Raffaello Napoleone, Pitti Immagine’s CEO, recently expressed his concern in writing after the Italian government issued a Ministerial Decree that cancels all international trade shows and all already programmed and imminent events until November 24.
“We are aware how hard it is for the government managing a second emergency situation but the decision to cancel all public events until November 24 makes even harder the organization of other shows planned for the following months for the heavy consequences organizers and companies already experienced,” says his manager’s note. “We know that the government, despite facing a very complex financial situation, is working at a significant plan of indemnities that can help trade show companies facing difficulties. It is a positive fact that shows its understanding for what is happening in our sector. Public helps are and will be fundamental, though only if economic operators will also be able to play their own part.”
He continues explaining that the cancellation of events reinforces the uncertain climate and risks stopping the preparation phase leaving little time for companies and buyers to plan and organize their travels and participation in trade shows.
“The textile, apparel and accessory industry, one of Italy’s most important source of income, concentrates its events in a condensed time frame between January and March according to an integrated and interconnected sequence. For this reason coordinated actions between organizers and cities are welcome in such contexts,” the manager adds. “I also want to remember that the collections that will be presented in these months will be sold starting from next fall, when we all hope for a gradual return to normality of exchanges and purchases. International trade shows are indispensable appointments for promoting Italian industry export–and especially for the vast amount of small and medium-size manufacturing companies, including most structured craftsmanship companies that in many cases have no other as effective opportunity for reaching foreign markets.”
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