Along the journey of water − and many other fluids − are pumps, valves, pipes, sensors and control systems. All are crucial technologies for energy efficiency, industrial sustainability and infrastructure management. It is from this supply chain, firmly rooted in north-eastern Italy and backed by a Made in Italy reputation recognised in international markets, that Fluidtech Expo takes shape: the new event organised by Italian Exhibition Group, taking place in Vicenza from 28 to 30 September 2027.

We spoke to Mauro Delle Fratte, exhibition manager for Fluidtech and Ecomondo, about the project’s origins, the changes reshaping the sector and the ambition to build a European platform that brings together industry, project designers, utilities, research and institutions.

Let’s start with the market’s needs. Where did Fluidtech come from?

Fluidtech was born out of demand from the industrial mechanical sector, particularly from companies producing pumps, valves, pipes, measuring instruments and automation systems. This is a highly developed sector in Italy, especially in the north-east. Italy is the second-largest market in Europe after Germany, with companies that have by now established themselves as multinational players. In 2025 alone, civil primary-water plants in Italy reached production worth 350 million euros, while industrial primary-water plants accounted for 485 million euros. This specialist event comes at a time when the tangible nature of products, particularly amid the growing focus on artificial intelligence, is restoring value to trade fairs. The opportunity to see and handle technologies first-hand is a trend that is growing rapidly worldwide across our entire sector.

What changes are currently reshaping the sector you will represent?

In recent years, the sector has undergone significant transformation. Pumps are no longer simply mechanical components, but intelligent systems. Valves, pipes, measuring instruments and automation systems, meanwhile, have become essential for improving energy efficiency, reducing water losses, supporting the digitalisation of networks and making them more sustainable, including in industrial processes. We aim to create a European reference point for all fluid management technologies. Water is naturally one of the main areas of application. Growing water scarcity, ageing networks and historic aqueducts, the need to reuse water, investment in climate resilience and digitalisation are driving profound change across the water sector. These challenges have one thing in common: technology, which is needed to tackle and attempt to resolve these issues.

Let’s keep talking about water. The next edition of Ecomondo will take place in just over two months. In IEG’s strategy, how does its positioning differ?

The aim is to reach parts of the water sector that are harder to engage through Ecomondo, such as EPC contractors, project designers and technical professionals. Many operators have pointed out that there can be no water trade fair without pumps and valves. Fluidtech therefore starts with the product and its applications, first and foremost in the water sector. Ecomondo, by contrast, is currently focused more closely on treatment, reuse and desalination technologies and, to some extent, water management, as well as analysis laboratories, software and sensor technology. Fluidtech will instead start with technologies for transporting and moving fluids, including pipes, project design, plant construction and, more broadly, the engineering components associated with the sector. Alongside the products’ exhibition, we want to create a platform for innovation, research, industry and end users, where we can encourage discussion around the challenges of the transition.

What steps are you planning to attract international exhibitors, buyers and stakeholders?

The aim is to leverage IEG’s international network, bringing to a specialised event the wealth of relationships and expertise already developed. We will target manufacturers, project designers, utilities, small water service operators, institutions, academia and stakeholders across the supply chain. The event will have a European positioning, with a particular focus on the EMEA region, both in terms of demand and internationalisation. Tests and promotional activities have already been carried out in Italy, Germany, Spain and Morocco. Through roadshows, international events and participation in leading trade fairs, including competing events, we will promote the event and encourage the involvement of new visitors and buyers.

The Fluidtech launch event will take place on 24 September at Palazzo Chiericati in Vicenza. Can you give us a preview?

It will be an opportunity to update companies that have already signed up, prospective exhibitors and other stakeholders on the project’s progress. Part of the study commissioned to AGICI, which focuses on Fluidtech’s positioning compared to its competitors and to Ecomondo, will also be presented on that occasion. It will be an initial opportunity to introduce the event’s identity, its development priorities and the market analysis currently under way.

Cover: Mauro Delle Fratte