Press releases

The 29th edition of TECNA – The Global Expo for Ceramics and more has come to a close in Rimini. The show drew visitors from 100 countries, 45% of them from outside Italy – a higher proportion than at the previous edition. The 15% share of attendees from non-ceramic sectors is another sign of how TECNA is evolving.

Rimini, 29 September 2026 – The 29th edition of TECNA – The Global Expo for ceramics and more, which has just concluded at the Rimini Expo Centre, drew highly qualified visitors from 100 countries over four days. The event marked a clear step forward for the show, combining strong attendance from industry professionals with exhibitors from across the entire supply chain. It was organised by IEG – Italian Exhibition Group in collaboration with ACIMAC, with the support of MAECI – the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA).

Attendance remained strong throughout the four-day event, with 45% of visitors coming from abroad – a higher proportion than at the previous edition. The largest international contingents came from India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Turkey, Tunisia, Germany, the UK and Argentina, a clear indication of the markets where demand for technology is currently strongest.

TECNA also remained an important meeting point for Italian professionals, who continue to be key partners for exhibiting companies.

Most notably, 15% of visitors came from non-ceramic surface sectors, a clear indication that TECNA is broadening its reach.

“This edition marks a real turning point,” said Gian Paolo Crasta, Director of ACIMAC. “For years, TECNA has been the go-to exhibition for ceramic technology and it remains the industry’s international meeting place. This year also saw the return of glaze and colour producers and additive manufacturers, meaning that the full supply chain was once again represented at TECNA. This is a clear example of what Italy can achieve when all the key players – industry associations, exhibition organisers and companies – work towards the same goal. In addition, TECNA attracted highly qualified visitors, many of them directly responsible for investment decisions.”

TECNA’s international reach was evident even before the show opened. The international buyer programme organised with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) more than doubled the number of overseas buyers compared with previous editions, bringing more than 285 selected professionals to Rimini. The B2B meeting platform operated at full capacity throughout all four days. Around 300 brands exhibited at the show, 39% of them from 19 countries outside Italy.

“The attendance figures confirm TECNA’s standing as a leading global exhibition for the sector,” said Marco Cecchini, Group Exhibition Manager Industrial Division at Italian Exhibition Group. “We welcomed visitors from 100 countries, saw international attendance grow and hosted selected buyers who came to Rimini specifically to invest in technology. Our work with MAECI and the Italian Trade Agency was crucial in bringing these visitors to Rimini, and the results of these four days indicate that we are moving in the right direction. The ceramic industry remains at the heart of the event, as professionals continue to choose Rimini for the machinery and technologies serving the sector. But this year’s show also reached well beyond ceramics, taking in wood, glass and advanced materials that are attracting growing interest from the aerospace industry, while also drawing professionals who until recently would not have considered TECNA a key event for their sector. When one visitor in seven comes from outside our traditional sector, it shows that TECNA is becoming a reference point for a much broader market.”

The conference programme covered every stage of the supply chain. The TECNAwards debuted in a new two-day format combining award presentations with institutional keynote speeches, Industry Outlook presentations and roundtable discussions, and recognised companies from Brazil to Rwanda and from Indonesia to Bulgaria. For the first time, the Decortech Conference was curated by a Technical Committee made up of associations, companies, architects and designers. Its two-day programme covered topics ranging from multi-surface design to artificial intelligence and concluded with a CNR workshop on advanced ceramics for aerospace applications.

Other conferences addressed key practical issues facing the sector, from raw material supply and intralogistics to the new European Machinery Regulation, the Cyber Resilience Act and the digitalisation of ceramic factories.

With this edition, TECNA reaffirmed its role as a global platform for ceramic technologies while at the same time extending its reach to a wider range of materials, applications and professionals who until recently looked elsewhere for solutions.

FOCUS ON ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP

Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A. is a joint-stock company listed on Euronext Milan, a regulated market organised and managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A. Over the years it has established itself as a leading organiser of trade fairs and conferences in Italy with venues in Rimini and Vicenza. It has also expanded its international activities, including joint ventures with global and local organisers in countries such as the United States, the United Arab Emirates, China, Mexico, Germany, Singapore and Brazil, positioning itself among Europe’s leading operators in the sector.

FOCUS ON ACIMAC

Acimac is the association of Italian manufacturers of plant, machinery, equipment, semi-finished products, raw materials and services for the ceramic industry (tiles, sanitaryware and tableware), as well as the heavy clay and refractory materials industries. Acimac represents the majority of Italian companies in the sector, from small and medium-sized enterprises to larger corporations. As a member of Confindustria, Acimac forms part of the main representation system for Italian industry.

To stay up to date, visit www.tecnaexpo.com

Running from 22 to 25 September at the Rimini Expo Centre, TECNA 2026 will feature a programme spanning the entire ceramic and surface supply chain, from raw materials and logistics to European regulations, cybersecurity and digital factories.

Rimini, 18 September 2026 – The 29th edition of TECNA – The Global Expo for ceramics and more is set to open in just a few days’ time, running from 22 to 25 September 2026 at the Rimini Expo Centre. An international showcase for the ceramic and surface industries, TECNA is organised by IEG – Italian Exhibition Group in collaboration with ACIMAC. Its international reach is reflected in the presence of 310 exhibiting brands, 39% of them from 19 countries outside Italy: Spain, China, Turkey, India, Germany, France, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, the United States, Bangladesh, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Ukraine, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates.

