TODAY
50 EDITIONS OF HOSPITALITY: CELEBRATE WITH US
IL SALONE DELL'ACCOGLIENZA
Fifty editions of experience and dedication are not just numbers: they are proof to how, day after day, people – ideas, skills – have built an increasingly dynamic sector that meets the needs of those who passionately make hospitality a true art form. Fifty editions of history are a springboard to the future that is already here. 
1979
The first edition of Expo Riva Hotels
From 1st to 4th March 1979 the first edition of Expo Riva Hotels took place (later Expo Riva Hotel, now Hospitality - ll Salone dell'Accoglienza). The fair dedicated to hotel supplies will grow over the years to become a benchmark for the entire HoReCa sector. It was held at the Palazzo dei Congressi in Riva del Garda in the Sala Mille (now Sala Garda), with the participation of 38 exhibitors (now there are more than 750). 
1993
Expo Riva Food
The food sector was playing an increasingly central role in hospitality, and the fair launched Expo Food. An entire pavilion was dedicated to specialised food suppliers. Even today, the area dedicated to Food & Equipment is a crucial reference point for the food industry.
1996
The move to the Exhibition Centre
Exhibitors required more space, and the fair expanded. Expo Riva Hotel moved to the Exhibition Centre, which offered a larger exhibition area: the fair covered an area of 16,000 sqm (today it covers 45,000 sqm). Business and networking opportunities increased for the hotel and tourism industry.
1999
Training for professionals
Great emphasis was placed on training in order to achieve ever-higher quality in the catering and hotel sectors. Training was becoming increasingly central to the fair and remains one of its distinctive features even today.
2003
Riva Benessere Hotel
Hospitality is all about wellbeing. The wellness sector, an essential part of modern hospitality, had a special area at the fair (now this themed area is called contract & wellness).
2007
Eco Hotel: the commitment for sustainability
The fair began to focus more on environmental issues, adopting sustainable practices. Over the years, the fair has renewed its commitment: in 2014, Riva del Garda Fierecongressi obtained the ‘Sustainable Event Management System’ certification and implemented concrete actions for sustainability.
2011
The initial division into macro-areas
4 macro areas were introduced in the fair: Riva Contract & Design, Riva Benessere Hotel, Riva Ecohotel, and Riva Food & Beverage. This allowed for greater targeting of the exhibition offering and even more specialisation in the various sectors.
2020
Hospitality - Il Salone dell’Accoglienza
A new hospitality brand is born: Expo Riva Hotel evolved and became Hospitality - Il Salone dell’Accoglienza. The fair confirmed its status as a hub for trends, experiences and innovation. 39,000 sqm of exhibition space, 100 events, 1 Hospitality Academy, 4 themed areas (Food & Equipment, Contract & Wellness, Beverage, Renovation & Tech), special areas (RPM -Riva Pianeta Mixology and Solobirra, followed a few years later by Spazio Vignaiolo and Outdoor Boom).
2021
Hospitality Digital Space
That year's edition of Hospitality went fully digital! Despite the situation and the consequences of the pandemic that affected the whole world, Hospitality was experimenting with digital technology across the board and remained a point of reference for the entire hospitality sector and a source of support for all operators.
2022
International Certification
Hospitality earned the title of international trade fair issued by the Autonomous Province of Trento and awarded by ISFCERT (Institute for the Certification of Trade Fair Statistics). It is not only a guarantee of quality and reliability, but also gives a further boost to incoming activities by international buyers and companies.
2024
Di Ognuno
Hospitality is made up of people for all people. The fair dedicates this multi-year project to accessible hospitality, offering sustainable, inclusive and high-quality experiences through universal design. In the 2024 edition, the focus was on the reception area; in 2025 it was the breakfast room; and in 2026, it will be the outdoor area.
TODAY
50 EDITIONS OF HOSPITALITY: CELEBRATE WITH US
1979
The first edition of Expo Riva Hotels
1993
Expo Riva Food
1996
The move to the Exhibition Centre
1999
Training for professionals
2003
Riva Benessere Hotel
2007
Eco Hotel: the commitment for sustainability
2011
The initial division into macro-areas
2020
Hospitality - Il Salone dell’Accoglienza
2021
Hospitality Digital Space
2022
International Certification
2024
Di Ognuno

50 editions of people who make a difference

Since its first edition in 1979, Hospitality celebrates its 50th edition (in some years, the fair was held twice). In February 2026, we will once again focus on people and celebrate their value, the true essence that drives a sector that evolves alongside its protagonists: those behind the bar, at the reception desk, in the kitchen, in the dining room of a restaurant, or in hotel management, and all those who are part of this world. 



The 50th edition of Hospitality is not just about looking back. We are preparing for a fair that has never been so current, so vibrant, so full of energy. An event that celebrates the history behind us, but projects the HoReCa sector towards the future that is being shaped now, with people at its centre. That's why we want to celebrate Hospitality's achievements with you.


Tell us about your Hospitality


On the occasion of this special edition, we want to pay tribute to the history of Hospitality and the journey we have built together. If you have participated in Hospitality and have a memory that recalls these moments, please share it with us. Every memory is a unique story, tell yours!


With your collaboration, our digital archive will become a map tracing the path of a sector that never stops, recounting moments and faces of the fair that made Hospitality the beating heart of HoReCa. This heritage is not only memory, but also a vision of the future. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this evolution.


Click the botton below or send us an email: eventi@hospitalityriva.it

Tell us your story


The material must be yours and free from copyright restrictions. By submitting your material, you authorise us to use and share it on our communication channels (social media, newsletters, website,etc), during the celebratory evening and in any publications.


You can send us:

  • an iconic photo or image (stand, team, products, special moments) accompanied by a short sentence (caption, brief description, personal memory, anecdote, etc., max 120 characters). The photo can be sent in high resolution or in a size no larger than 3/400 kb
  • a short story (max 400 characters)
  • a short video



Remember to tell us:

  • the year you attended the fair in relation to the material you are sharing with us
  • the name of the exhibiting company