Cutting the ribbon of the 100th edition of Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags was an emotion for all those present at the opening of the fair. The 50 years during which this event has grown and developed have represented an important interweaving of personal, company and business stories. A remarkable milestone that the fair organisers wanted to celebrate by remembering those who are currently suffering continuous, senseless and inhuman violence.
'Violence is not strength but weakness,' said Benedetto Croce. It was precisely this quote and a pair of red shoes, the symbol of the fight against gender violence, that opened the speech by the President of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, Roberto Pellegrini: "There is no successful business worth mentioning if we do not keep in mind the many and too many feminicides that dramatically and frequently become part of our daily lives. Shameful acts that must be increasingly opposed. We want to do our part so that these red shoes do not remain an unheard cry'. After a touching and unusual start, the opening returned to more traditional tracks. The focus shifted to edition number 100, a milestone characterised by enduring success. "Boasting the most important international trade event for mid-range footwear and accessories in Italy is crucial for Europe. We have become accustomed to holding this supremacy over time, but now that we have reached the 100th edition, it is only right to remind us how vital it is for the entire sector," President Pellegrini emphasised, adding: "I am certain that Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags will celebrate many more birthdays, and for this I thank all the protagonists who have made and will make this event strong.
On behalf of the Autonomous Province of Trento, Roberto Failoni, Councillor for Crafts, Commerce, Tourism, Forestry, Hunting and Fishing, thanked the President, the Director and the entire team of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi "for having contributed to making this event so important. Our commitment is not to stop at the car park that has just been built, but to continue decisively with the necessary interventions. I therefore wish all exhibitors good work, hoping that they can become ambassadors of this beautiful territory'.
During the inauguration, before the historic ribbon-cutting ceremony - which was attended not only by Councillor Failoni but also by his colleague in the Executive Council, Simone Marchiori -, there was an award ceremony for the Category Associations and Lead Agencies, the organisers of all the collective participations of the exhibiting companies, which have always supported the success of the event, consolidating over time the importance and prestige of Expo Riva Schuh and more recently also of Gardabags.
Publication date: 13/01/2024
