Futurmoda Opens its 53rd Edition

Futurmoda's 53rd edition opened its doors this Wednesday at the facilities of Fira Alacant in Elche, establishing itself as the international "reference" fair for leather, components, and machinery in the footwear and leather goods sector.

With the presence of 310 exhibiting firms and a growth in international participation, this event, which runs until Thursday, "reaffirms itself as a key event for the industry," gathering in its 12,500 square meters of exhibition space "the latest innovations in materials, sustainability, and technology applied to footwear manufacturing."

The inauguration was attended by authorities and industry representatives, including the president of the Spanish Association of Footwear Component Companies (AEC), Manuel Román; the mayor of Elche, Pablo Ruz; and the regional secretary of Industry, Trade, and Consumption, Felipe Carrasco, who highlighted the "importance" of this fair for the local and national economy, according to a statement from the Futurmoda organization.

During his speech, Román emphasized "the fundamental role of the fair for the sector's competitiveness": "Futurmoda reflects the effort and adaptability of our companies. Each edition demonstrates that we are a strong, innovative sector committed to the future."

Ruz, for his part, highlighted the "impact" of this event in Elche and its industry, as the city "is the cradle of footwear" and Futurmoda "the best showcase of this potential." "It is a pride to see how this fair continues to grow and position our city at the center of innovation and design," he added.

Similarly, Carrasco emphasized the Generalitat's "commitment" to the sector: "We support the development of the footwear industry, betting on digitalization, sustainability, and internationalization as key pillars for its growth."

In this edition, machinery and technology have a "special prominence," with 15% of the exhibition space dedicated to companies presenting "advanced solutions" in automation, 3D printing, laser cutting, and process digitalization.

Additionally, the Expert Forum addresses "strategic" topics during these two days of the fair, such as artificial intelligence (AI) applied to footwear, optimization of production processes, and new environmental regulations.

Another attraction of Futurmoda is the Green Planet area, where sustainable materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes are showcased, "reaffirming the sector's commitment to sustainability."

Moreover, the Futurmoda Lab Talent contest, which connects young designers with exhibiting companies, focuses on "emerging talent and its role in the sector's evolution."

With the support of institutions such as the Generalitat Valenciana, the municipalities of Elche and Elda, Fira Alacant, FICE, Avecal, Inescop, the Footwear Museum, ICEX, and Ivace+i, Futurmoda "establishes itself as an essential event for manufacturers, designers, and industry professionals."

The fair will continue until March 13, offering attendees a space for business, networking, and updates on the latest trends in the footwear and leather goods industry.