30 Oct 2025

The Rent and Go group’s 2025–2026 season opening convention took place in the heart of Lombardy. Two intense days of meetings, training, discoveries and sharing brought together rental operators, partners and special guests in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and collaboration.

Visit to the DF Sport Specialist headquarters

The first day began with a visit to the extraordinary DF Sport Specialist headquarters (formerly Longoni Sport), a reference point for the world of sport, with over 3,000 m² dedicated to the sale of high-end technical equipment and apparel.

Participants learned about the story of Sergio Longoni, a visionary entrepreneur who dedicated his life to creating an outstanding Italian company, now carried forward with passion by his daughters. The group includes more than 15 stores across Milan and Lombardy, symbolising continuity and quality in the sports sector.

Milan and the 2026 Olympics

In the afternoon, participants experienced something truly special in the heart of Milan: a visit to the Duomo Terraces followed by a guided walk through the historic centre, among the installations dedicated to the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics, which will begin in just a few months.

The day ended with a convivial dinner in true Milanese style at the traditional restaurant Al Mercante, in the heart of the city.

The work day at the Alfa Romeo Museum

The second day, dedicated to the official programme, was held in an exceptional location: the Alfa Romeo Historical Museum, a symbol of Italian design and ingenuity. Numerous Rent and Go affiliates gathered here to share projects, innovations and perspectives for the new winter season.

The day began with an opening speech by president Linda Stricker, who dedicated a touching tribute to Luigi Ventura, longtime rental operator of the Sport Cermis shop in Cavalese, recently passed away.

Talks and updates

• Kurt Ladstätter – updates for the Rent and Go network, focusing on sustainability, digital development and training;
• Guido Potena – report on the summer bike season and focus on artificial intelligence and digital innovation;
• Dalbello – circular economy project for the recycling of used skis, continuing the Life ReSkiboot initiative;
• Enrico Costantino (Wintersteiger) – software updates following the acquisition of the SportsRental management system;
• ITAS Insurance – updates on ITASnow and catastrophic-event policies for the tourism and sports sector.

A special guest – Samuel Pantano

A highly emotional moment came with the speech by Samuel Pantano, a 22-year-old multi-medal athlete who has made sport his life mission. Rent and Go, together with Kästle, awarded him with a sponsorship and new technical equipment to support his sporting goals.

Olympics, outdoor and the future

Journalist and consultant Alfredo Tradati, editor of Outdoor Test and an active contributor to the event, presented an in-depth analysis of the upcoming Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics, with a look back at the achievements of Italian athletes in past editions.

Among the guests was also Claudia Giordani, silver medallist in the special slalom at the 1976 Innsbruck Olympics, who shared memories and inspirations linked to her sporting experience.

Convivial evening in Milan

The convention ended with a convivial dinner in the centre of Milan.

Towards a new season

The convention closed with a message of optimism and team spirit: everything is ready for a new winter season characterised by quality, innovation and customer service, values that have always been at the core of Rent and Go.

The next appointment for the rental operators is the Rent and Go Academy programme, scheduled between late November and early December, a training tour involving the staff of the individual rental shops in preparation for the 2025–2026 ski season.

Wishing a great season to all Rent and Go rental operators and customers!