What is a trade show?
A trade show or trade fair is defined as an event where producers or manufacturers of any products/solutions/services from different part of the world get together at one place and display their products/solutions/services and interact with visitors/buyers. It is an event or a platform where buyers can see a live demonstration or display of products and can indulge in a business discussion with sellers, it is very important aspect for business development, networking, marketing, collaboration and research for all industries. There are many trade shows being organized regularly the world over, pertaining to various industries, this article particularly emphasizes on textiles, apparel and fashion.
Textile expo or textile trade show categories
There can be various categories under textile trade fair, be it covering the entire supply value chain, or on specific category such as raw materials, yarns, fiber & feedstocks, fabrics, apparels, fashion, home textiles, leather & footwear, fashion & clothing accessories, machineries, dyes & chemicals, allied industry and so on. trade shows play a significant role for sourcing in our industry. As we know, due to fashion trends, there is a constant demand of new designs in fashion, garment, fabric and accessories, thus, the sourcing professionals keep visiting trade events across the globe for their sourcing purpose. Few of the leading trade shows are Global Sourcing Expo Australia, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris and Texworld Apparel Sourcing New York City.
The benefits of textile trade fairs
There are many benefits, elaborating a few of them herewith.
Business Networking:
Perhaps, the main benefit of exhibiting or visiting any trade fair is networking. In the textiles, apparel and fashion industry, all the major trade fairs are strictly for industry professionals, thus they are genuinely trade-related platforms. The exhibitors are provided a booth wherein they can display or demonstrate their products/services or solutions, and buyers can see the multiple options related to their buying requirements, they can see, research and discuss their needs with multiple providers. As exhibitors have invested in exhibiting in such events, they try to make the most from their investment by promoting their venture and bring footfalls to their booths, they can meet various sourcing/procurement professionals and buyers, thus a list of prospects can be built for future follow-ups and business development. Many expos do also host various conferences and press meets during the show, it allows the exhibitors and visitors to connect, research and share the knowledge pertaining to the industry.
Marketing and showcasing innovations:
Many textile expos are happening across the world, some of them are category-specific and some of them are catering to entire supply chain. Companies from the textile industry selects one or multiple basis on their marketing strategy and budget allocation, thus each show is very critical for them to display and demonstrate their latest or innovative products and bring the business for the company. Such events allow exhibitors to showcase trends, theme, innovations and trendy fashion.
Sourcing:
Fashion is a fast-moving product, it requires innovations, new trends, comfort and sustainability and viability. Depending upon the requirements of consumers, the apparel companies or fashion brands keep working to bring the best for offering, thereby, the sourcing or procurement or product development professionals keep visiting events regularly around the world for sourcing, and textile or apparel or fashion trade shows are extremely helpful for them whereby they can meet various producers and see their products, they can collect samples and discuss about their need to the most relevant persons in detail.
Tracking competitor’s activities:
This is also a very important aspect of attending (either exhibiting or visiting) any trade event, specifically a category based trade show such as trade show for yarns, trade show for fiber & feedstocks, trade show for apparel and fashion, trade show for fabrics, trade show for machineries and so on, you will find other peers of the same business of yours, you can see their collections/products, their activities etc., and thus it will help you decide your strategy accordingly.
History of textile trade show is not well documented so no clue on when and what was the first global textile trade show organized. In the current situation, there are many advancements in the trade shows, they are not just limited to b2b trade meetings, but knowledge sharing, research documents, special focus on sustainability, press events, fashion shows, virtual edition, live streaming etc., are the latest features of any global textile trade show. The organizers are constantly elaborating and exploring to bring new features, comfort level for attendees, maximum output and satisfaction to exhibitors. Government of various countries also support the trade shows considering it brings foreign income and investment to the country.
Textilesresources.com provides a platform and services to promote trade shows for better visibility and exposure. Contact us to discuss this further.
