Roadshow 2026: the growth of Ecomondo’s international network

The ecological transition is a global challenge, assuming different forms, priorities and paces depending on the geographical area: encouraging dialogue between businesses, institutions, research centres and innovators from different backgrounds by creating opportunities for discussion is becoming increasingly strategic. This awareness has led to the internationalisation of Ecomondo, Europe’s leading event for the green and circular economy, sponsored by the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG). Alongside the traditional event in Rimini, the network has expanded in recent years to include editions in China and Mexico, and shortly in Canada, accompanied by an increasingly comprehensive programme of international roadshows.

These events are not exclusively promotional in nature, as they aim to build lasting relationships and identify emerging needs: “The goal is to build a permanent international platform dedicated to the ecological transition, capable of connecting regions, technologies and industrial supply chains at a historic juncture in which sustainability is increasingly linked to competitiveness,” as explained by Eleonora Fraternali, Marketing & Communication Manager of IEG’s Green&Tech Division, and Ilaria Messori, International Buyer Community Coordinator at IEG.





Which strategic vision is guiding Ecomondo’s expansion, and how does the Rimini trade fair fit into this global network?
Eleonora Fraternali – Today, environmental challenges are intertwined with issues of the utmost relevance: access to critical raw materials, security of energy supplies, and the ability of businesses to reduce external dependencies and make production models more resilient. With this in mind, the Ecomondo events in China, Mexico and Canada have been launched; these are not simply new geographical areas to target, but hubs in a single global network that finds its meeting point and strategic focal point in Rimini.

• You may also be interested in: Ecomondo Mexico: a global connection for the circular economy

In 2025, you launched the international roadshow programme, which has expanded this year to include several stops in various countries (here is the full programme). How do these events help to build relationships with local organisations?
Eleonora Fraternali – Roadshows are a natural progression in the process of internationalisation. Simply inviting the market to attend an event is no longer enough: we need to be present on the ground, listen to their needs and engage directly with companies, associations and institutions. This allows us to better understand the priorities of individual markets and present Ecomondo as a venue for international collaboration and networking. Building trust over time is the most important value: relationships begin before the fair and continue well beyond the event.


Which markets do you regard as priorities, and what specific aspects of the green transition are emerging in the various contexts?
Ilaria Messori – Europe remains a strategic market, in particular, countries such as Germany, Spain and Poland. At the same time, we are looking with great interest at the Mediterranean region, the Balkans, the Middle East, North Africa, certain countries in sub-Saharan Africa and some emerging economies in Latin America. There is a growing diversity in needs: in some countries, the priority is the efficiency of recycling supply chains and water resource management; in others, important issues such as the recovery of strategic raw materials, the valorisation of organic waste, climate resilience and environmental monitoring are emerging. Ecomondo responds to this complexity by facilitating dialogue between technologies, expertise and development models from different geographical contexts. Especially for certain developing economies, it is a platform that opens up real and practical opportunities for partnerships and technology transfer.

• You may also be interested in: Italy-Middle East: strategic alliances to tackle future challenges

How is the communication strategy structured?
Eleonora Fraternali – Today, global communication cannot be limited to promoting an event. The real aim is to build a community that identifies with the values and principles of the ecological transition. This is why we combine digital activities, media partnerships, roadshows, participation in industry events and collaborations with associations and institutions across various markets. This ability to keep the dialogue alive throughout the year is what has consolidated Ecomondo’s international standing.


A key theme is the influx of international visitors, which rose by 10% at the last event. In terms of attendance and the quality of contacts, what results are you seeing?
Ilaria Messori – When we speak of incoming tourism, we do not just think in terms of the number of international visitors. We work year-round with institutions, associations, chambers of commerce and local partners to identify buyers, delegations and professionals with a genuine interest in environmental innovation and the business opportunities the event offers. The support of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is fundamental in enabling us to expand our networking activities with each edition. Through the Hosted Buyer programme, business matching activities and an ever-expanding network of international relationships, we facilitate meetings that can develop into long-lasting partnerships. The most significant results are reflected in the quality of the relationships that are forged and continue beyond the event itself.

Looking ahead to the coming years, what will be the main areas of development and what opportunities will arise for Italian businesses?
Eleonora Fraternali – We will keep working to expand our international network, boost our presence in high-potential markets and develop new opportunities for businesses, institutions and innovators to come together. The aim is to make Ecomondo an ever-greater catalyst for opportunities. For Italian businesses, this translates into the ability to capitalise on globally recognised expertise in the sectors of the circular economy, resource management, water treatment, recycling and environmental technologies, transforming it into new partnerships and growth opportunities in foreign markets.
Article written by Maria Carla Rota

This blog is a joint project by Ecomondo and Renewable Matter