First, it’s huge. So bring your comfiest, most supportive walking shoes; and also pack some water and a snack!
If you’ve attended in previous years, the halls should feel a bit different—show management has encouraged more open designs for the stands and hired consultants to help re-design traffic flow.
This year’s edition will include both EuroCucina and the International Bathroom Exhibition, both of which will feature installations dedicated to water conservation and eco-friendly product design.
SaloneSatellite in halls 5&7 focuses on emerging designers, specifically those under 35. This specialty exhibition is
celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and to showcase its success in identifying emerging talent, the Triennale Milano museum,
is hosting an exhibition of the some of the many designs that have been launched from the SaloneSatellite platform.
The easiest way to get to the show is the M1 metro route, getting off at the fair stop Rho Fiera. It’s a little less than an hour from Porta Venezia (the stop by our hotel) to the fair by train, but, when the trains get crowded, they often run express to/from central Milan, so it may take less time.
NOTE: When heading to the fair, please make sure your train destination is Rho Fiera, because you can see that the M1 train in central Milan, splits into different end stops outside of Milan.
Any train from the fair stops in Central Milan.
This is the current list of exhibitors, if you want to check on any specific vendors.
It is highly recommended that you download the Salone app, as you can mark out what stands you’d slike to visit, get instant product info via the QR codes many of the exhibitors use, and in some cases, book appointments (depending on the exhibitor).
If there is a stand at the show you know you want to visit, it’s highly recommended you reach out
to book an appointment, via the app, email,
or if you work with a U.S.-based rep.
Wear comfortable shoes. This absolutely cannot be stressed enough. You’ll get a week’s worth of steps in just one day!
Eat a good breakfast, then pack snacks and water. There are limited eating options; and you may not be able to rely on the kindness of strangers (i.e. snacks and beverages at the exhibitors) unless you’ve made specific appointments.
Don’t expect to see everything, and its corollary, don’t be upset by that fact. The show is huge, many of the stands are huge, and it will be crowded. Use the app, use maps, make a plan, and make appointments whenever possible.
Enjoy yourself. While the show and the crowds and the everythingness of Salone can get overwhelming; it’s also a truly unique opportunity. Find a spot to rest and people watch for a while…it’s just as good a show! Or give yourself permission to leave early for some gelato, apertivo, shopping, sight-seeing, or whatever else you’re interested in.