Vicenzaoro Highlights, September 2026: Courage Has Paid Off

Not the standard, run-of-the-mill, ribbon-cutting ceremony. The inauguration of the new hall at the Expo Center marked the culmination of a decision made during the most difficult times and, at the same time, a statement of confidence in the Italian jewelry and trade show industries’ future. A concept common to all the official speeches at the ceremony. «We invested over 60 million euros of our own funds in Vicenza at a time when many preferred to wait,» began Maurizio Renzo Ermeti, president of Italian Exhibition Group. «This work is an act of faith. We chose to give our industry a new home. Those who continue to look ahead during difficult times will, over time, reap the rewards.» The new area has also enabled IEG to stage all the components of the event, including T.Gold, under one roof, completing a journey that began with the group’s founding in 2016. The mayor of Vicenza, Giacomo Possamai, echoed the opening remarks. «If IEG hadn’t been founded, we wouldn’t be here today to inaugurate this hall. It wasn’t a mundane decision: we had to give up part of our territorial sovereignty, but we had the strength to look to the future.» Looking back on the years of the building works, he added: «Although the decision to hold part of the event in tensile structures wasn’t easy, it actually led to highly successful editions.» Cristina Squarcialupi, president of Federorafi Confindustria, then focused on the current climate of international uncertainty. «Despite volatility and markets moving at different speeds, the Italian jewelry industry is still one of the pillars of Made in Italy and we must put companies in a position to compete, invest and grow.» Matteo Zoppas, president of the Italian Trade Agency, also reiterated the positive figures and expressed confidence, noting during a video call that support for the event had been strengthened. «Bringing in strategic buyers means helping companies open up to new markets and build new distribution networks. We will continue to work with IEG to support the international development of businesses.» According to Fabrizio Lobasso, Deputy Director General for the Promotion of Italy and Economic Internationalization and Central Director for the Italian System and Investments at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), «the key word guiding the industry is integration. Vicenza has now become a symbol of the Italian Country System and a place able to attract buyers, institutions and countries through an experience that is not only economic but also identity-defining and emotional.» The Veneto Region, represented by Regional Councilor Marco Zecchinato, also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the sector: «We must continue to innovate without losing touch with tradition. That is why we are investing in simplification, training and internationalization.» Lastly, Mara Bizzotto, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy (MIMIT), spoke on behalf of the government, noting the recent funding allocation for the sector. «This inauguration sends a message to all of Italy: we can and must continue to invest in trade shows because, even in the age of hyperconnectivity, physical spaces are still essential for doing business.» The day also coincided with the opening of the CIBJO Centennial Congress, which featured a speech by Ninety One President, Gareth Penny: «CIBJO’s 100th anniversary is much more than a historical milestone. It is proof of our industry’s ability to evolve through collaboration, trust and shared responsibility. As we celebrate the past, our task is to build the future of the global jewelry industry together.»