A Record-Breaking 2024: Salone del Mobile.Milano Sees 20.2% Increase in Attendance

The Salone del Mobile.Milano closed its doors with a remarkable 20.2% increase in attendance compared to the previous year, marking a bumper year for trade operators as well, with a notable 28.6% rise in participation.

With data collected as of 6:30 pm on April 21, 2024, the event recorded a total of 370,824 attendees, with 53.9% coming from abroad. The Salone del Mobile continues to affirm its position as an international focal point for the economy, sustainable innovation, and the future of home living. The success of the event can be attributed to various factors, including the presence of 1,950 exhibitors from 35 different countries, an engaging Cultural Programme, and a focus on evolution from design to experience.

The 2024 edition of the Salone del Mobile.Milano witnessed a record turnout, with a staggering 370,824 attendees overall, representing an increase of 20.2% compared to 2023 and an impressive 110,000 more attendees than in 2022. Professional presences saw a significant rise of 28.6%, with 65.6% of them originating from abroad. These figures underscore the crucial role of the event in the internationalization of companies within the industry, fostering valuable networking opportunities and driving innovation.

Among the top 15 market geographies, China made a notable comeback, followed by Germany, Spain, Brazil, France, the United States, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, India, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, and Romania. This diverse representation opened up new business prospects, facilitated by delegations from key countries such as the United States, India, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, France, and Saudi Arabia.

The media presence at the event also saw an increase, with 5,552 accredited journalists and communication professionals attending, totaling 6,976 presences, 49.8% of which were from abroad. This heightened media interest reflects the event’s success in showcasing new design frontiers to a global audience.

Public interest remained strong over the weekend, with 36,122 enthusiasts attending the fair, highlighting the broad appeal of the event beyond industry professionals. The Cultural Programme, featuring international offerings, served as a magnet for design aficionados seeking inspiration and thought-provoking experiences.

The number of Italian and foreign students also saw an uptick, reaching 14,683, including 9,066 Italians, a 35.9% increase. This growth reflects the enduring appeal of the sector and the role of events like SaloneSatellite in nurturing young talent and fostering interdisciplinary skills aligned with future trends.

Digital engagement surpassed expectations, with over 1 million interactions recorded, marking a 50% increase from 2023. The event’s multichannel platform saw a 60% engagement rate and generated 90 million impressions, a 15% increase from the previous year. The app proved particularly popular for its matchmaking feature, which saw a rise of over 39%, and interactive map navigation, with over 450,000 searches.

Maria Porro, President of the Salone del Mobile.Milano, expressed her satisfaction with the record-breaking edition, emphasizing its role as a global platform for dialogue and innovation. She underscored the event’s significance in fostering connections, driving competitiveness, and promoting cultural exchange.

Claudio Feltrin, President of Federlegno Arredo, echoed Porro’s sentiments, praising the exceptional work of exhibitors and reaffirming the Salone’s status as the premier international trade fair for the industry.

The event also received recognition from high ranking government and institutional figures, including the Minister for Business and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, who chose the Salone del Mobile.Milano to celebrate the country’s First National Made in Italy Day. The support of the ITA - Italian Trade Agency and collaboration with Rho Fiera Milano were instrumental in the event’s success, further solidifying its international reputation and impact.