- The event dedicated to innovation in clothing production machinery and equipment opens today, welcoming over 3,000 professionals and 70 exhibiting companies;
- Advanced technologies, automation, AI, sustainability, and future skills take center stage across 50 events, including conferences, workshops, and talks;
- Delegations from 25 countries and 21 international buyers participate to strengthen the global role of Made in Italy in fashion manufacturing.
With a projected turnover of €59.8 billion in 2024—despite a slight decline compared to the previous year—the Textile and Apparel sector remains one of Italy’s most strategic production chains, significantly impacting exports, employment, and the global image of Made in Italy.
According to the latest economic analysis by Confindustria Moda, Italy’s textile and apparel industry is experiencing a complex phase in 2025 first quarter. Yet, 48% of surveyed member companies expect stable market conditions in the coming months, while over 20% anticipate a revenue increase[1].
In this context, technological innovation and digitalization are increasingly seen as essential tools to revive competitiveness and reshape the sector’s industrial vision.
This is the backdrop for the official opening of SAMAB – Fashion Technologies Event, the international event dedicated to innovation in machinery and equipment for fashion production. Organized by Senaf, with the patronage of ANTIA (National Association of Fashion System Professionals), Confindustria Moda – Textile and Fashion Federation, IACDE (International Association of Clothing Designers and Executives), and in collaboration with Gruppo Tecniche Nuove and TechnoFashion magazine as media partner.
From May 27 to 29, at Superstudio Maxi in Milan, the fashion industry will gather to address the critical themes of industrial and digital transition, with a strong international focus.
With over 70 exhibiting companies, 21 international buyers, accredited visitors from 25 strategic countries, 50 educational events, and a structured matchmaking program, SAMAB affirms its role as a strategic platform for the future of European apparel manufacturing.
The core themes of the event include automation, sustainability, artificial intelligence, circular economy, and future skills development, in a context where innovation is essential to boost the competitiveness of both the Italian and European fashion systems.
The strong interest in SAMAB is reflected in its participation numbers: over 3,000 professionals are expected, with 12% coming from abroad. Official delegations and buyers from key markets such as Germany, Tunisia, Poland, Morocco, Serbia, and Egypt are attending, thanks to collaboration with chambers of commerce, trade associations, and institutional partners. The inauguration today was attended by: Silvana Pezzoli, Deputy Vice President of Confindustria Moda; Carlo Palmieri, President of Gruppo Moda Assolombarda; Chiara Dussini, President of ANTIA; Charles Malas, President of IACDE Italy; Matteo Secoli, President of Piattaforma Sistema Formativo Moda; Alberto Gregotti, Representative of the SAMAB Steering Committee; Ivo A. Nardella, President of Gruppo Tecniche Nuove and Senaf.
Silvana Pezzoli, Vice President of Confindustria Moda, commented: “The Italian textile and apparel sector has been undergoing a deep transformation. Complex global dynamics—such as weakening demand, international tensions, and rising raw material and energy costs—are testing our companies’ resilience. But this challenging landscape also brings exceptional opportunities. It is time to rethink our strategies and production models, with decisive investments in innovation, sustainability, and digitalization. SAMAB serves as a strategic platform to showcase the latest technologies applied to apparel production. As Confindustria Moda, our commitment is to support businesses in enhancing competitiveness, fostering synergies across the supply chain, and promoting the excellence of Made in Italy globally. Investing in innovation and skills is the key to facing global challenges and building a sustainable future for our industry.”
