MIDEC aims to bring the focus of the shoe distribution network back to Paris, and to confirm its role as a major international player by creating an unmissable meeting-place in France. In February 2006, MIDEC attracted 20% more visitors, and the numbers of international visitors doubled compared to last year.

The September session confirms both the attraction and well as the enormous potential of MIDEC, due to the arrival of new brands and the return of prestigious brand names which had left the French exhibition scene in previous years. CATERPILLAR – BENSIMON – SERGIO TACCINI – BIRKENSTOCK - HARLEY DAVIDSON – SEBAGO – TIMBERLAND – TOMMY HILFIGER - DOROTENNIS… to name just a few. These brands have been attracted by the new MIDEC and they appreciate what it can do for them; positioning them in the expanding French market and in this shop-window for continually expanding international brands.

MIDEC – ITS STRENGTH: 

• A unique international meeting place in France for the best in footwear fashion.
• Part of Paris Capitale de la Création, which brings together 17 Fashion exhibitions on the themes of fashion and home.
• Held at the same time as the other Paris fashion exhibitions (Prêt-à-Porter, Lingerie, Who’s Next, Première Classe, etc.), the shoe industry firmly positions itself in the heart of the global fashion offer.
• Over 650 leading brand names representing the whole shoe offer.
• Over 12 000 specialised visitors, including 20% from overseas.
• Free access to the show
• 18 000 m2 of exhibition space, in 7 villages each with a strong identity, making the show easier to read, highlighting brands and products.
• Specific colour codes for each village, the signage, the environment and specific displays make them uniquely identifiable
• Meeting points and FASHION information throughout the show, with 3 trend Forums and  a summary of the Trends for Summer 2007. An invaluable guide for visitors and an effective tool for buyers during the decision-making process.
• A special area reserved for catwalks takes the theme ”NORTHERN BEACHES”;  staged in an original way, in order to show see shoe fashion world on the move. A playful and lively approach offers buyers the chance to spot brands exhibiting around the show and move on with their selection.
• MIDEC News MIDEC magazine 25 000 copies describe the exhibition program. An electronic version has been sent to all buyers. French and international Press, with more than 15 main newspaper and magazine titles will be represented at MIDEC.

MIDEC – 7 VILLAGES IN A CONSTANT STATE OF CHANGE
Better readability of the exhibition for visitors, with a clarified offer, highlighting brands and products, bringing a new strength to the MIDEC exhibition.

CAPTURE and IMAGINE opened the way last February and thanks to their success, these two villages will welcome many more numerous and prestigious new brands next September

IMAGINE
The Midec designer village– the breeding ground for new talent

The embodiment of the innovative spirit of the MIDEC exhibition, IMAGINE builds the link between the worlds of creativity and industry, offering an area for expression to new and established designers. The support and interest shown by the Press, industry figures and professionals in this field, are a prerequisite to the success of this area, which offers so many opportunities to discover new talent and new brands.

The area spread has three key spots:
IMAGINE rising stars: natural inspiration and poetic atmosphere bring forward new concepts suggested by young talented designers launching themselves into the adventure of shoe creation.
IMAGINE in duo:  a factory atmosphere, remembered objects and polished concrete speak of developing industrial expertise as well as product which has grown from the link between companies in this sector and designers who exhibited last season in the IMAGINE rising stars area.
IMAGINE creative labels: clean structure and neon colours showcase young established designers who are still trying to make a name for themselves and to develop new contacts.

JUST FOR KIDS
A particularly dynamic Village at MIDEC which has worked well for many seasons – now the indisputable leader for Kids shoes.At the entrance to the exhibition, JUST FOR KIDS sets the tone, clearly identified by its staging, colours and strong signage. MIDEC reinforces the image effort made by well-known children’s brands which have developed their own  strong identities, recognized by clients and the distribution network.

MASTER CLASS
Follows close behind CAPTURE and IMAGINE and finds a new image with a completely new area.
Village with brands, MASTER CLASS welomes a selection of international brands in a refined space, with a –boutique- look, emphasizing all brands and their products.
A business Center will be opened in the heart of the village.

INFLUENCES
The whole city of shoe fashion for men and women.

FEEL GOOD
This village also, moves on making sure that the visitors feel at ease just as they do with the range of products. FEEL GOOD opens its comfortable and friendly space, with brands offering new and creative products within the comfort and indoor market.

EXTENSIONS
Village with satellite products within the shoe world
Treasure trove for shoe cleaning products, care and feet comfort.
Specialised companies in sales outlet layouts (shop material, advice and software), packaging, and so on.

Figures, which speak for themselves…
MIDEC is the first international footwear fashion exhibition presenting shoes and accessories in all segments, interface to the 2nd world market on terms of shoe use per inhabitant, behind U.S.A and before Germany (5,6 pairs/person and per year).