Mapic Italy 2026 kicks off at Rho Fiera Milano: focus on retail, new consumer trends and employment in the commercial sector.
The tenth edition of officially opened yesterday at Rho Fiera Milano, the leading Italian platform dedicated to commercial real estate and retail, taking place on May 27 and 28. The event brings together investors, retailers, international brands and industry operators to analyse the new scenarios shaping commerce and the growth strategies driving the Italian retail market.
This year’s edition revolves around the theme “Selectivity, differentiation, influence: the new keys to growth strategies”, concepts that reflect the evolution of the sector in a landscape increasingly shaped by changing consumer habits, digital transformation and the needs of younger generations.
A special feature on retail and market transformation is also included in IGE Magazine, with particular attention paid to employment issues and the growing difficulty companies face in finding qualified staff in commerce, tourism and hospitality.
Mapic Italy 2026 is presenting growing numbers: around 2,200 participants are expected, including 750 retailers, food & beverage brands and leisure operators, alongside 80 exhibitors. The move to the new venue at Rho Fiera Milano responds to strong market demand and further strengthens the event’s role as a strategic hub for retail development in Italy.
The opening conference featured three leading figures from the retail real estate sector: Davide Dalmiglio, Joachim Sandberg and Mirko Baldini. The goal is to provide an updated overview of investment dynamics, capital flows and the trends redefining the market in 2026.
Significant attention is also being dedicated to evolving consumer behaviour and the growing influence of Generation Z, with sessions focused on growth strategies in contemporary retail. Among the featured speakers are Khardiata Ndoye and Nicolas Pellegrini.
Among the innovations introduced for the tenth edition is the Italian Outlet Summit, a new format dedicated to one of the most dynamic segments of the European market. The International Retailers Networking Event also returns, designed to encourage meetings between international brands looking to expand into Italy and local operators. Confirmed companies include Miniso, Fun Oasis, HalfPrice, Adopt Parfum, BattleKart, Gong Cha and Big Mamma.
The programme also includes sessions dedicated to innovation, sustainability and new technologies applied to retail, with particular focus on artificial intelligence and emerging consumption models.
For Mapic Italy, this marks a symbolic milestone: the event is celebrating ten years of activity while confirming its position as a benchmark for the Italian commercial real estate sector, at a time of profound transformation in both the market and consumer behaviour.
Photo credit: rx-france.com