The conference programme will take place in the TECNA Future Hub in Hall D3 and will feature nine events across all four days of the show. Some of the themes addressed are longstanding industry challenges, such as where to source raw materials, how to balance costs and quality and which regulations are about to change. Others are new to the show and reflect just how far its scope has expanded, including invisible QR codes fired into tiles at over 1,000 °C, humanoid robots picking orders in warehouses and advanced ceramic materials of interest to the aerospace industry.

Tuesday 22 – Opening conference, TECNAwards and geopolitics

The programme will begin at 2.30 pm in Hall D3 with the opening conference and the first TECNAwards ceremony, dedicated to the Americas. TECNA’s international awards programme recognises the best technology investments made between 2024 and 2026 by customers of exhibiting companies. This year, the awards adopt a new two-day format, with a programme that also includes institutional keynote speeches, roundtable discussions and Industry Outlook presentations from the MECS (Manufacturing Economic Studies) research centre.

The proceedings will open with institutional remarks from Maurizio Renzo Ermeti, Chairman of Italian Exhibition Group, Bruno Bettelli, Chairman of ACIMAC, and representatives of Rimini City Council. Alessandra Pastorelli from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation will give a presentation on initiatives supporting Italian companies abroad and the opportunities arising from the EU-Mercosur agreement, after which ambassadors from South American countries to Italy will take the floor. At 3.25 pm, the ribbon-cutting ceremony will be followed by the resumption of the TECNAwards programme and a roundtable discussion in which four award-winning companies will share their views on the future of the industry.

Wednesday 23 – Raw materials, sourcing and the second day of the TECNAwards

At 10.30 am, a conference entitled Geopolitics, Raw Materials, Energy organised by the Italian Ceramic Society will address the raw materials challenge with a focus on geopolitics, energy and innovation. The conference will be opened by Cristina Siligardi, Chair of the Italian Ceramic Society and Professor at UNIMORE, and moderated by Paola Giacomini, Editor-in-Chief of Ceramic World Review. Among the speakers, Giuliano Ferrari, Vice Chairman of Ceramicolor-Federchimica, will discuss raw material supply challenges. The conference will conclude with a roundtable discussion featuring representatives of Florim Group and Marazzi Group.

At 12.30 pm, Marco Scalari, R&D Director of Surfaces Group, will present DryTech Process, a finishing technology that eliminates the use of water.

In the afternoon, starting at 3.30 pm, the TECNAwards return to the stage. Following the previous day’s focus on the Americas, the second day turns to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Thursday 24 – Logistics, traceability, regulations

At 10.00 am, TECNA and Logisticamente.it will host a conference entitled Manufacturing Intralogistics, examining a key issue for the sector: while ceramic production has become increasingly automated in recent years, internal material handling has lagged behind. The conference will compare technologies and operating models through real-world case studies, with Stefano Bianchi of AB Coplan introducing a speaker line-up that includes Polytec, TecnoFerrari Group, Studio 1 Automazioni Industriali, SACMI Intralogistics and AETNA Group.

At 12.00 pm, Colorobbia and Personas y Tecnología will present a ceramic ink that can be used to apply invisible QR codes to surfaces. Invisible to the naked eye and detectable only under UV light, the codes can withstand firing at over 1,000 °C, making them suitable for traceability and for protecting designs against counterfeiting.

At 2.00 pm, the Pôle Européen de la Céramique will bring together members of its network to discuss decarbonisation, the circular economy and the transformation of the ceramic supply chain.

At 3.45 pm, the ACIMAC Technical Department will address the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 and the Cyber Resilience Act, together with KPMG. These regulatory changes have practical implications for manufacturers, as cyber risk assessment will become part of design processes and technical documentation.

Friday 25 – Data as a competitive advantage

The final day’s conference, entitled Smart Surfaces, is curated by DIW - Digital Industries World and will feature first-hand accounts of digitalisation, servitisation and applied artificial intelligence. It will discuss not only the benefits but also costs, timeframes and resources. Taking to the stage will be Matias Ballardini, Chief Digital Officer of SACMI Imola, Marcello Scalfi from Siemens, Alberto Annovi, Technical and Safety Manager of TecnoFerrari Group, and Claudio Mingazzini, Senior Researcher at ENEA. They will be joined by Marino Crippa, CEO of Miraitek, and Saverio Mottana, CEO of Masco Group Automation. The session will be moderated by Giuseppe Biffi.

In the Decortech arena

Running alongside the main programme on 23 and 24 September, the Decortech Conference – Surfaces made to matter will have its own dedicated arena in Halls B5-D5. It will feature two days of events dedicated to surface design: Materials and Aesthetics on 23 September, curated by Patrizia Catalano, and Materials and Technology on 24 September, curated by Ascanio Zocchi. Closing the day’s events on 23 September will be the CNR - ISSMC Advanced Ceramics workshop, organised in collaboration with BEX - Beyond Exploration Expo.

The full programme is available at www.tecnaexpo.com.

