From May 27 to 29, Milan will host SAMAB, the international event for fashion technologies, aimed at creating valuable connections and enhancing the global competitiveness of industry businesses
.
The first new edition of SAMAB has been created with the goal of identifying innovative solutions to help companies in the fashion sector navigate global market dynamics.
The event seeks to foster synergies among key players in the industry and promote innovation as a strategic lever for future competitiveness.
A unique opportunity for companies, artisans, and professionals
SAMAB positions itself as a strategic gathering for the entire apparel production supply chain.
Companies, artisans, and professionals will have the chance to engage in dialogue, create synergies, and explore the latest industry innovations.
By leveraging new knowledge, connections, and critical resources, participants can boost their success in the global fashion market.
Below are the opinions of the industry associations that have chosen to promote SAMAB: CONFINDUSTRIA MODA – Federazione Tessile e Moda, ANTIA and Club IACDE Italia.
In a complex moment like the present, it is essential to reflect on what can serve as a turning point for the fashion sector: technological innovation has great potential to reshuffle the deck.
«That’s why it’s so important to take part in SAMAB, which is characterized by a strongly experiential format,» says Chiara Dussini, President of ANTIA. «Industry events, which have seen declining attendance over the past five years, are now proving to be of great interest to all categories in the supply chain—from entrepreneurs to operators».
The importance of networking
Everyone needs to feel involved in this dialogue: «We are part of a complex economic and social system; the responsibility can no longer lie solely with entrepreneurs».
SAMAB offers a valuable opportunity for networking: «Associations are important in this regard, but we must also create broader opportunities for exchange, opening the dialogue not only to members but to everyone, building bridges with schools, companies…».
In short, dialogue is the lifeblood for growth, for progressing as a fashion system, and for fueling the sector’s creativity.
Made in Italy
«I have no doubts about the turnout at SAMAB, but – regardless – it will already be a success to have managed to organize such an event in Italy, the heart of fashion craftsmanship that the world envies us for.»
Dussini emphasizes that Italy has specific needs for fashion production, so the technologies presented at such an event are unique. «SAMAB has everything it takes to become the “makers’ event” as a counterpart to Fashion Weeks, where the protagonists are fashion brands».
Current Situation
Market dynamics are constantly changing: as has now been established, the current phase is not a temporary downturn but a structural shift.
«It is in moments of “Industrial Darwinism” like this that we are faced with two possibilities:
- to choose to recognize and enhance the potential positive aspects;
- or to be overcome by discouragement and fail to react.
There will be a natural selection process, that’s inevitable, but we must somehow redefine the value of true Made in Italy: to do so, we sometimes have to start from scratch, even through creative destruction».
New Generations
Regarding generational change, ANTIA’s goal is to promote dialogue on multiple levels and support the new “industrial intelligentsia” made up of young entrepreneurs.
«We aim to organize more and more professional training events, and meetings between young people and technicians/entrepreneurs they would otherwise never have the chance to speak with,» says Dussini. «We are also planning a plenary event, a panel featuring a significant number of speakers who will explore key topics in depth, followed by an end-of-day discussion to review the results gathered».
.
Charles Malas, President of IACDE Italy, emphasizes the importance of bringing back to Italy a technical and vertical event like SAMAB.
«Globally, fashion professionals still look to Italy to find expertise, innovation, and high quality. Product development and manufacturing excellence are always and only Made in Italy. Three fundamental pillars remain in our country: competence, craftsmanship, and the ability to develop beauty».
The Importance of Teamwork
«We at IACDE and the other industry associations have decided to present ourselves as a united front at SAMAB: it’s important to set a concrete example of collaboration and shared goals at an industry event in Italy,» comments Malas.
«IACDE and ANTIA share common aspects, such as promoting networking among professionals in the sector and supporting companies, but our DNA is different: we focus on product development, while ANTIA specializes in fashion engineering and production. Together, we cover the entire Italian fashion supply chain».
IACDE Supporting Companies
IACDE organizes numerous training initiatives for its members. One example is the “Innovation Day” at the Kilometro Rosso development center in Bergamo, which is an opportunity to:
- present one’s own solutions and technologies to others;
- hear case histories from outside the fashion sector as well, gaining know-how that goes beyond the specific skills of a pattern maker or designer—which is essential for growth and staying informed and up to date;
- network with professionals working in various areas of the supply chain, giving rise to new projects and innovative ideas.
