The fourth-day format of MICAM is back “in light of encouraging signs of an upturn in the market” to offer exhibitors and buyers “more opportunities to network and do business”, stated the organization. A total of 988 brands will showcase their products in those four days, among them the newcomers Alberto Guardiani, Buffalo Boots, Cult, Kenneth Cole, Luciano Padovan, and Oxs.

“MICAM is an eagerly awaited event for international dealers who see it as an excellent business opportunity. It has always represented not only the litmus test for the market, but also a privileged opportunity to get a sneak peek at the trends of the future. At a pivotal moment for sustaining the economic recovery of the sector and bringing productivity back to pre-pandemic levels, this trade show represents an extraordinary opportunity”, commented MICAM and Assocalzaturifici Chair, Giovanna Ceolini.

The focus on the future of retail is the big novelty of the upcoming edition, with a new area that “will host companies that produce avant-garde technologies for the world of footwear retail while remaining people-oriented”, advanced the organization. Some of these technologies include customer profiling, augmented reality, and live shopping experiences with virtual influencers. But the issue of sustainability will also be addressed, reaching “its apotheosis” in a space dedicated to VCS Verified & Certified steps, the first certification mark for the footwear industry, only awarded to companies that go through a process of assessment, measurement, and improvement of their corporate sustainability performance.

“The upcoming edition has a strong focus on innovation in retail and the latest developments in sustainability. Technological upgrading and digitization are key factors in our industry that can help make footwear companies more attractive to new generations”, concluded Giovanni Ceolini.

This 95^th edition marks as well the end of the #micamtales communication campaign, which started in 2020 with MICAM in Wonderland, followed by MICAM Glass Slipper, and concludes in 2023 with MICAM of Oz.