FOCUS ON ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP

Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A. is a joint-stock company listed on Euronext Milan, a regulated market organised and managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A. Over the years it has established itself as a leading organiser of trade fairs and conferences in Italy with venues in Rimini and Vicenza. It has also expanded its international activities, including joint ventures with global and local organisers in countries such as the United States, the United Arab Emirates, China, Mexico, Germany, Singapore and Brazil, positioning itself among Europe’s leading operators in the sector.

FOCUS ON ACIMAC

Acimac is the association of Italian manufacturers of plant, machinery, equipment, semi-finished products, raw materials and services for the ceramic industry (tiles, sanitaryware and tableware), as well as the heavy clay and refractory materials industries. Acimac represents the majority of Italian companies in the sector, from small and medium-sized enterprises to larger corporations. As a member of Confindustria, Acimac forms part of the main representation system for Italian industry.

To stay up to date, visit www.tecnaexpo.com

The TECNAwards 2026, to be held on 22 and 23 September in Hall D3 at the Rimini Expo Centre, will adopt a new format combining awards ceremonies with institutional keynote speeches, Industry Outlook presentations and roundtable discussions. The first day will focus on the Americas, while the second will turn to the rest of the world.

Rimini, 18 September 2026 – Through its international TECNAwards programme, TECNA recognises the most significant technology investments made by exhibiting companies’ customers around the world. The 2026 edition honours investments made during the period 2024-2026. The ceremonies will be held on 22 and 23 September in the TECNA Future Hub in Hall D3 at the Rimini Expo Centre.

In previous editions, the TECNAwards were held on a single day and consisted primarily of the award presentations themselves. This year sees the introduction of a new two-day format combining the presentations with institutional keynote speeches, Industry Outlook reports from the MECS research centre and roundtable discussions featuring the award-winning companies. The two days are also divided up according to geographical area. The 22 September programme focuses on the Americas, while 23 September is dedicated to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

22 September – The Americas

The programme kicks off at 2.30 pm with the inaugural conference featuring opening remarks from Maurizio Renzo Ermeti, Chairman of Italian Exhibition Group, Bruno Bettelli, Chairman of ACIMAC and representatives of Rimini City Council. They will be joined by the Honorary Consul of Brazil in Bologna and the Ambassador of Mexico to Italy, who will present awards to the winners from their respective countries.

Next up, Alessandra Pastorelli, Head of the Office for Guidance and Supervision of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, will give a keynote speech on the opportunities arising from the EU-Mercosur agreement. Genaro Lozano, Ambassador of Mexico to Italy, will speak at 3.00 pm, followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3.20 pm.

The awards ceremony opens at 3.30 pm with the presentation of the TECNAwards to six companies from Brazil, this year’s Country of Honour. The winners are: Delta Industria Ceramica, represented by President Eder Pereira; Ceramica Villagres, represented by President Vanderli Vitorio della Coletta and CEO Felipe Buschinelli della Coletta; Ceramica Carmelo Fior, represented by Commercial Director Gerson Luis da Silveira; Lef Pisos e Revestimentos, represented by CEO Luiz Fernando Ortigossa; Embramaco, represented by Industrial Director Mauro Palma; and Incepa, represented by Industrial Director Kirtus Kampmann. The awards will be presented by Marcus Vinicius de Menezes, Honorary Consul of Brazil in Bologna.

At 3.50 pm, Luca Baraldi from the MECS research centre will present an Industry Outlook on the ceramic market in the Americas. This will be followed at 4.00 pm by a roundtable discussion, where Lourdes SPL, represented by President Jorge Gallo, Grupo Corona, represented by COO Jaime Alberto Angel Mejia, and Florida Tiles will explore the future of the industry together with the Chairman of ACIMAC.

The second round of awards for the Americas will begin at 4.40 pm. The New Plant award goes to Ceramica Lourdes SPL from Argentina, while Graiman from Ecuador and Florida Tiles from the USA will receive the New Technology awards. Ambassador Lozano will present the Italian Technology Ambassador award to Mexican company Interceramic. The Sanitaryware category award will go to Grupo Corona from Colombia, while Argentine firm Palmar will receive the Heavy Clay award.

At 5.00 pm, Mauro Vandini, President of the Global Ceramic division of Mohawk Industries, will be named Tile Person of the Year in recognition of his managerial expertise and strategic vision, his prominent role in the international ceramic industry and his in-depth knowledge of the North and South American markets. The award will be presented by ACIMAC Chairman Bruno Bettelli.

23 September – Rest of the world

The second day begins at 3.30 pm with the Made in Italy Champion award, which goes to Italgraniti in recognition of its ongoing commitment to investing in innovation and advanced Italian technology in pursuit of manufacturing excellence.

At 4.00 pm, Luca Baraldi will present his second Industry Outlook, focusing on Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, followed at 4.20 pm by the most extensive round of awards in the two-day programme. The New Technology awards go to Royal Ceramics from Vietnam, DBL Ceramics from Bangladesh and Zanobia from Syria. Mountain Ceramics Company from Rwanda will receive the New Plant award, while Poulina Group from Tunisia and Nature Brique from Benin will receive the Heavy Clay awards. The Italian Technology Ambassador awards go to Simpolo (India), RAK Ceramics (United Arab Emirates), Guocera (Malaysia), NG Kutahya (Turkey) and Ceramica Cleopatra (Egypt). The first part of the ceremony will conclude with the Tile Person of the Year award for Asia, which goes to Tho Tuck Foo, General Manager of PT Satyaraya Keramindoindah in Indonesia.