New Generations
According to IACDE, another source of momentum for the fashion industry that can come from SAMAB is the willingness to dare – to have the courage to embark on new projects and invest in young people, allowing them to grow within the company.
«They can surprise us: the new generations are intelligent and also smart, they can offer us new perspectives on our work as pattern makers, engineers, and producers,» says Malas. «SAMAB gives us the opportunity to shed an old garment and put on a new, customized one that propels us toward the future».
Technology and the Supply Chain
«New technologies should not be feared, but studied and understood so they can be mastered and used to their full potential. We must have the courage to try, rather than wait for someone else to go first: those who make mistakes learn and improve».
However, these technologies must be built and shaped according to the needs of every part of the supply chain: «It’s important to have a global plan for implementing these technologies in the sector, but without forgetting that each part of the supply chain has its own specific needs».
AI and IoT as Support for Businesses
According to Charles Malas, AI and IoT do not replace the creativity of fashion professionals – on the contrary, they support and enhance it. These solutions can assist fashion technicians in various ways:
- Automating or optimizing administrative and bureaucratic processes (such as forms and sustainability certifications) that don’t add value to the profession. This saves time that can be invested in product development, research, and innovation.
- Increasing the availability of options for creative exploration and comparison, helping focus on the future of the product, stay fresh in the market, improve internal quality and efficiency processes, and surprise customers with new services.
- Providing complete and constantly updated reporting on production and sales statistics: having access to this data in real time allows companies to adjust strategies and improve performance.
.
In anticipation of SAMAB, we asked a few questions to Gianfranco Di Natale, General Director of Confindustria Moda, to better understand the vision, goals, and strategic outlook of one of the key players supporting the Italian fashion Industry.
Why do you think it is necessary for such a B2B event for the Fashion supply chain to be held in Italy?
Italy is the beating heart of the global fashion system—innovative and sustainable. With over 40,000 companies and more than 380,000 employees in the Textile-Apparel sector alone, we represent a global leadership in terms of quality, creativity, and innovation.
It is only natural and necessary for a B2B event like SAMAB to take place here, in our country, to enhance Italian know-how and offer a real opportunity for technological updates and skills development.
SAMAB is the ideal venue to promote Made in Italy, facilitate the meeting between supply and demand for innovation, and attract international buyers, thus strengthening the competitiveness of the entire fashion system.
What activities are you implementing as an association to support companies in the sector?
Our commitment unfolds on multiple levels. The Federation stands alongside companies and entrepreneurs in all the strategic and fundamental aspects of daily business.
Through economic analysis and the production of sectoral data, we provide companies with tools to better understand the market and guide their business plans. The association’s team is available to member companies for any need in the legal, regulatory, R&I, sustainability, and internationalization fields—while ensuring that every activity is tailored to the specific product sector.
We also participate in numerous B2B events, such as SAMAB, to support the Italian industry worldwide.
And what about training?
Training activities are crucial today: we support programs for skills development and collaborate with schools and universities to train new professional profiles.
At the institutional level, we work to secure support measures for innovation, sustainability, and internationalization, engaging in dialogue with national and European institutions to create industrial plans and support initiatives for the sector – aimed at maintaining and evolving Made in Italy.
What is your perspective on the structural change the sector is experiencing?
The industry is undergoing a profound transformation and is navigating through turbulent waters. The global context calls for a rethink of business models. Today, innovation is no longer optional—it’s a prerequisite to remain competitive.
We are witnessing a growing integration between manufacturing and technology, the digitalization of production processes, and an increasing focus on environmental and social sustainability. This transformation, if approached with vision and targeted investments, can become an extraordinary opportunity to relaunch Made in Italy.
What are your goals for the near future?
We aim to strengthen the competitiveness of the Italian fashion system, helping companies tackle the challenges of innovation, sustainability, training, and internationalization. We want to support businesses through their technological and digital transition, foster the matching of demand and supply for skills, and promote the international projection of the sector.
Another key goal is to create a more integrated and collaborative industrial ecosystem, where every link in the supply chain is valued and where a balanced and sustainable development model is promoted.
