Foro Latinoamericano de Calzado
FORO LATINOAMERICANO
DE CALZADO
August 13th, 14th, and 15th, 2025
9am to 8pm
SAPICA | Guanajuato / México
The next edition of the Forum will be held in Mexico together with SAPICA.
This is one of the most important fairs in the footwear sector in Latin America. It brings together more than 380 exhibitors, 2,000 brands, 14,000 visitors and generates more than 6,600 business meetings.
About the Foro
Foro Latinoamericano de Calzado
The Foro Latinoamericano de Calzado is an initiative of the Agrupación de Cámaras de Calzado de América Latina (ACCAL), which comprises the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.
The event takes place with the aim of promoting integration between footwear entities in Latin America; bring knowledge through expert lectures; share practical success stories from companies in each country.
The Foro has a history of 26 editions, each year being held in a country selected as the host. And for the XXVII edition, ACCAL chose the city of León, Guanajuato, Mexico, with CICEG and CANAICAL as hosts.
ACCAL - Agrupación de Cámaras de Calzado de América Latina
We are the Latin American group, made up of associations and chambers, integrated by footwear and component factories, along with its entire leather and footwear value chain, with the objective of producing and generating work in Latin America.
13 countries are participating: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador,
El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay
and Venezuela.
With more than 50 years of experience, we represent 13 countries from Mexico to Argentina, with more than 2 million workers and more than 100,000 companies.
CICEG / CANAICAL
The Footwear Industry Chamber of the State of Guanajuato (CICEG) has 99 years of history dedicated to promoting the Mexican footwear and leather goods industry, offering its members world-class services that generate added value and strengthen their national and international competitiveness.
The National Footwear Industry Chamber (CANAICAL), founded in 1942 in Mexico City, has since acted as the business representative body for the national footwear sector.
Speakers
Meet the speakers of the 27th edition of the Foro
Antonio Reus Montaño
Institute of Innovation, Science and Entrepreneurship for the Competitiveness of the State of Guanajuato (México)
General Director
He currently serves as General Director of the Institute of Innovation, Science, and Entrepreneurship for Competitiveness of the State of Guanajuato, where he promotes initiatives in innovation, digitalization, scientific development, and entrepreneurship with social impact. His work seeks to improve the quality of life of the population through technological and collaborative solutions. With a consolidated track record in managing technology parks and strengthening innovation ecosystems, he has helped position Guanajuato as a national leader in patent generation, digital transformation, and high-tech projects.
HORÁCIO MOSCHETTO
CIC (Argentina)
Secretary General
Horacio Moschetto has served as Secretary General of the Argentine Chamber of the Footwear Industry since 2003 and as its Director since 2001. He coordinates the Foreign Trade Department and owns an SME that produces casual footwear. He has been actively involved in the footwear industry for 30 years.
Stefano Migliavacca
International Projects Director, Edizioni AF
With over 25 years in the fashion business and a specific focus on the leather accessories sector, he has extensive international experience traveling worldwide and attending the most important fashion fairs. Edizioni AF's international projects include seminars and trend presentations, customized shoe and handbag technical and design courses run by the Arsutoria School.
Diego Martín González Almanza
CLUTIG (México)
President
President of the Guanajuato Information Technology Cluster (CLUTIG), a leader committed to fostering technological innovation in the state. Under his leadership, he has promoted cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and industrial automation strategies, as well as strengthening ties between the manufacturing sector and educational institutions. His vision focuses on decentralizing technology to bring it to all regions of Guanajuato and promoting the inclusion of women in the IT sector.
Elvira Toba Mery
Implan (México)
President
Elvira Toba Mery is a communications specialist with a master's degree in International Communication from Tecnológico de Monterrey. She has distinguished herself for her leadership in strengthening citizen participation in Guanajuato, chairing the State Council for Social Participation in Education (CEPSE) and currently serving on the Board of Directors of the León Municipal Planning Institute (IMPLAN). Her work has promoted initiatives in education, urban planning, and social development, solidifying her position as a key voice in community transformation.
Claudia del Carmen Pérez Ciénega
CICEG (México)
Claudia del Carmen Pérez Ciénega is a member of the Board of Directors of the Guanajuato State Chamber of the Footwear Industry (CICEG) for the 2025-2026 term. She is part of a group of leaders committed to strengthening the footwear sector in Guanajuato, actively participating in the development of strategies to boost competitiveness, professionalization, and regional ties.
Cristian Schlindwein
Abicalçados (Brasil)
Marketing and Strategy Manager
Marketing and Strategy Manager at the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) He is currently responsible for managing the Sustainable Origin program, the only ESG and sustainability certification in the world aimed at companies in the footwear production chain. He holds a degree in Business Administration, with a specialization in International Business, and an Executive MBA. He has also taken specialized courses in Trade Marketing, Coolhunting, Events, and Futurism.
