The 400 exhibitors included 133 foreign companies from 22 countries. The largest overseas participation was from Italy, followed by a 24-strong German pavilion, ten exhibitors from the Pakistan tanners association, seven Chinese and six Mexican companies. The Thai delegation were first time exhibitors at IILF and brought nine tanners, chemicals companies and accessories manufacturers. A record number of buyers attended from 28 countries. A programme of seminars led by international experts included a variety of topics from raw hides procurement to design aspects. Ron Sauer’s seminar on ‘World raw material markets and status of tanning industry in China, Italy and Brazil’ was particularly well attended.
Mukhtarul Amin, chairman, Council of Leather Exports, told Leather International that CLE roadshows in Alicante and Barcelona, Spain, and in Italy in 2007 were  very successful and the Italians have returned the visit with a 27-strong delegation from a footwear cluster in Porto Sant’ Elpidio in the Marches Region including the mayor.
Laurence Irwin of Stahl told Leather International that IILF is the best fair for the company as the stand is permanently overflowing with visitors. On the Stahl stand, the European fashions proved particularly popular.
A fashion show was held in the Taj Coromandel Hotel to show trends for 2009 and featured leather garments, footwear and bags from companies such as Salma International, Presidency Kid Leathers, and Calonge. Children’s shoes from Bacchi were also on display. High cowboy style boots were strong in women’s footwear accompanied by large boxy bags. In garments, white and metallic silver and gold featured alongside dusky pink and purple, lime green and patent red. The traditional staples of black and brown were present in both men’s and women’s collections as well as striking monochromatic collections.