Carlo Palmieri, President of Gruppo Moda Assolombarda, added:“Gruppo Moda Assolombarda has long been committed to transformation, addressing future challenges head-on. In our group’s Priority Paper, we outlined a clear path: digitalization, sustainability, and human capital are not obstacles but opportunities to strengthen the global leadership of Made in Italy. Our fashion system represents 44% of local units and 37% of workers in Lombardy, and 7% nationally—with the Metropolitan City of Milan leading the way. In 2024, exports from our territory’s fashion industry totaled €13.7 billion, or 70% of Lombardy’s total fashion exports. As an industrial system, it is our duty not only to adapt but to lead this change—promoting a culture of innovation and fostering cross-sector projects with key stakeholders.“
Chiara Dussini, President of ANTIA, noted:“From the beginning, ANTIA and its advisors have believed in SAMAB’s value as a place of dialogue and innovation for the fashion industry. ANTIA serves as a reference for technical professionals in fashion, bringing expertise, experience, and vision aligned with SAMAB’s spirit. In times of uncertainty, we must invest in ideas, collaboration, and constructive dialogue. Participating in events like this means contributing our members’ knowledge, promoting technical culture, and driving product and supply chain evolution.”
Charles Malas, President of IACDE Italy, stated:“The fashion supply chain faces complex challenges: technological innovation, sustainability, and shifts in consumption models. IACDE Italy promotes dialogue between professionals, companies, and designers to build a more agile, connected, and innovative system. SAMAB is a key moment to discuss technologies, sustainability, and joint projects. Collaboration between creatives and technical experts is essential to integrate AI, sustainability, and emerging technologies. We believe in cross-industry contamination—fashion, tech, automotive, and design are inspiring new materials and solutions. Our goal is to stimulate change and help businesses evolve into a more dynamic and sustainable fashion system.”
Matteo Secoli, President of Piattaforma Sistema Formativo Moda ETS, said:“Piattaforma Sistema Formativo Moda is proud to support SAMAB 2025, aiming to strengthen the dialogue between education, technology, and industry. SAMAB is a strategic point of reference for those looking to the future of Made in Italy. It addresses the supply chain’s needs through the lenses of sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and design culture. One of our strategic goals is to foster dialogue between education and business, helping to develop new skills and guide younger generations toward a more responsible, competitive, and internationally-oriented fashion sector.”
Alberto Gregotti, from the SAMAB Steering Committee, added:“Trade exhibition are vital ecosystems for discussing efficiency, energy savings, logistics, and Industry 4.0 and 5.0-they must be preserved to prevent stagnation in the system. Attending SAMAB is a confidence boost during a time marked by geopolitical tension. It’s an opportunity to drive the revival of fashion manufacturing, starting in the country most renowned for excellence: Italy. A positive rebound is expected in the second half of the year—let’s seize this moment to be original again. SAMAB is a valuable space for meeting, exchanging ideas, and renewing our industry’s energy.”
Ivo A. Nardella, President of Gruppo Tecniche Nuove and Senaf, concluded:“With SAMAB, we are opening a new chapter for the fashion industry. Spaces for discussion, vision, and action are essential to navigate the major transformations ahead. Technology, skills, and sustainability are no longer optional-they are vital for staying competitive in an increasingly complex global landscape. This event is a practical tool for companies—a place where technical knowledge meets innovation, where strategic relationships are built, and where the central role of Made in Italy is reinforced. The strong interest shown by companies, international buyers, and professionals confirms that SAMAB addresses a real and pressing need in the sector.”
SAMAB
SAMAB – Fashion Technologies Event is the international event dedicated to technological innovation for the fashion supply chain. Organized by SENAF, in collaboration with Tecniche Nuove Group and the trade publication Techno Fashion, and under the patronage of ANTIA – National Association of Professional Fashion System Technicians, Confindustria Moda – Textile and Fashion Federation, and IACDE – International Association of Clothing Designers and Executives, SAMAB represents a point of reference for companies, artisans and professionals in the sector. Through a large exhibition area, thematic workshops, B2B meetings and networking moments, SAMAB offers a unique experience to discover the most advanced fabric processing technologies, the latest machinery and digital solutions that are transforming the industry. The event promotes the competitiveness of Italian and European companies, encouraging comparisons with international markets and supporting the industry transition to more efficient and sustainable processes.
SAMAB will be held in Milan on May 27–29, 2025, at Superstudio Maxi.
For further information, visit www.samab.it
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[1] Economic analysis of the sector Textile-Clothing related to the first quarter 2025 released by Confindustria Fashion on May 2025