Anahí Marín López
MIPYMES (México)
Undersecretary of MIPYMES of the Secretariat of Economic Development, Science and Technology of Aguascalientes (SEDECYT)
Anahí Marín López is Undersecretary for Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises at the Secretariat of Economic Development, Science, and Technology of Aguascalientes (SEDECYT), a position she has held since 2024. With more than a decade of experience in the high-impact entrepreneurial ecosystem, she has led business incubation, acceleration, and competitiveness initiatives. Her strategic approach and global vision have been key to positioning Aguascalientes as an emerging economic hub, promoting the professionalization, innovation, and expansion of MSMEs in the state.
Francisco Zamudio
Legal Consultant and External Relations at Mercedes-Benz Mexico International.
General Counsel & External Affairs at Mercedes-Benz Mexico International. He holds a law degree from UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico) and more than 12 years of experience in the automotive industry. He holds postgraduate degrees in Tax Law, Anti-Money Laundering, and Anti-Corruption Law, and is currently enrolled in the IPADE AD2 program. He served as Compliance Officer at Daimler Financial Services Mexico and as Head of Legal and Compliance at BMW Financial Services Mexico. He is currently General Counsel & External Affairs at Mercedes-Benz Mexico International and Vice Coordinator of the ANADE Automotive Committee (2025-2026).
Marcela Caicedo
Acicam (Colômbia)
President
Marcela Caicedo Ríos is the executive president of Acicam, where she leads the transformation of the footwear and leather goods sector in Colombia. A bilingual lawyer with a master's degree in International Business Law, she has more than 14 years of experience in union and corporate management. Her strategic approach seeks to strengthen the formalization, training, and competitiveness of MSMEs in the sector, as well as restore Acicam's position as a national benchmark. Under her leadership, the IFLS + EICI trade fair is promoted and the coordination of the entire production chain is fostered.
Xiomara Paz Sánchez
With a degree in Marketing, Xiomara has established herself as a creative strategist with a comprehensive approach: from campaign design to coordinating brand experiences, spokespersons, activations, and influencers. Her aesthetic sensitivity, business acumen, and relationship-building skills have enabled her to successfully position emerging and established brands in the fashion and lifestyle ecosystem. As a Brand Manager and Public Relations specialist, she led SAPICA's communication, image, and content strategy for eight editions. Her work was instrumental in transforming the way the Mexican footwear industry communicates with new audiences, elevating the value of products made in Mexico. In addition to her role at SAPICA, she collaborates with various brands on branding, storytelling, and content development, always following a common philosophy: to create universes that inspire, communicate clearly, and leave a lasting impression.
Daniela Reyes de Luna
Sapica (México)
President
Daniela Reyes de Luna is President of the Organizing Committee of SAPICA, the most important footwear and leather goods fair in Latin America. With an innovative vision, she spearheaded strategies that strengthened the industry's international profile and established SAPICA as a key platform for its development.
Myriam Zambrano
Myriam Zambrano Casillas is a fashion designer from León, Guanajuato, with a solid track record in the creative and industrial sectors. She serves as Vice President of Fashion at APIMEX, and is one of the curators and directors of the Fashion Cocktail runway, held during the ANPIC fair. Recognized for valuing local talent and fostering collaborations between fashion and industry, Myriam plays an active role in developing trends and the internationalization of Mexican fashion.
Daniel Risafi
CIC (Argentina)
Vice President
CEO of Borcal SAIC, with over 25 years of experience in the tactical and technological footwear industry. He is First Vice President of the Argentine Chamber of the Footwear Industry, Coordinator of ACCAL, and President of the Argentine Chamber of the Security and Defense Industry (CAISyD), representing the sector in national and international forums.
Benito Cárdenas
ACOPOL (México)
Managing director
Benito Cárdenas Zaragoza is the CEO of ACOPOL, a Mexican company with over 35 years of experience in the footwear, furniture, and home decor materials market. Under his leadership, the company has championed sustainable innovation, implementing technologies such as SAP Business One and promoting the use of water-based adhesives and recycled materials. ACOPOL actively participates in trade shows such as ANPIC and is a Diamond Associate of APIMEX.
Juan Carlos Cashat Usabiaga
CICEG (México)
President
Juan Carlos Cashat Usabiaga es el presidente de la Cámara de la Industria del Calzado del Estado de Guanajuato (CICEG) para el periodo 2025-2026. Egresado del ITESM y con especialización en negocios internacionales por la Universidad de Fudan, combina la tradición familiar en la industria del calzado con un enfoque innovador y global. Durante su gestión, se distinguió por consolidar SAPICA como plataforma comercial estratégica y fortalecer la marca colectiva "Calzado de México", con el objetivo de lograr el reconocimiento internacional del calzado guanajuatense, priorizando la calidad y la competitividad.
