Record-breaking
50th Simac Tanning Tech
Event-packed programme celebrates 50 editions
A record-breaking 50th edition of Simac Tanning Tech, the leading international trade show showcasing machinery and technology for the footwear, leather goods and tanning industries. From 17 to 19 September, over 9,000 people visited the 15,000 m2 exhibition space at Fiera Milano Rho, demonstrating how important the event is in shining a light on Made in Italy excellence. And its excellence is recognised worldwide, as demonstrated by 44% of visitors and 26% of exhibitors (out of 316) coming from over 20 countries outside Italy.
A Simac Tanning Tech edition that once again highlighted the industry’s ability to evolve and innovate within an increasingly competitive international context, responding to recent demands for sustainability, digitisation and optimisation of production processes. To celebrate the 50 editions of Simac Tanning Tech, a spectacular innovative project was unveiled aiming to emphasise that the enormous success enjoyed by accessories around the world is, largely, down to Associazione Assomac (the National Association of Italian Manufacturers of Footwear, Leather Goods and Tanning Technology). A project celebrating 50 years of excellence, giving visitors a glimpse of the future of leather working and machinery. The project/event entitled ‘Un giorno da Protagonista’ (Protagonist for a day) was conceived by art director Barbara Ricchi, an expert in leather working and in managing highly successful exhibition projects. With the support of Milan-based creative agency, 3DD Factory, the event aimed to celebrate Italian excellence in leather working machinery and Made in Italy with a 960 m2 stand that teamed tradition and innovation.
The Machineries & Technologies Expo, symbolically represented as a cake, offered live demos of cutting-edge machinery and, through the Juicebar, allowed sustainable leather items to be created thanks to a circular approach. Talks and networking meetings were held in the Lounge Area with the participation of ICE delegates, in a setting designed to foster an exchange of ideas and opportunities. The Photographic Exhibition & New Digital Reality area combined art and technology with a photo exhibition dedicated to Assomac members, a floor installation and a ledwall stage for performances and live music.
Integrating augmented and virtual reality allowed visitors to explore virtual machinery via a smartphone and, using a VR headset, immerse themselves in Assomac’s technological guide to the latest innovations in the industry. This anniversary was an important occasion to underline the fundamental role that Assomac, as the organiser of Simac Tanning Tech, plays in the development and success of the leather accessories industry around the world.