At 4.40 pm, the international roundtable discussion will bring together three of the award-winning companies: Ceramica Cleopatra, represented by Vice Chair Daniela Rebottini, RAK Ceramics, represented by CEO Abdallah Massaad, and NG Kutahya, represented by Chairman Erkan Gural.

At 5.20 pm, the focus shifts to Europe with the presentation of the New Technology award to Energieker, the Innovative Product award to Spanish firm Argenta Ceramica and the Sustainability award to Florim. Spas Shopov of Bulgarian company Izida Ceramica will receive the accolade of European Tile Person of the Year. Finally, the Sustainability Ambassador award goes to Italcer Group and will be collected by CEO Graziano Verdi.

At 5.40 pm, Verdi will remain on stage to give the closing keynote address in his dual capacity as Chairman of CET and CEO of Italcer Group.

The two-day programme will conclude with the Tecnaperitivo at 6.00 pm.

FOCUS ON ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP

Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A. is a joint-stock company listed on Euronext Milan, a regulated market organised and managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A. Over the years it has established itself as a leading organiser of trade fairs and conferences in Italy with venues in Rimini and Vicenza. It has also expanded its international activities, including joint ventures with global and local organisers in countries such as the United States, the United Arab Emirates, China, Mexico, Germany, Singapore and Brazil, positioning itself among Europe’s leading operators in the sector.

FOCUS ON ACIMAC

Acimac is the association of Italian manufacturers of plant, machinery, equipment, semi-finished products, raw materials and services for the ceramic industry (tiles, sanitaryware and tableware), as well as the heavy clay and refractory materials industries. Acimac represents the majority of Italian companies in the sector, from small and medium-sized enterprises to larger corporations. As a member of Confindustria, Acimac forms part of the main representation system for Italian industry.

To stay up to date, visit www.tecnaexpo.com

On 23 and 24 September, during the 29th edition of TECNA 2026 - The Global Expo for ceramics and more, a dedicated arena will host two days of sessions on materials, aesthetics and technology. For the first time, the programme has been curated by a Technical Committee and organised by application sector rather than by material.

Rimini, 10 September 2026 – From 22 to 25 September 2026, the Rimini Expo Centre will host the 29th edition of TECNA - The Global Expo for ceramics and more, organised by IEG - Italian Exhibition Group in collaboration with ACIMAC. On 23 and 24 September, the two central days of the show, the Decortech Conference will focus on surface innovation, decoration and design in its own arena and exhibition area in Halls B5-D5.

What is Decortech and what’s new in 2026?

First launched in 2022 and now in its third edition, the Decortech Conference brings together leading technology companies, architecture practices, universities, associations and training institutions to explore aesthetic trends and the latest solutions for surface customisation and design. The 2026 slogan, Surfaces made to matter, expresses the event’s aim of moving beyond the purely aesthetic aspects of decoration and exploring how technology can combine design and performance in surfaces.

The biggest change this year is the way the programme has been structured. For the first time, the two-day programme has been drawn up by a Technical Committee consisting of industry professionals and leading associations and companies, including Ceramicolor-Federchimica, GIMAV, FESPA Italia, ACIMAC, Torrecid, Cefla Finishing, Biesse, ADI, Metis Systems and IEG. The committee selected the topics and speakers to ensure that every session is grounded in genuine innovation.

The underlying concept has also changed. Rather than a vertical, material-based approach, Decortech is now organising its content by application sector, reflecting the way that technology manufacturers are increasingly focusing on end-use industries rather than on individual materials. The result is a greater emphasis on multi-material solutions and a clear focus on two target industries: Housing & Interior Components and the Space Industry, which is also linked to BEX – Beyond Exploration Expo, the new space economy exhibition running concurrently in the Rimini Expo Centre. Each session follows a common format that brings together design, technology and research before concluding with a discussion.

23 September – Materials and Aesthetics

The first day is curated and moderated by Patrizia Catalano, a journalist and contributor to Interni who also serves on the Technical Committee as Head of Content. Starting at 10.15 am, the Designing Surfaces session explores the shift away from a formalist approach centred on an object’s appearance towards a greater emphasis on material as a defining element of architecture and interior design. The speakers are Francesco Zurlo, Dean of the School of Design at the Polytechnic University of Milan, who will examine how strategic design can drive innovation in surfaces and finishes, and Duccio Grassi, founder of Duccio Grassi Architects, who will discuss retail design as a testing ground for emerging interior trends.

In the following session entitled Research, Innovation, Sustainability, Antonio De Antonis, President of AIPI and Vice President of EIDD Design for All, will reflect on surfaces as an interface between architecture and people; Marina Cella, an architect at External Reference (Barcelona), will present biodegradable surface coverings made from agri-food waste as part of the Closing Circle Beauty project developed at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia; and Giacomo Geroldi, Project Director at Park Associati, will discuss the work of the Park Materials department and the practice’s materials library.

