MICAM and MIPEL, the trade fair experience evolves

“A new way of doing trade fairs!”. This is how the presentation of the new project begins, which has seen Assocalzaturifici and Assopellettieri working in close synergy.

MICAM and MIPEL are strengthening their collaboration within Fiera Milano Rho by presenting ‘Reinventing MIPEL & MICAM’, a strategic project designed to further enhance the experience of visitors and exhibitors and increase the competitiveness of the two events on the international trade fair scene.

The partner in this transformation is Lombardini22, a leading company in the architecture and engineering sector, chosen for its ability to develop dynamic, narrative spaces with a high design impact thanks to an integrated approach that involves architecture, interior design, communication and sustainability.

For the February 2026 edition, which will coincide with the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, the MIPEL experience will be completely redesigned: the event will move to the front of Pavilion 5 of Fiera Milano Rho, gaining greater visibility and centrality within the exhibition centre and transforming this change into a lever to profoundly renew the identity of the fair.

The layout will be redesigned by Lombardini22 to make the visit clearer, more immersive and immediately legible, with optimised routes and new areas dedicated to product, innovation and creativity, while the pre-fitted exhibition modules will also be reinterpreted in a contemporary and functional key to meet the needs of exhibiting companies. Alongside these new features, MIPEL will confirm the projects that have been at the heart of the event for years: Showcase, the space dedicated to dialogue between design, research and craftsmanship; MIPEL Livestreaming, the live shopping format, extremely popular with exhibitors, with international livestreamers; and finally, the area dedicated to product storytelling and Autumn/Winter 2026/27 trends, developed for the occasion in synergy with MICAM with the aim of showcasing emerging trends in the leather goods and footwear sector.

At the centre of Hall 5, M&M – The Hub will take shape, a new space designed to host initiatives and projects developed in full synergy between MIPEL and MICAM, with the aim of offering visitors to the two events an integrated, contemporary experience rich in valuable content. The Hub will host MICAM Academy and MIPEL Factory, brought together in a single entity that combines training, research, technical experimentation and professional development. M&M – The Hub will thus become the beating heart of the collaboration between the two fairs, while at the same time enhancing the specific characteristics of the two sectors. 

The presence of Italian Startup, the project carried out in collaboration with ITA-Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), has also been confirmed, which will shine the spotlight on a selection of emerging Italian companies with a high level of innovation and technology. 

There will also be a space dedicated to products, offering a concise and curated overview of the main trends for the Autumn/Winter 2026–2027 season. Finally, a relaxation area will also be set up, where visitors can take a break from business and enjoy moments of rest in a comfortable environment. 

“At a time of great transformation for our sector, this project will help us to showcase our trade fairs, our products and the sector in a new and contemporary way, so that we can continue to support companies in their international growth”, says Claudia Sequi, President of MIPEL.

MICAM Milano will also begin a new layout of Halls 1 and 3 in February, which, together with Halls 2 and 4, will make the visitor experience more coherent, clear and functional, facilitating the buyer experience and enhancing the various product areas. MICAM’s institutional areas, such as the VIP Buyers Lounge, the Restaurant and the Press Office, will be located at the end of Hall 1, while MICAM Next, with seminars curated by WIRED Italia, will be located at the end of Hall 3, together with the Emerging Designer and Future of Retail areas. 

According to Giovanna Ceolini, President of MICAM, “this trajectory, initiated with KPMG’s business plan, confirms that synergy is the key to transforming different identities and needs into a shared ecosystem based on the ability to listen to markets and companies. We must work to ensure that our trade fairs, which are currently among the most important in the world, remain so for a long time to come.”

The initiative is part of Fashion Link Milano, which brings together MICAM, MIPEL, Milano Fashion & Jewels, Sì Sposaitalia Collezioni and The One Milano in February, offering buyers a complete overview of the latest fashion and accessories at the same time and in a single location. 

What about the Winter Olympics? Ceolini replies: “They are a great opportunity for Milan and Lombardy. The problems that may arise in terms of hospitality should not be underestimated: lack of beds and higher costs. But we have worked with Fiera Milano on this issue too, and we should not have any repercussions. The number of exhibitors already registered for the January edition is in line with last year’s edition, so we can say we are satisfied. The only downside is that we have been forced to give up the synergy with Lineapelle due to the exhibition space being occupied by sports facilities.”