Vicente Lahud Martínez
CICUR (México)
President
Vicente Lahud Martínez is president of the Chamber of the Tannery Industry (CICUR) for the 2024-2025 term. With extensive experience in the industrial sector, he has promoted the strengthening and competitiveness of the tanning industry in Guanajuato. He was a member of the León Drinking Water and Sewage System (SAPAL), where he promoted sustainable water management through collaboration between government, business leaders, and civil society. His leadership is distinguished by its strategic focus on sustainability and regional development.
Ricardo Espinoza Chauca
CEIMD (Peru)
President
Ricardo Espinoza has over 25 years of experience in the footwear industry. He is president of CEIMD (Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Machinery Inputs and Derivatives for the Leather and Footwear Sector) and director of the international trade fair Expo Detalles Peru. He also directs Detalle Empresarial Magazine, an industry leader distributed throughout South America.
Antonio Torres
CEO and co-founder of Lievant
Antonio Torres is the CEO and co-founder of Lievant, a leading e-commerce agency with presence in Mexico, the US, and Colombia. With over 14 years of experience, he has driven the digital growth of more than 170 brands, specializing in e-commerce, digital strategy, and international expansion. Under his leadership, Lievant has consolidated key partnerships and positioned itself as a sales leader on platforms such as Amazon, Mercado Libre, and Walmart.
Fernando Padilla Padilla
President of APIMEX
Fernando Padilla Padilla is President of the Association of Industrial Supplier Companies of Mexico (APIMEX), a key organization in the development of the footwear, leather goods, and supply industry in Mexico. With a distinguished track record in the sector, he has led initiatives in innovation, sustainability, and international expansion, consolidating strategic alliances with business chambers and industrial clusters. Under his leadership, APIMEX has doubled its membership, promoted training programs with global standards, and strengthened the ANPIC trade fair as the most important event in the Americas for the supplier industry. His management is distinguished by a vision focused on competitiveness, social responsibility, and the collective growth of the business ecosystem.
Program agenda
Check out the event schedule
August 14 – Panels
09h00
Opening
10h30
Innovation and Technology in the Footwear Industry
Antonio Reus Montaño
Antonio Torres
Benito Cardenas
Fernando Padilla
Diego Martín González Almanza
11h30
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Elvira Toba Mery
Cristian Schlindwein
Ricardo Espinoza Chauca
Claudia del Carmen Pérez Ciénega
12h30
International Trade and Export
Anahí Marín López
Francisco Zamudio
Horácio Moschetto
16h30
Market Trends and Consumer Behavior
Xiomara Paz Sánchez
Marcela Caicedo
Daniela Reyes de Luna
Myriam Zambrano
Stefano Migliavacca
17h30
Regional Integration and Intraregional Collaboration
Cristina Villaseñor / Luis Rojas
Juan Carlos Cashat
Daniel Risafi
Vicente Lahud Martínez
Info
Where
Poliforum Leon
Avenue. Adolfo López Mateos corner Boulevard Francisco Villa s/n, Oriental, 37510, León de los Aldama, Gto.
When
August 13th, 14th and 15th, 2025 - 9am to 8pm
Strategic Allies
News
Q&A
The Latin American Footwear Forum is an initiative of the Agrupación de Cámaras de Footwear of Latin America (ACCAL), which comprises the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.
With the aim of promoting integration between footwear entities in Latin America and bringing knowledge through lectures by experts, sharing practical success stories from companies in each country, the Forum has had a history of 26 editions and, each year, a country is selected as host of the event.
ACCAL defined that the XXVII edition will be held in Mexico, in the city of Leon, Guanajuato, with CICEG and CANAICAL as hosts.
The 27th edition of the Latin American Footwear Forum will be held on August 13, 14 and 15, 2025, in the city of Leon, Ganajuato. The Poliforum Leon will be the venue for the event. It is located at Avenida Adolfo López Mateos corner Boulevard Francisco Villa s/n, Oriental, 37510, Leon de los Aldama, Gto.
The Forum is open to entrepreneurs, industry professionals, footwear retailers, partners, sponsors, government authorities, and the press. However, places are limited to 200 participants.
The Latin American Footwear Forum will be held at SAPICA August 2025, the most important footwear trade show in Latin America. It will be a strategic space for discussing trends, innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness in our industry. For more information, please visit: 🌐 www.sapica.com.
The event is organized by CICEG and CANAICAL. All inquiries should be sent to [email protected] and [email protected].