In the afternoon, starting at 2.00 pm, Interior & Outdoor will focus on the structural and technological potential of new surface materials, with talks by Armando Bruno, CEO of Studio Marco Piva, Henza Sabry of Distance Studio Consultants (Cairo) and Mario Bisson, Associate Professor at the Department of Design at the Polytechnic University of Milan. Bisson will present research from the Colour Laboratory and the EDME laboratory on CMF (Colour, Material, Finishing) Design and multisensory perception. The day concludes at 4.00 pm with the Advanced Ceramics and Composites workshop: a materials platform for next-generation aerospace and beyond, organised by the CNR (National Research Council of Italy) – ISSMC (Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for the Development of Ceramic Materials) and highlighting the connections between advanced manufacturing and the space economy.

“The first day, which I am curating, centres on design and the quality that good design can bring to a project,” explains Patrizia Catalano. “We will involve leading Italian and international practices, looking both at emerging markets such as Morocco, Egypt and the Middle East and at more established markets such as the United States, China and Japan. The common thread is experience: in an age of information overload, designers need clear points of reference and tangible experiences. This is what makes the conference an opportunity for learning and professional growth.”

24 September – Materials and Technology

The second day is curated and moderated by Ascanio Zocchi, designer and founder of Ascanio Zocchi Design, who is also a member of the Technical Committee as Head of Content.
The first session, Evolving Nature, focuses on wood. Flavio Borghesi, Marketing Manager at TABU, will explore the colour effects that make wood surfaces unique; Monica Scioni, CEO of OT-LAS, will present CO₂ laser systems for the decorative and functional treatment of materials; Evgeny Borovin, R&D Engineer at X-LAM Dolomiti, will present Supertimber, a material as light as wood and as strong as steel; and Giorgia Zanelli, Finishing Product Manager at SCM Group, will demonstrate how laser and UV systems can be combined to enhance wood and mineral surfaces, producing ultra-matt and tactile effects.

At 11.15 am, Transparency and Sustainability shifts the focus to glass. Vincenzo Maria Sglavo, professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Trento, will explore the material’s paradoxical role as an invisible physical barrier, while Claudio Zanchetta, Paolo Bartoli and Giacomo Venturini will present a case study involving Forel Spa and Vetreria Valmarecchia.

Starting at 2.00 pm, the Material and Immaterial session explores the digital transformation of design. Alex Terzariol, industrial designer and General Manager at MM Design, will discuss the interaction between technology and visual perception; Manwen Li, Senior Director of Product Management at Material Bank (Miami), will explain how digitalisation, 3D and artificial intelligence are redefining the way materials are created and specified; Massimo Colombo, Sales Manager at Metis Systems, will discuss high-resolution scanning of textured materials; and Anastasia Folak, Strategy & Commercial Intelligence Manager at Saueressig, will talk about generating design variants from real material references.

“This second day of the Decortech Conference is envisaged as a journey through nature, human ingenuity and innovation,” says Ascanio Zocchi. “It will explore the design and technological aspects of natural and man-made materials that contribute to better design and everyday wellbeing. Starting with wood, a naturally sustainable material, we move on to glass, whose transparency makes it a natural choice for contemporary architecture and interior design. The programme then explores engineered materials, created to inspire the designers and companies of today and tomorrow. We will also discuss the new frontier in design opened up by artificial intelligence.”

The Decortech Conference reaffirms the role of TECNA 2026 not only as a technology showcase but also as a platform for knowledge sharing and strategic insight across the entire surfaces supply chain.

FOCUS ON ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP

Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A., a joint-stock company listed on Euronext Milan, a regulated market organised and managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A., has established itself over the years as a leading organiser of trade fairs and conferences in Italy through its Rimini and Vicenza venues. It has also expanded its international activities, including through joint ventures with global and local organisers in countries such as the United States, the United Arab Emirates, China, Mexico, Germany, Singapore and Brazil, positioning itself among Europe’s leading operators in the sector.

FOCUS ON ACIMAC

Acimac is the association of Italian manufacturers of plant, machinery, equipment, semi-finished products, raw materials and services for the ceramic industry (tiles, sanitaryware and tableware), as well as the heavy clay and refractory materials industries. Acimac represents the majority of Italian companies in the sector, from small and medium-sized enterprises to larger corporations. As a member of Confindustria, Acimac forms part of the main representation system for Italian industry.

To stay up to date, visit www.tecnaexpo.com

Three weeks before it is due to open, the 29th edition of “The Global Expo for Ceramics and more” is reporting twice as many selected international buyers as the previous edition, along with growing numbers of visitor pre-registrations and a strong overseas presence.

Rimini, 4 September 2026 – TECNA – The Global Expo for Ceramics and more will open in the Rimini Expo Centre in less than three weeks, running from 22 to 25 September 2026. Early figures point to an edition with a particularly strong international visitor presence. The 29th edition of the show, organised by IEG – Italian Exhibition Group in partnership with ACIMAC, reaffirms TECNA’s position as a global reference point for technologies, plant, aesthetics and design for the ceramic and heavy clay industries, attracting qualified industry professionals from all over the world.

The clearest sign of TECNA’s growing international reach comes from its buyer programme, a free service that enables exhibitors to meet international purchasing decision-makers at the event. While the previous edition brought 110 selected international professionals to Rimini, the ambitious goal for 2026 was to double that figure. Thanks to close collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), this target has been exceeded and more than 250 international buyers representing 44 countries are expected to attend.

