RHS

Language on the floor

Italian is the working language of most stands and visitors at SiciliaFiera, with Sicilian dialect common in conversation. Bring Italian-language catalogues and price lists, or a bilingual colleague; exhibitors from outside Italy often staff stands with Italian-speaking agents.

Greetings and business etiquette

A handshake and direct eye contact are standard when you enter a stand. Exchange business cards early, address counterparts with their title (Signor, Signora, Dottore for graduates) until invited to use first names, and keep small talk brief before moving to specifications and price.

Meal times and the working day

Sicilian lunch typically runs from about 13:00 to 15:00 and dinner rarely starts before 20:00, so schedule stand meetings for the morning and mid-afternoon. Many restaurants close between service periods, and evening dining in Catania is later than in northern Europe.

Coffee and bar culture

Espresso is drunk standing at the bar, often quickly and often several times a day, and a cappuccino after 11:00 draws attention. If a supplier invites you for coffee, it is a short social ritual rather than a long meeting, and it is normal to pay at the till before ordering.

Payments and receipts

Cards are widely accepted in Catania hotels, restaurants and taxi companies, but keep some euro cash for buses, small bars and market stalls. Ask for the receipt (scontrino) after any purchase, since it is expected and legally required in Italian retail and hospitality.

February weather and dress

Misterbianco sits in a mild Mediterranean winter band in February: daytime highs near 16-17 C, nights around 6-8 C, and rain is plausible across the show days. Smart-casual business dress with a waterproof outer layer and closed shoes works for both the halls and evening meals.

Getting around and taxis

Catania's AMT buses serve the city and Misterbianco, and tickets should be bought in advance from tabacchi, ticket machines or the AMT app rather than from the driver. Taxis are not metered consistently on all routes, so agree the fare or insist on the meter before setting off.

Tipping and hospitality norms

Service is usually included in restaurant bills; rounding up or leaving a few euros is enough. If a Sicilian supplier or distributor invites you to dinner during the fair, expect a long, multi-course meal and reciprocate with a return invitation or a small gift from your home region.

Samples, catalogues and follow-up

Sicilian buyers often decide after comparing two or three suppliers in person, so leave Italian-language datasheets with clear specifications and delivery terms. Confirm follow-up by email within a few days, since verbal interest at the stand is rarely treated as a commitment on its own.