Milan, 5 May 2026 ‒ The tenth edition of MAPIC Italy, the leading business platform dedicated to key players in the commercial real estate and retail market in Italy, will take place from 27 to 28 May 2026 at Rho Fiera Milano.

This year’s theme, “Selectivity, Differentiation, Influence: The New Keys to Growth Strategies,” reflects the evolution of retail in a context increasingly shaped by selective decision-making by both operators and consumers, differentiation of assets and experiences, and the influence strategies required to engage new generations.

Following the growth recorded in recent editions, MAPIC Italy is taking a significant step forward, with 2,200 participants expected, including 750 retailers, food & beverage brands and leisure operators, as well as 80 exhibitors. The move to a larger venue responds to strong market demand and confirms the event’s role as a strategic hub for retail development in Italy.

A conference program to understand the future of retail

The 2026 edition places networking and business opportunities at its core, introducing new formats designed to facilitate connections between supply and demand and to highlight the most innovative dynamics in the sector.

The opening conference will provide an in-depth analysis of the Italian retail real estate market, delivered by three leading industry figures: Davide Dalmiglio, Managing Director & CEO Italy at Savills, Joachim Sandberg, Head of Italy at Cushman & Wakefield and Mirko Baldini, CEO of CBRE Italy.

This session will offer an up-to-date overview of investment dynamics, capital flows and the key trends reshaping the sector in 2026, confirming Italy’s attractiveness for both domestic and international investors.

This will be followed by sessions focusing on successful retail strategies, featuring direct contributions from operators active in the Italian market, including Khardiata Ndoye, General Manager of Kiabi Italy and Nicolas Pellegrini, Director of Global Expansion at Adopt Parfum. They will share experiences and growth models, with particular attention to evolving consumer behavior and the increasing role of Generation Z.

Customer experience as a strategic lever for differentiating retail destinations, along with advanced partnership models between brands and landlords, will be the focus of the traditional plenary session organized by CNCC. Speakers will include brands such as LPP Italy, UCI Cinema, Teddy Group and dm drogerie, alongside landlords including IGD, Klépierre, Bennet and ECE.

Finally, in line with the event’s theme, the session curated by Confimprese will explore the concept of influence in contemporary retail, analyzing the drivers behind consumer choices and brand positioning strategies.

New formats and networking: valuable connections at the core

MAPIC Italy 2026 further strengthens its role by introducing and consolidating formats designed to foster strategic meetings and tangible business opportunities.

Among the main new features, the first edition of the Italian Outlet Summit will focus on one of the most dynamic segments of the European market, offering insights into trends, development prospects and opportunities for operators. Participants include Antoine Frey, CEO of Groupe Frey, which has recently entered the Italian market.

The International Retailers Networking Event returns for its second edition, providing an exclusive platform for international brands interested in expanding into Italy to connect with landlords, partners and local operators. Confirmed participants include Miniso (China), Fun Oasis (Saudi Arabia), HalfPrice (Poland), Dr Russo Skin Experts (UK), Adopt Parfum (France), BattleKart (France), Tea Shop (Spain), O’Tacos (France), Tamaris (Germany), IVIRMA (Spain), Gong Cha (Taiwan) and Big Mamma (France).

Completing the offering, the High Street Lunch - organized with the support of Edares and Cushman & Wakefield - will bring together brokers, high street specialists and retailers interested in Italy’s leading urban destinations, creating a highly qualified environment for dialogue and the development of new business opportunities.

Spotlight on innovation and emerging brands

The program will include several pitching sessions dedicated to both expanding international brands and emerging Italian companies, representing a new generation of retail concepts capable of combining identity, innovation and scalability. These include:

• Open Baladin: a craft brewery and gourmet restaurant founded in Piedmont, producing its own beer and standing out for its blend of brewing culture, quality cuisine and contemporary format.
• Maria di Ripabianca: a women’s footwear brand rooted in Emilia-Romagna, specializing in Made in Italy shoes that combine contemporary design, comfort and artisanal quality.
• Maison Bloom: a premium nursery school based in Milan, distinguished by a modern educational approach and design-led environments focused on children’s well-being.
• Donburi House: a Piedmont-based food concept inspired by Japanese cuisine, focused on donburi and featuring an urban fast-casual format with high-quality ingredients.
• Caffè Carraro: a historic coffee roastery from Veneto, specializing in high-quality blends and recognized for balancing tradition and innovation in the espresso world, now developing its own café format.
• Mària - Il mare fritto ad aria: a street food concept from Southern Italy dedicated to air-fried seafood, offering a lighter, more contemporary alternative to traditional frying. 

Significant attention will also be given to innovation and sustainability, with sessions focused on the most advanced solutions to improve the performance of retail spaces and destinations in a landscape increasingly influenced by technology, artificial intelligence and new consumption models.

An edition to celebrate together

The 2026 edition of MAPIC Italy marks an important milestone for the commercial real estate market in Italy, which continues to demonstrate strength and dynamism. Welcoming Svicom, a leading proptech company, as Global Sponsor on the occasion of its 30th anniversary highlights its long-standing journey to becoming a leading service provider in Italy across the real estate services sector, starting with the retail asset class, and its consistent presence at MAPIC and MAPIC Italy.

“In a market where selectivity drives every decision, the value of a platform like MAPIC Italy lies in the quality of the connections it creates. This year, we wanted a program that goes beyond analysis, bringing the right people to the same table - from the leaders of major advisory firms to emerging brands reshaping Italian retail, and international operators looking at Italy as a strategic market” commented Francesco Pupillo, MAPIC Director.

For more information, please visit mapic-italy.it 

Full program available here: MAPIC Italy – Program 2026*
 

*Program subject to change and updates

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