The buyer programme is accompanied by a dedicated digital platform for exhibitors, which allows them to view buyer profiles and request B2B meetings. More than 900 meeting requests were submitted within the first few hours of its launch on 26 August, a clear sign of strong mutual interest between buyers and suppliers. In addition, 32 ceramic producer associations from around the world have confirmed their participation at the event.

The significance of these figures goes beyond sheer numbers. Buyers come from a remarkably broad range of markets, with particularly strong participation from several key regions. North Africa, Central and South Asia – especially India – and Latin America together account for more than half of the selected buyers. Latin America is one of the most dynamic and best represented regions, prompting a specific focus on Mercosur at this year’s show. The region is currently one of the markets attracting the greatest interest from the surfaces industry and Italian technology suppliers.

This attention is also reflected in the event programme. The first day of the TECNAwards on 22 September will be dedicated to the Americas, with an in-depth look at the Mercosur Agreement and the geopolitical developments reshaping the sector. On 23 September, the focus will broaden to Europe, Asia and Africa.

“The presence of twice as many international buyers as at previous editions and the wide range of regions represented send a clear message: interest in technological innovation is extremely high worldwide, and Italy continues to be seen as a key reference point,” comments Gian Paolo Crasta, Director of ACIMAC. “This interest spans Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, with Mercosur receiving particular attention at this edition. TECNA is once again fulfilling its role as the place where the global surfaces supply chain comes together to exchange ideas and gain an early sense of where the industry is heading.”

Visitor pre-registration figures are equally encouraging. As of 28 August 2026, visitor pre-registrations were 10% higher than at the same stage before the previous edition, with around half coming from overseas. These international pre-registrations span 85 countries across Europe, the Mediterranean region, North Africa, the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia and the Americas.

Three weeks before opening, these figures point to a strong edition and confirm TECNA’s ability to attract international buyers seeking new technology.

Overall, these positive indicators reinforce TECNA 2026’s position as one of the sector’s leading international events, not just as a technology showcase but also as a platform for business, knowledge sharing and strategic insight across the entire surfaces supply chain.

FOCUS ON ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP

Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A., a joint-stock company listed on Euronext Milan, a regulated market organised and managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A., has established itself over the years as a leading organiser of trade fairs and conferences in Italy through its Rimini and Vicenza venues. It has also expanded its international activities, including through joint ventures with global and local organisers in countries such as the United States, the United Arab Emirates, China, Mexico, Germany, Singapore and Brazil, positioning itself among Europe’s leading operators in the sector.

FOCUS ON ACIMAC

Acimac is the association of Italian manufacturers of plant, machinery, equipment, semi-finished products, raw materials and services for the ceramic industry (tiles, sanitaryware and tableware), as well as the heavy clay and refractory materials industries. Acimac represents the majority of Italian companies in the sector, from small and medium-sized enterprises to larger corporations. As a member of Confindustria, Acimac forms part of the main representation system for Italian industry.

To stay up to date, visit www.tecnaexpo.com

The 29th edition of TECNA – The Global Expo for ceramics and more will take place at the Rimini Expo Centre from 22 to 25 September 2026. Major new features include the return of glaze and colour producers and chemical additive manufacturers, alongside a completely redesigned Decortech Conference.

Rimini, 23 June 2026 – From 22 to 25 September 2026, the Rimini Expo Centre will host the 29th edition of TECNA – The Global Expo for ceramics and more, organised by IEG – Italian Exhibition Group in collaboration with ACIMAC. A global benchmark for technology, machinery, aesthetics and design in the ceramic and heavy clay industries for over forty years, TECNA will return in 2026 with an even more comprehensive exhibition offering.

The return of glaze and colour producers and chemical additive manufacturers

One of the most significant developments at this edition of TECNA is the return of glaze and colour producers and chemical additive manufacturers, a clear signal of the entire supply chain’s desire to join forces and work as a system. Leading names in the sector have already confirmed their participation.

Ceramicolor-Federchimica, the Italian association of ceramic glaze and colour producers and metal oxide manufacturers, will not only sit on the Technical Committee for the Decortech Conference but will also have a 100-square-metre stand where visitors will be able to discover the latest industry innovations first hand.

As the association’s Chairman Pierluigi Ghirelli noted: “TECNA 2026 is a very important event for Ceramicolor because it brings together expertise, technologies and visions that contribute to the evolution of the entire ceramic supply chain. As an association, our role is to promote the wealth of knowledge of our member companies, foster dialogue between the various players in the industry and support the growth of a sector whose most distinctive strengths include colour, research and the quality of Made in Italy. Our participation in the exhibition will provide an opportunity for us to reaffirm the importance of working as a system, from training new generations and enhancing the district’s expertise to fostering collaboration between companies, institutions and the research world. It is through this shared path that Ceramicolor intends to contribute to the future of the Italian ceramic industry, strengthening its identity, competitiveness and capacity for innovation in international markets.”

