Record turnout, great innovations, and future visions.
The 62nd edition of the Salone del Mobile.Milano concluded with a record turnout, marking a 17,1% increase compared to the previous year. With a total participation of 361.417 people, representing an increase of 100.000 compared to the 2022 edition, the event saw a significant surge in interest. Particularly noteworthy was the 26,8% increase in professional presences, with 65,8% coming from abroad.
Figures that confirm, yet again, the pivotal role played by the event in the internationalisation of the companies within the industry, the value of the relationship networks and also the catalytic force of an event that has exceeded the boundaries of the trade fair dimension, driven by the second phase of the redesign of the layout and visitor paths in some of the trade fair pavilions, with a special focus on EuroCucina / FTK, Technology For the Kitchen and International Bathroom Exhibition biennials in particular, two sectors strongly committed to experimenting new aesthetics and functions in highly technical projects increasingly geared to a sustainable approach.
2024 saw the return of China as one of the main market geographies, followed by Germany, Spain, Brazil, and other nations. The numerous delegations from the United States, India, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, France, and Saudi Arabia opened new business opportunities for sector companies.
The Salone del Mobile.Milano continued to attract not only industry professionals but also enthusiasts and students, with a significant increase in attendance from both groups. The presence of over 32.000 enthusiasts during the weekend demonstrates the public’s interest in a high-level offering and an international Cultural Programme. In particular, the SaloneSatellite celebrated its 25 years of success, confirming its role as a “factory” of new talents in the design sector.
The new widespread Cultural Programme, coordinated by the Editorial Director & Cultural Events Advisor, Annalisa Rosso, was a great public success. The three main installations of the edition included “Interiors by David Lynch. A Thinking Room,” a regeneration experience led by David Lynch; “Under the Surface” – signed by Accurat, Design Group Italia, and Emiliano Ponzi – which at the International Bathroom Exhibition highlighted the sector’s commitment to water saving, and “All You Have Ever Wanted to Know About Food Design in Six Performances,” a series of reflections on food as a subject of design in an experiential key.
The engaging conversations at “Drafting Futures. Conversations about Next Perspectives” took place in the Arena regenerated by Formafantasma, with illustrious guests such as Pritzker Prize-winner Francis Kéré, John Pawson, Deyan Sudjic, Jeanne Gang, Johanna Agerman Ross, and Hans Ulrich Obrist, who concluded the programme in conversation with Maria Porro, President of the Salone.
There was also great interest in the series of Round Tables held in the Arena, with open discussion between authoritative voices on crucial issues such as the relationship between sailing and design – in collaboration with the Salone Nautico Internazionale di Genova – the potential and risks of artificial intelligence and the latest developments in the hospitality industry, the sectoral macro-trends with Intesa Sanpaolo and a sensory journey in the company of Aesop.
The Salone del Mobile.Milano 2024 marked a turning point in its evolution, confirming its role as an international point of reference for a key industry for the economy, sustainable innovation, and the future of home living. With a successful combination of physical and digital elements, the event has continued to innovate and attract an increasingly audience, demonstrating its ability to adapt to the challenges of the global market. Looking to the future, the next edition, which will be held from April 8th to 13th 2025, promises further developments and opportunities for the sector, always keeping the concept of “Evolution” at its core.
