Feedback from satisfied entrepreneurs, already working towards 2022

Ph. credits Tanja Viganò

Better than expected turnout and international buyers made for a positive trade fair experience for many companies: it sent a powerful collective signal of recovery after the enforced stop due to the pandemic.

Large public turnout, better than expected for many, with international buyers, albeit not at past levels (and the absence of Asia was felt ) and satisfaction with an original formula to which many of the firms added extra activities in their city showrooms. The companies are drawing up their initial reckonings on “supersalone.” All agreed that it had been a positive experience, and for everyone it sent a signal of the restart of an entire industry and of the city of Milan after the cancellation of the 2020 Salone del Mobile due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They’re all hard at work on the 2022 edition, in the hope that it will go back to being a classic Salone again, especially in terms of size and visitor flows.

Carlotta De Bevilacqua President and CEO of Artemide

Artemide was one of the first companies to support the Salone del Mobile by confirming it would take part in this edition with great enthusiasm. Although there are plenty of exhibition spaces in the city and our base is nearby in Pregnana Milanese, we’ve always believed in the fundamental role of the Salone del Mobile, by taking part in as many spaces as possible, keen to send a strong signal of recovery through innovative and sustainable ideas. The results have been absolutely positive, with good national and international uptake, and especially for the strong message of recovery that underpins Milan’s role as the international capital of design. Ernesto Gismondi, who was also Vice President of Fiera Milano, believed in the Salone del Mobile right from the off, in its power to attract international attention and showcase not only products but also the companies’ Made in Italy design culture, setting up a network of trade relations and the exchange of know-how.

01_21_SU_ARTEMIDE_143-©danielemarI — Artemide, Ph. credits Daniele Mari

Elisabetta Bolzan, Chairman and Director of Bolzan Letti

We signed up to “supersalone” right at the beginning even though it was an unknown, given the situation with the pandemic, but believing in our products and especially in the efforts we’re making towards achieving sustainability. We were amply rewarded. Products have become the protagonists once more, as is only right. Turnout exceeded our expectations. We met major contract, retail and design entities, who didn’t just visit us but stopped, chatted, and have already been to see us at our offices. I hope this innovative, fresh format will feature again at the next editions.

02_21_SU_BOLZAN_128-©danielemarI — Bolzan Letti, Ph. credits Daniele Mari

Francesca Bosa, Art Director of Bosa

We were pleasantly surprised by “supersalone,” especially the unexpected turnout given the times. Lots of visitors from all over the world, apart from Asia. We really liked the environment, enriched by all those trees that no doubt helped to make the air healthier. Our experience was certainly a positive one.

Franco Caimi, CEO of Caimi

This special Salone event was particularly important for the sector as a whole, it sent a signal of confidence and optimism to Italy and to the rest of the world and was confirmation of the fact that fairs can and should be being held. Great turnout, above expectations also in terms of foreign visitors, and there were many of them, even though it was difficult if not impossible for some countries to take part. The particular exhibition format this year was the only possible option, but we hope that the next Salone will revive the usual modalities, which are also essential for maintaining the level of international visitors and exhibitors.

04_21_SU_Caimi_TV_008 — Caimi, Ph. credits Tanja Viganò

Giovanni del Vecchio, CEO of the Giorgetti Group

We had lots of visits from buyers, architects and journalists, both from Italy and abroad, especially - from Europe, the United States and the Middle East - both at “supersalone” and at our two spaces in Milan, the atelier in Via Serbelloni and the store in Via Durini. Asia couldn’t be there because of the travel regulations. Overall, it was a very good outcome, better than expected.