Simone Tassi, Ceramic Division Director at Lamberti Group, emphasised the importance of dialogue across the supply chain. “TECNA represents a vital opportunity for Lamberti to engage with the entire international ceramic supply chain. In a constantly evolving scenario, we believe that true value comes from the ability to connect innovation, proximity and expertise in order to respond effectively to emerging market demands. In Rimini, we will be presenting CORE, our vision of Smart Chemistry: a range of highly concentrated products and solutions designed to simplify processes, optimise logistics and generate value throughout the ceramic supply chain. Thanks to advanced formulations and a network of manufacturing hubs in all the major ceramic districts, we concentrate our expertise where it creates the greatest value: with our customers, their processes and their applications. Because we believe the future of ceramics will be built by focusing value where it matters most.”

Smaltochimica has also announced that it will be back this year. “Smaltochimica’s return to TECNA 2026 stems from the conviction that today, more than ever, we need to work together and support the entire ceramic supply chain,” explained Dr Chiara Piccinini, Owner and Head of Marketing & Communications at Smaltochimica S.r.l. “From manufacturing technologies and additives to glaze and colour producers, graphic design studios and tile manufacturers, every link in the chain contributes to the sector’s growth, innovation and competitiveness. TECNA represents an important opportunity to enhance these synergies, foster dialogue between companies and underline the fact that future challenges can only be addressed through collaboration, shared expertise and a common vision. This is why we have chosen to participate and contribute to a strategic event for the entire sector.”

Altadia Group has also chosen to take part in TECNA and will be present in Rimini with a 100 square metre stand entirely dedicated to innovation and managed by its Innovation Team, the multidisciplinary group responsible for all of Altadia’s new research projects. “TECNA is the ideal showcase for discussing technological innovation in the ceramic sector,” explained Alessandro Ferrari, CEO of Altadia Italia and Chief Innovation & Technology Officer at Altadia. “For this reason, we will be presenting a spin-off of our new Global Innovation Hub, the centre where all technological Research and Development for the Altadia Group worldwide will be concentrated and which is due to be inaugurated in Sassuolo during the same period.”

Zschimmer & Schwarz – Z&S Ceramco is another major name that will be back at TECNA. “Returning to TECNA is a natural and carefully considered choice for Zschimmer & Schwarz,” said Pierluigi Ghirelli, Managing Director of Z&S Ceramco. “Although we have continued to work closely with the ceramic supply chain, in recent years we have chosen to focus on other industry events. Today, we feel the time is right to return to TECNA, to engage with the industry and present our company and our latest innovations.”

The participation of glaze and colour producers and chemical additive manufacturers underscores TECNA 2026’s role as a strategic meeting point for the entire surfaces supply chain, enriching the exhibition and conference programme built around the Decortech Conference, a two-day event dedicated to materials, aesthetics, technology, trends and design.

FOCUS ON ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP

Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A., a joint-stock company listed on Euronext Milan, a regulated market organised and managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A., has established itself over the years as a leading organiser of trade fairs and conferences in Italy through its Rimini and Vicenza venues. It has also expanded its international activities, including through joint ventures with global and local organisers in countries such as the United States, the United Arab Emirates, China, Mexico, Germany, Singapore and Brazil, positioning itself among Europe’s leading operators in the sector.

FOCUS ON ACIMAC

Acimac is the association of Italian manufacturers of plant, machinery, equipment, semi-finished products, raw materials and services for the ceramic industry (tiles, sanitaryware and tableware), as well as the heavy clay and refractory materials industries. Acimac represents the majority of Italian companies in the sector, from small and medium-sized enterprises to larger corporations. As a member of Confindustria, Acimac forms part of the main representation system for Italian industry.

To stay up to date, visit www.tecnaexpo.com

The 29th edition of the Global Expo for ceramics and more returns to Rimini from 22 to 25 September with a completely new programme of conferences, seminars and awards

(Rimini, May 15, 2026) – Tecna, the Global Expo for ceramics and more, returns to Rimini from 22 to 25 September 2026 for its 29th edition. The show will welcome the leading players in the surfaces industry with a packed programme of events, including technical conferences, panel discussions, seminars and a completely redesigned format for the TECNAwards. The programme confirms Tecna’s role as not just a technological showcase but a platform for sharing knowledge and a strategic vision for the entire supply chain.

The exhibition is organised by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) in collaboration with Acimac (Italian Ceramic Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers’ Association).

TECNAwards: a completely new format

The programme opens with the TECNAwards, the international recognition that Tecna bestows on the most significant technological investments made by exhibitors’ customers. For 2026, the format has been completely reimagined with a more extensive and detailed schedule extending over two days, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 September.

The first day will coincide with the exhibition’s inaugural conference; the awards will focus on the Americas, specifically the Mercosur Agreement, alongside panel discussions on the geopolitical scenarios reshaping the industry. On the second day, the focus will shift to Europe and Asia, where demand for technology continues to grow.

By celebrating excellence in a sector that continues to invest in innovation, the awards play an essential role in cementing Tecna’s status as a bridge between technology suppliers and ceramic manufacturers.

Technical conferences and new events

The technical conference programme will run for the entire duration of the exhibition, with sessions dedicated to key issues for the sector. Wednesday 23 September will begin with a conference on raw materials, addressing supply chain challenges and strategies to secure supply and competitiveness. Over the following days, the schedule will continue with sessions on intralogistics, digitalisation and new production models (Macchine X), as well as a presentation of the European Ceramics Hub project, developed in collaboration with Portugal and Spain. As part of its growing focus on high-performance industrial applications, Tecna will also participate in a conference on advanced ceramics hosted at BEX - Beyond Exploration Expo, the co-located exhibition dedicated to the Space Economy.

