NEWS

One of the reasons for the success of Cannes 2007 was the efficient organisation of the fair, which was based on the division of tasks between the organisation's board members. Will the board of directors maintain the same organisational structure for the 2008 edition?

Yes, the success of the fair was certainly due to MdM’s excellent organisation, which is thanks to not only effective board members but also an excellent president who coordinates their work skilfully. It is furthermore vital to give full credit to the General Director who, with his personal ability in many areas, has led the team to a very high level with excellent results.

Were exhibitors pleased about the partnership with Carlin, the MarediModa Cannes fair "trendmaker"? Will Carlin be present at the next fair? Will there be changes in this area?

As you know, Carlin managed the trends area for the 2007 fair not only in the beachwear area but for the first time also in the underwear sector, an area that is becoming more and more important for our event. For the next edition in 2008, Carlin's mandate has been confirmed, given the success of their work. The chief innovation for next year will certainly be in the content of this area, which will be enriched and enhanced with the help of the best textiles developed by the promoters (that is, the exhibitors) of this important exhibition.

How is the sponsorship sector developing under your management?

The sponsorship sector is developing well. We have received a good level of interest from a wide variety of companies from different sectors, which all share the wish to link themselves to an elite event with elite products. Our visitors represent the very best of the global Beachwear and Lingerie business, and the interested sponsors are companies aiming at this target market. We are increasingly focusing on this aspect, given the year-round impact of the MdM and IdM event.

What are the objectives and the advantages of a "broad sponsorship" which supports not only the textile sector but the whole philosophy of the MarediModa fairs?

As I have already said, in part, the objectives are simple: to aim for the top, with the highest level of product content, to obtain the best possible results from a user who wants not only to feel good but also to continually improve, creating a unique and unmistakeable style. The most worrying global competition comes from materials that are generally of mid-to-low quality, with a lack of creativity, and based in the Far East. The road to follow is doubtless that of research, quality, harmony, willingness to work together, based on the continuous improvement of the product and of service for the end client. This philosophy is now followed by many companies, not only in the textile sector but also in many other industries. It is this philosophy that unites these companies and the products made by the individual companies that make the difference. The sponsors we need must follow this philosophy: it is not important what sector they come from, but to whom they aim their products.

April 2008