After 30 years working with the footwear industry, there is one thing we know for sure: a trade fair is not measured only by what happens inside a stand.

SIMAC 2026 gave us the opportunity to meet again in Milan with customers, partners and professionals with whom we have shared many years in the industry. Some stopped by our stand; others we ran into in the aisles. Spontaneous conversations, reunions and connections that are part of three decades working within this industry.

And it is precisely this direct, face-to-face contact that continues to have a value that is difficult to replace.

30 years mean many familiar faces

When you have spent three decades working in an industry as specialised as footwear, a trade fair takes on a different dimension.

It is not only about presenting a solution or giving a demonstration. It is also about reconnecting with people you have worked with at different points along the way, finding out where their projects stand, exchanging views on how the industry is evolving and starting new conversations.

This year, as we also celebrate our 30th anniversary, SIMAC was a great opportunity to do just that.

When what you do generates interest

Our stand also allowed us to see something we particularly value: there is interest not only in discovering Icad solutions, but also in how we are addressing specific challenges in footwear development and where we are taking the technology next.

During these days, we discussed different processes and industry needs and showcased some of the possibilities currently offered by the Icad Universe.

Icad Evolve played a particularly prominent role, bringing 3D design and 2D pattern engineering together as part of the same connected process. A modification can remain synchronised between both environments and be reflected across other elements of the development process, allowing teams to work on the product without breaking the continuity of the workflow.

But perhaps one of the most interesting signs from these days was seeing that this interest extends beyond customers and visitors.

When others try to follow closely how you do things, how you tackle certain challenges and where you are heading, you know you must be doing something right.

The conversations continue beyond Milan

SIMAC may be over, but many of the conversations started or resumed during these days will continue.

That is what we particularly take away from this edition: the customers we met again, our partners, the people who came to meet us and all those conversations that happen when an industry comes together face to face.

And, of course, a special thank you to Prisma Tech, our Icad agents in Italy, for sharing the stand with us and accompanying us throughout these three days in Milan.

Thank you also to everyone who stopped by our stand and shared part of their time with us.

We leave SIMAC 2026 with conversations worth continuing.