Italian trade fairs Micam and Mipel reinvent themselves with Lombardini22, guided by synergy

For several years now, Milan’s fashion trade fairs have been joining forces, fostering synergies to counter the challenges the sector has faced since Covid. But for the February 2026 edition, two shows will go even further, thanks to the strategic project ‘Reinventing Mipel & Micam,’ developed in collaboration with Lombardini22, a leading name in architecture and engineering.

“We like to describe Lombardini22 as a ‘collective-thinking company’ that brings together around 500 professionals and develops projects collaboratively, often starting by listening,” explained Cristian Catania, Reinventing Fairs project director at Lombardini22, during the press conference presenting the project. “We did the same for Micam and Mipel, analysing the status quo of previous editions and holding consultations with major exhibitors. What we realised is that the paradigm shift lies in continuing to give exhibitors the visibility they deserve while, at the same time, putting the visitor and their needs at the centre, so that their time at the fair can be more productive, less tiring and more seamless. The guidance we received was to build on the heritage and longevity of the events, expand the services on offer, and think not only about product but also about the sector’s cultural growth, through social connections, networking, new opportunities and new stimuli. We need to move beyond the concept of mere exhibition and create an experience for visitors.”

As part of the project, for the February edition (February 22–24, 2026), which will coincide with the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympic Games, the Mipel experience will be completely reimagined: the event will move to the front section of Hall 5 at Fiera Milano Rho, gaining greater visibility and a more central position within the exhibition centre. The layout will be redesigned by Lombardini22 to make visits clearer, more immersive and instantly legible, with optimised routes and new areas dedicated to product, innovation, and creativity, while the pre-built exhibition stands will also be reinterpreted in a contemporary, functional way to meet the needs of exhibiting companies.

Above all, at the centre of Hall 5, ‘M&M- The Hub’ will take shape: a new space conceived to host initiatives and projects developed in full synergy between Mipel and Micam, with the aim of offering visitors to both fairs an integrated experience. The Hub will be home to Micam Academy and Mipel Factory, in an environment designed to foster a continuous journey of learning and relationship-building, bringing together education, research, technical experimentation, and professional development. The Italian Startup project, created in collaboration with ICE-Agenzia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), has also been confirmed; it will shine a spotlight on a selection of emerging Italian companies that are highly innovative and technology-driven. There will also be a dedicated product area, offering a concise, curated overview of the key trends for the Autumn/Winter 2026–2027 season.

“The partnership with Lombardini22 is strategic because it can help us better communicate our fairs. Our goal is to support companies on their path to growth and greater international exposure, because trade fairs are a key driver of internationalisation. The events must enrich our companies, promote Made in Italy and help strengthen the recognition that Italian leather goods companies enjoy worldwide in terms of innovation, creativity, expertise, and excellence,” added Claudia Sequi, president of Mipel and Assopellettieri. “Moving Mipel to Hall 5 is not just a relocation, but the desire to rethink our fair in a strategic, contemporary way, with a layout designed to create usable, useful spaces for exhibitors and visitors- an immediate, intuitive, and engaging experience for buyers.”

“We are convinced that joining forces is essential for those who come to our fairs, who enter an ecosystem where products are certainly important, but where different visions are even more so,” stressed Giovanna Ceolini, president of Micam and Assocalzaturifici. “Let us remember that, in addition to Micam and Mipel, the February edition will also bring together Sì Sposa Italia Collezioni, Milano Fashion&Jewels, and The One Milano, providing buyers with a comprehensive overview of the different segments of Made in Italy fashion; Lineapelle and Simac will not be present because of the Olympics, but will return in September. This synergy between fairs works to everyone’s advantage; at the last edition we welcomed around 40,000 visitors from 38 countries- an incredible figure. With the ‘Reinventing Mipel & Micam’ project, we hope to strengthen further; we know that together we are stronger and can represent Made in Italy at its best.”

For the February edition, Micam will also introduce a new configuration for Halls 1 and 3 which, together with Halls 2 and 4, will make the visitor journey more coherent, intuitive, and functional.