“We can finally get started again in our traditional form”, explains Assocalzaturifici and MICAM Chair Siro Badon. “We have been working tirelessly to provide all the tools necessary to re-launch business opportunities, negotiate orders, and help Italian companies penetrate international markets. This is the only way to revive an industry that makes an essential contribution to the Italian economy (...) Synergies between the physical and virtual events will be reinforced. The Covid emergency and the resulting travel restrictions have taught us the importance of speeding up digitalisation to reach and fulfil the needs of people who are unable to attend the event in person".

The event will be held in person once again, on the basis of a new formula concentrating visits to the stands over three days rather than four, presenting a preview of the Spring/Summer 2022 collections and the latest trends in footwear.

Progress on vaccination campaigns suggests that large numbers of Italian and international dealers will be able to attend the event in perfect safety, under health and safety protocols implemented in partnership with Fiera Milano, to see the new products presented by the world’s top footwear brands for themselves and touch them with their own hands.

The MICAM Milano Digital Show platform will be offered in addition to the physical event, between the 15^th of September and the 15^th of November 2021, allowing brands to schedule visits and meetings with buyers before, during and after the trade fair.

MICAM X, the MICAM Milano innovation hub which went online in its new digital version between March and May 2021, registering more than 31.000 views, will also be back in September. Through a packed calendar of seminars, workshops, and innovative high-tech proposals, MICAM X introduces footwear dealers to all the latest new trends in markets, styles, research into materials, the future of retail and sustainability, with a highly qualified panel of speakers. Don’t miss the launch of the new certification tool created by Assocalzaturifici for companies implementing a credible industrial sustainability plan.

The September event will also include the fourth edition of the EMERGING DESIGNERS project, an event area focusing on 12 international footwear designers selected through an innovative concept; MICAM START-UP BOOT CAMP, a concept focusing on the best and most innovative start-ups in the footwear industry, worth incubating and accelerating; and ITALIAN ARTISAN HEROES, a new area promoted by Assocalzaturifici focusing on the best Italian private label production, bringing successful case histories from the digital platform for artisans to the trade fair.