With over 150 exhibitors expected to welcome around 7,000 visitors from Brazil and around the world over two days—January 21st and 22nd—INSPIRAMAIS is an ode to the resilience of the national fashion supply chain. Severely affected by the floods that devastated Rio Grande do Sul last May, the industry not only managed to recover but also organized an event full of new developments. INSPIRAMAIS opened today (21st) at the FIERGS Events Center in Porto Alegre/RS, and this was the main theme of the speeches given by the show’s organizers.

During the event’s opening, Gerson Berwanger, president of the Brazilian Association of Companies of Components for Leather, Footwear, and Artifacts (Assintecal), was emphatic in expressing his pride in being part of an ecosystem that has made resilience its watchword. “Last year, this very place where we are holding this opening had two meters of water. With the help of important partners, we managed to bring a thriving event back to FIERGS, showcasing all the innovation and sustainability in materials for the footwear, apparel, furniture, upholstery, and jewelry industries,” he highlighted.

Detailing the projects featured at the show, Silvana Dilly, Assintecal’s superintendent, emphasized the broader scope of INSPIRAMAIS, which in this edition included the automotive upholstery segment. “The versatility of our industry’s materials is a tool for competitiveness,” she said.

Respira Acre

Dilly also highlighted projects like Respira Acre, which brought 18 biomaterials from the Amazon rainforest to the show, demonstrating how it is possible to make sustainable use of Brazil’s vast natural resources. “In my more than 20 years with the association, this is the most beautiful project, the one with the most meaning,” she added.

ApexBrasil, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, which partners with Assintecal on the project, was present with its president, Jorge Viana. A native of Acre, Viana said he was moved by Respira Acre and promised to take it to Cop30, which will take place in Belém/PA in November. “I also want to highlight the Buyer Project, carried out by Assintecal and ApexBrasil, which enabled 23 international groups to come to the show to do business,” he commented.

Also participating in the INSPIRAMAIS opening were Walter Rodrigues, coordinator of Assintecal’s Research and Design Hub, as well as leaders from Sebrae Nacional, the Center for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB), and the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (Abit), all partner entities in organizing the event.

INSPIRAMAIS runs until tomorrow, the 22nd. Registration is free on the website at www.inspiramais.com.br.