Press releases

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.