Behind the Scenes at SICAM: Innovations and Insights from Carolina Giobbi

TFT: Can you share with us the journey of Exposicam since its inception? How did it establish itself as one of the leading exhibitions in the furniture industry?

Ms. Carolina Giobbi: SICAM was born with a very focused idea: bring the entire furniture-components and accessories supply chain together in an efficient, business-first environment. From the outset we prioritized curated exhibitor selection, high design standards, and a layout that makes sourcing fast and purposeful. Word-of-mouth from manufacturers, designers, and international buyers helped us scale year after year. By staying consistent—quality over quantity, easy logistics, and a warm, human experience—we’ve grown into a reference point for the furniture industry.

TFT: What are the key highlights and unique features of Exposicam that make it a must-attend event for industry professionals?

Ms. Carolina Giobbi: SICAM stands out as a must-attend event because it brings together the most important companies in the international furniture components and accessories industry in a highly curated, business-oriented environment. Every detail of the exhibition is designed to foster meaningful encounters, inspire creativity, and generate new projects — SICAM is, in fact, where many of the ideas that shape the future of furniture design are born. Its compact and well-organized format allows professionals to explore a complete value chain — from materials, surfaces, and hardware to technologies and semi-finished components — efficiently and without dispersion. The exhibition’s international reach attracts buyers and manufacturers from across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East, creating a dynamic platform for exchange and collaboration. At the same time, SICAM serves as a crossroads between design and technology, highlighting trends in colour, materials, and sustainability, and encouraging dialogue between companies, designers, and research institutions. Combined with the hospitality and efficiency of its host city, these elements make SICAM a unique event where business, innovation, and inspiration naturally come together.         

TFT: Are there any new initiatives, technologies, or collaborations that attendees can look forward to in the upcoming edition?

Ms. Carolina Giobbi: At SICAM, the product is always the true protagonist of the fair. Every new initiative we introduce starts from that core idea — to give companies the best possible stage to present their products, materials, and innovations in the most effective and direct way. In the upcoming edition, this approach will be even more evident: the focus will be entirely on the product experience, on the tactile and visual quality that defines excellence in furniture components and materials. Visitors will find new inspirations and concrete opportunities for collaboration directly at the stands, where innovation can be seen and touched. Alongside this, SICAM will continue to strengthen its role as a platform for dialogue and cooperation between companies, designers, and research institutions — because every new project, technology, or partnership starts from the encounter between product, people, and ideas.

TFT: Was there any change in the customer base after the breakout of Russia-Ukraine Conflict and how it has affected the exhibition industry of Italy?

Ms. Carolina Giobbi: The conflict reshaped trade routes and procurement strategies. We saw a rebalancing toward EU markets, North America, and parts of Asia, with companies diversifying risk across suppliers. For Italian exhibitions, it reinforced the role of fairs as neutral, high-trust meeting grounds where buyers can validate alternatives quickly. Attendance remained resilient, but with a stronger emphasis on cost efficiency, supply security, and sustainability in discussions at the stands.

TFT: The Indian Furniture market is estimated to grow US$90 billion by 2030-2033. How does Exposicam view the opportunities for collaboration between Italian and Indian companies?

Ms. Carolina Giobbi: We see strong complementarity: Italian firms bring design leadership, advanced components, and finishing; Indian companies contribute scale, agility, and fast-growing domestic demand. SICAM is an ideal bridge—an efficient place to source high-spec components, form joint ventures, and co-develop products calibrated for both European standards and Indian volume.

TFT: Are there specific opportunities for Indian manufacturers, designers, or technology providers to tap into the European market through Exposicam?

Ms. Carolina Giobbi: Absolutely. SICAM is one of the world’s key meeting points for the furniture components and accessories industry, making it the ideal place for companies to explore the European market. It offers Indian manufacturers, designers, and technology providers the opportunity to test the ground, meet potential partners, and develop new buyer relationships in a highly international and business-focused environment. The fair provides direct access to decision-makers and trend-setters, creating the perfect context to understand market expectations, showcase capabilities, and build long-term collaborations.

TFT: Many Indian exhibitors are keen on entering the European market. What advice would you give them to make the most of platforms like Exposicam?

Ms. Carolina Giobbi: Entering the European market requires a combination of vision, preparation, and presence — and SICAM is the right place to start. For Indian exhibitors, it’s important to approach the fair not just as a showcase, but as an opportunity to understand how the European furniture industry moves, what values drive it, and which trends are shaping its future. Participating in SICAM allows companies to build visibility, gain insights, and create authentic relationships with potential partners and clients. The key is to be curious, open to dialogue, and ready to adapt — Europe values reliability, innovation, and design culture, and this event offers the perfect environment to connect with that mindset. Ultimately, success comes from being part of the conversation: observing, listening, and sharing your own story in a context where quality, creativity, and collaboration speak the same language.

TFT: What is your vision for Exposicam in the next 5–10 years? Are there any plans for expansion?

Ms. Carolina Giobbi: Our vision is to remain the most effective B2B platform for furniture components and materials, while deepening our role as a trend and innovation hub. We’ll continue to refine the curated format, expand international buyer programs, and invest in content that connects design, technology, and sustainability. Expansion for us means quality-led growth—enhancing the experience, strengthening strategic partnerships, and selectively broadening categories only where they add real value for exhibitors and buyers.