As autumn settles across Italy, two of the country’s most celebrated trade fairs are opening their doors, drawing crowds from around the world and shining a spotlight on the evolving worlds of hospitality, furniture, and design. Host Milano, the global fair dedicated to the restaurant and hospitality sectors, kicked off its 2025 edition on October 17 at Rho Fiera, just outside Milan, and will run until October 21. Meanwhile, Moacasa—an event marking a remarkable 50 years of innovation in furniture and interior design—will take place from October 25 to November 2 at Fiera di Roma, promising a showcase of both tradition and cutting-edge creativity.
Host Milano’s opening ceremony was a who’s who of Italian public and business life. Among those present were Milan’s Mayor Giuseppe Sala, Attilio Fontana (President of the Lombardy Region), Giovanni Bozzetti (President of Fondazione Fiera Milano), Mauro Battocchi (Director General for the Promotion of the Country System, Maeci), and Roberto Foresti (Deputy General Director of Fiera Milano). The event, renowned for its international reach, is positioning itself to become even more global. According to Roberto Foresti, “Host will become an increasingly international platform. In December we will be in one of the emerging markets, Saudi Arabia, and next year in the United States.”
This ambition to expand beyond Italy’s borders comes at a time when the Milan fair system is already a powerhouse. Giovanni Bozzetti underscored its economic might, noting that “the Milan fair system generates 47 billion euros annually for participating companies, with 17 billion euros directed to exports. It attracts 4.5 million visitors yearly, hosts 40,000 exhibitors, and generates an economic impact of 8 billion euros nationally and over 4 billion euros for the region.” For Bozzetti, these fairs are more than business—they are “showcases of Made in Italy, true meeting places for supply and demand, and ambassadors of know-how and instruments of economic diplomacy.”
Mayor Sala, reflecting on Milan’s unique economic ecosystem, emphasized the city’s “solid ground” in fashion, design, tourism, and the fair and congress sector. “In terms of arrivals, we are rewarded,” he explained, adding that “fairs in general make an extremely important contribution.” Attilio Fontana, President of the Region, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The fair system is important and we will continue to support it. Host refers to hospitality and tourism: two sectors that are growing in the region. The more fairs there are, the more markets open.”
Innovation, sustainability, and training are at the heart of this year’s Host Milano, according to Francesca Cavallo, head of Hospitality Exhibitions at Fiera Milano. She described the event as one that “anticipates trends and supports innovation across the entire supply chain,” with a particular focus this year on “innovation, sustainability, and training.” The fair’s multifaceted approach extends from technology to formats, layouts, design, and consumer experiences, underscoring its role as a trendsetter and incubator for new ideas.
While Host Milano is setting the pace in hospitality, Rome is preparing to celebrate a half-century of design excellence with Moacasa 2025. This year’s edition, organized by Moa Società Cooperativa, is not just a trade show but a milestone—fifty years of charting the evolution of the home as a mirror of changing society. The event brings together Italy’s top furniture and design companies, highlighting the dialogue between industry and high-level craftsmanship, classic and contemporary styles, and the enduring prestige of the Made in Italy brand.
One of the most notable additions to Moacasa this year is RestautLab, the laboratory of ‘RestAut – vivere a colori con l’autismo.’ For the first time, this initiative is present at the fair, transforming old furniture into unique works of art and providing young autistic adults with opportunities to express their talents and acquire valuable skills. RestautLab’s approach is as much about social inclusion as it is about sustainability, breathing new life into wood while building bridges to workplace integration and celebrating diversity. Every creation, made from carefully chosen eco-friendly materials, contributes to a healthier environment and a more sustainable world.
The spirit of innovation and sustainability runs through the entire Moacasa 2025 lineup. Tomasella, for example, interprets the evolving needs of modern living by integrating design, functionality, and personalization, with a growing emphasis on eco-friendly materials. Their standout products—the Leonardo bed, Cooper bedroom group, and Primafila wardrobe with its innovative sliding doors and hidden TV—demonstrate how Italian design is marrying aesthetics with practical well-being and technological integration.
Gruppo Menichini is offering modern, elegant environments: open-plan kitchens integrated with living spaces, contemporary bathrooms, and apartments optimized for use as vacation homes. The current trend leans toward neutral, luminous tones—white, pearl gray, and beige—paired with bold accents like petrol blue and sage green, creating spaces that blend modern minimalism with reinterpreted classic details.
On the technology front, Omega Professional’s Ultra Motion is making waves. This advanced motor for sectional doors stands out for its seamless compatibility with leading smart home systems, allowing users to control access via smartphone, tablet, or voice assistants. With rapid, silent operation and intelligent energy management, Ultra Motion brings both convenience and significant energy savings—music to the ears of anyone concerned about efficiency and sustainability.
Customization and craftsmanship are also central to the offerings from Riflessi, which brings the Italian sartorial tradition to furniture. Their Soffio chair, with its handwoven, fireproof, and water-repellent nautical cord backrest, and the Vela chair, featuring interchangeable backrests for ongoing renewal, exemplify the brand’s commitment to individuality and enduring style. Meanwhile, Fastbed specializes in space-saving, transformable furniture—fold-away beds and integrated systems designed to make even the smallest spaces flexible and comfortable, without sacrificing elegance or practicality.
Moacasa’s legacy is one of adaptation and foresight. Since its first edition in 1975, it has chronicled the transformation of the furniture and design sector, presenting iconic products and supporting the global reputation of Italian-made goods. As Massimo Prete, recently reconfirmed president of Moacasa and Casaidea, put it, “An anniversary that is also a testimony to entrepreneurial courage and innovation. Moacasa and Casaidea are two very beloved events, also for their longevity, a tradition enriched over the years by initiatives of all kinds: from spaces reserved for young designers to collaborations with universities, themed exhibitions, displays of unique pieces by great architects, and areas dedicated to craftsmanship, renovation, and free interior design advice. Since its foundation in 1975, the mission of Moa Società Cooperativa has been to promote Italian tradition and excellence with quality products made by our companies and local artisans, anticipating sector innovations and presenting design and market trends to visitors in advance. It’s a commitment we have taken on as organizers for 50 years.”
With Host Milano and Moacasa 2025, Italy is not only celebrating its rich heritage in hospitality and design but also showcasing its ability to innovate, adapt, and lead on the global stage—one fair at a time.