Decortech Conference: two days dedicated to the future of surfaces

The Decortech Conference dedicated to innovations in surface decoration and finishing is also returning this year, with a programme curated for the first time by a Technical Committee consisting of leading associations, professionals and companies. The two-day event – scheduled for Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September in the Decortech Arena – will bring together key opinion leaders, including architectural firms, industry experts, technology providers, leading international buyers, universities and training institutions.

This shift reflects Decortech’s ambition to become an international benchmark for the world of surface technology, aesthetics and design, adopting a cross-sector industrial approach rather than a traditional, material-based focus.

At the heart of Surfaces Week

Tecna 2026 is part of Surfaces Week, the most important event on the industry calendar, alongside other leading exhibitions such as Cersaie and Marmomac. It offers a unique opportunity for professionals and international buyers to explore the entire production chain in the space of just a few days and at the same exhibition centre.

The full schedule of events will be announced in the coming weeks.

FOCUS ON ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP

Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A., a joint stock company listed on Euronext Milan, a regulated market organised and managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A., has built up a domestic leadership position in the organisation of trade fairs and congresses over the years with facilities in Rimini and Vicenza. Its international activities, conducted partly through joint ventures with global or local organisers in the United States, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, China, Mexico, Germany, Singapore and Brazil, have established it as one of the leading European players in the sector.

FOCUS ON ACIMAC

ACIMAC is the association of Italian manufacturers of plant, machinery, equipment and semi-finished products and suppliers of raw materials and services for the ceramic (tile, sanitaryware and tableware), heavy clay and refractory materials industries. ACIMAC represents the majority of Italian companies in the sector, from small and medium sized businesses through to the largest firms. ACIMAC is affiliated to the Italian employers’ federation Confindustria, making it an integral part of Italian industry’s system of representation.

To stay up to date, visit www.tecnaexpo.com

Rimini, 1st September 2025 – Tecna, the international exhibition of technologies and supplies for the ceramic and surface industries organised by Italian Exhibition Group in collaboration with Acimac, has announced the dates of its 29th edition: Tuesday 22 to Friday 25 September 2026. The sector’s leading trade fair will once again be held in the Rimini Expo Centre, confirming its key role as a biennial showcase for innovation in ceramic and surface technology.

As in previous years, Tecna will be held during the so-called “surfaces week” in late September when thousands of international buyers travel to Italy for the major surface-related exhibitions, including Cersaie and Marmomac.

The event aims to build on the success of the 2024 edition, which hosted 350 exhibitors (including all the world’s leading manufacturers of plants and production lines for ceramics and surfaces) in 70,000 square metres of exhibition space. The show was attended by more than 18,000 visitors from over 100 countries and featured a packed programme of events addressing the industry’s most topical issues. Once again, Tecna 2024 reaffirmed its position as the go-to exhibition for the Italian ceramic and ceramic machinery industries and consequently as the premier showcase for Italian-made products and technologies.

In 2026, visitors will once again have a chance to explore the latest technological solutions for every stage of the supply chain, from raw materials to digital decoration of ceramic surfaces.

In the run-up to the 2026 edition, Tecna will intensify its international promotional campaign at trade fairs and conferences worldwide. The next appointment is Cersaie, from 22 to 26 September, where Tecna will be present in the Services Centre.

This press release contains forecasts and estimates that reflect the management’s current opinion, particularly with regard to future operating performance, investments, cash flow trends and the evolution of the financial structure. By their nature, forward-looking statements of this kind contain an element of risk and uncertainty because they depend on future events. The actual results may differ significantly from those announced in relation to a number of factors, including, but not limited to: trends in the out-of-home catering market and tourist flows in Italy; trends in the jewellery market; trends in the green economy market; trends in raw materials prices; general macroeconomic conditions; geopolitical factors and changes in the regulatory framework.

FOCUS ON ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP

Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A., a joint stock company listed on Euronext Milan, a regulated market organised and managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A., has, with its facilities in Rimini and Vicenza, achieved national leadership over the years in the organisation of trade shows and conferences. The development of activities abroad - also through joint-ventures with global or local organisers, in the United States, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, China, Mexico, Germany, Singapore, Brazil, for example – now sees the company positioned among the top European operators in the sector.

FOCUS ON ACIMAC

ACIMAC is the association of Italian manufacturers of plant, machinery, equipment and semi-finished products and suppliers of raw materials and services for the ceramic (tile, sanitaryware and tableware), heavy clay and refractory materials industries.

ACIMAC represents the majority of Italian companies in the sector, from small to medium sized businesses through to the largest firms. ACIMAC is affiliated to the Italian employers’ federation Confindustria, making it an integral part of Italian industry’s system of representation.

The sector is the world’s largest system of suppliers to the ceramic industry with a constantly growing export share that today stands at more than two thirds of total turnover thanks to the level of excellence and production of the most competitive plants in the world. Consisting of more than 100 companies with 7,325 employees, in 2023 the industry generated a turnover of 2.35 billion euros with exports accounting for 72% of total volumes.