The events, taking place on 10 and 11 August, are organised by Camera di Commercio delle Marche, the regional Chamber of Commerce for the Marche region of central Italy.
The three events, focusing on fashion, design, and training camps, will showcase what the Marche region has to offer in a trade-focused setting that aims to foster business opportunities and exchanges between Italy and the UK.
The design programme will start on Monday, 10 August at 10am with Gianluca Sfratato, interaction designer and regional coordinator of the Industrial Design Association (ADIMAM), discussing the excellence and cutting-edge innovation of the region, across design products and brands.
He will be followed by Alessio Gnaccarini, general director of Cosmob, an accredited technology centre and testing laboratory specialising in the furniture industry and ‘Made in Italy’ certifications.
The two keynotes will be followed by a series of talks from Marche-based designers and industry representatives, offering further insights into the region's creative and manufacturing excellence.
Confirmed speakers include Viola Tonucci, owner of the Tonucci Collection design studio in Pesaro, whose work is featured in the lounge of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and a representative from Fratelli Guzzini, a historic Italian manufacturer founded in 1912 and celebrated internationally for merging bold Italian design with everyday functionality.
The afternoon of fashion will start at 4pm on 10 August with a video presentation, showcasing the history of the Marche’s fashion district, from its artisanal roots to the adoption of the latest technological innovations to create world class products.
Participants will then hear from Italian top model and TV personality Natasha Stefanenko and model turned-fashion-entrepreneur Luca Sabbioni, both ambassadors for the Marche and its footwear and fashion industries.
The event around training camps will take place on Tuesday, 11 August from 5pm where Fabio Romagnoli, president of Marche Regional Committee of the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL), will give an overview of the certified athletics facilities in the Marche region and present the PalaIndoor in Ancona as a centre of excellence for indoor athletics training.
He will be followed by Nicola Vizzoni, silver medallist in the hammer throw at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, and Nicola Silvaggi, FIDAL technical director in 2008-12 and current manager of Throwing Sports at FIDAL, discussing why the region are an ideal destination for athletes seeking world-class training facilities and restorative environments for post-training recovery.
Gino Sabatini, president of the Camera di Commercio delle Marche, said: “We are delighted to bring the Marche’s outstanding fashion, sport and design offering to Casa Atletica Italiana this August.
“The two-day programme of events is intended to introduce UK audiences to the Marche as a region of excellence, from world-class athletes to certified sport facilities; design firms of global renown to outstanding local craft and jewellery.
“In true Italian style, we couldn’t miss the chance to give participants an exceptional gastronomic experience with an Italian aperitivo at the end of each event, as well as sharing a valuable Marche-themed goodie bag.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming trade partners at Casa Atletica Italiana.”
Situated in central Italy, facing the Adriatic sea, the Marche region is one of Italy’s greatest hidden gems.
Famous for its Medieval and Renaissance heritage, culinary tradition, and unspoiled natural landscapes, the region has also been a centre for ‘Made in Italy’ excellence for decades, being home to brands like Tod’s, Hogan, Guzzini, Scavolini, Ernestomeda, and many more.
At the end of each event, there will be an Italian-style aperitivo by the only UK-based Marchigiano restaurant Rossodisera, serving special delicacies from the Marche region and giving participants an opportunity to network.
Participants will also receive an exclusive Marche-themed goodie bag with products worth up to £100, from a design water bottle by Guzzini to an exquisite silk tie or foulard, smartphone accessories and smart tags to other promotional material.
