The very first edition of Expo Riva Schuh was held in Riva del Garda in 1974, which launched the quiet tourist town onto Italy’s fashion map. Due to its small size and appeal as a place to visit on a vacation, Riva del Garda doesn’t necessarily have its own fashion industry or identity to speak of, but nevertheless the town now is a major force in fashion retail. With over 40 editions under its belt, Expo Riva Schuh has established itself as the premier market for footwear not just in Italy, but in the entirety of Europe. Expo Riva Schuh shares the stage with Gardabags, the leader in leather goods and accessories. Together, they have created a large, dedicated community of exhibitors and trade visitors. But the shows’ objective goes beyond selling exhibition space. With each passing edition, they strive to create a business platform that fosters the growth of Italy’s footwear and leather goods industry by expanding its reach and impact. To achieve this, a thorough understanding of the market is a must. This is where the Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags Around the World initiative comes into play, which aims to engage with the institutional, production and distribution realities of the sector. We also have to highlight the major contributions made to the sector during the World Footwear Congress each year. The 2023 edition of the WFC ran under the theme “ReShaping the Future” and focused on strategies, emerging trends, technological advancements and sustainability issues within the footwear industry. The insightful discussions and presentations provided a wealth of knowledge and insights into the future of the industry. Sustainability is at the forefront of the footwear industry’s agenda. Brands are increasingly prioritizing sustainable materials, production methods and packaging to minimize their environmental impact.