It speaks volumes for the impact of Trump tariffs, the war in the Middle East, Brexit, et al when the Cairman of the Italian tile trade associations can hail maintaining a level of normality as an achievement.

“We delivered a solid edition of the show, with participation remaining at the high levels Cersaie has consistently achieved. In today’s difficult global climate, simply maintaining that level of normality is in itself an achievement. Despite a slight decline in visitor numbers, Cersaie once again confirmed its position as the sector’s leading international exhibition and a unique asset for the Italian ceramic industry,” stated Augusto Ciarrocchi, Chairman of Confindustria Ceramica, summing up Cersaie 2026.

The 43rd edition, held at the Bologna Exhibition Centre from 21st to 25the September, occupied 16 halls, across a total of 145,000 sq. metres. The show hosted 314 ceramic tile companies, 96 bathroom furnishing companies, and 185 tool, raw materials, new surfaces and service businesses. The event’s international profile remained strong, with 233 overseas exhibitors (39% of the total) from 24 countries.

Cersaie welcomed 92,352 visitors over five days, 2.4% fewer than in 2025. Italian attendance fell by 3.7%, from 49,671 to 47,852, while international visitor numbers remained broadly stable at 44,500 compared with 44,906 the previous year (-0.9%). Overseas visitors thus accounted for 48.2% of total attendance.

“At a difficult time for both the economy and international trade, maintaining Cersaie’s position is an important result,” said Gianpiero Calzolari, Chairman of BolognaFiere. “Once again, the show succeeded in bringing companies and industry professionals from around the world to Bologna. Cersaie plays a role that goes well beyond business. It is an international reference point for design and architecture, where innovation, excellence, and beauty showcase the value of Made in Italy.”

More than 800 people attended the Keynote Lectures given by Alejandro Aravena and Annabelle Selldorf, while dozens of moderators and speakers took part in the Press Cafés. The show was covered by 684 journalists, including 284 from outside Italy including, of course, Diary of a Tile Addict’s Joe Simpson.

Cersaie 44 will be held in Bologna from 27th September to 1st October 2027.