AEC, took the opportunity to highlight the association's 25th anniversary and the strength of the industry. "We have gone through different stages of difficulty, but the sector has managed to recover, and from AEC, we have provided support to all our companies. We remain committed to the growth and development of the industry."
Visitors' opinions coincided in highlighting the variety and innovation of the exhibition for the upcoming Autumn-Winter 2024/25 season. In addition, the complementation among the various sectors exhibited, such as materials, components, and technology, allowed for a comprehensive view of the industry regarding its availability for production.
Simultaneously, attendees had access to notable areas like "FUTURMODA Green Planet," where sustainable materials for footwear and accessories production were on display. This sustainability focus reflects the growing environmental concern in the fashion industry.
The Expert Forum, featuring specialized talks, generated significant interest among visitors, offering a platform for knowledge and trend exchange.
The forthcoming 51st edition of FUTURMODA for the Spring-Summer season will take place in Elche, Alicante, on March 13th and 14th, 2024.
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