Global Sourcing Expo Melbourne Sourcing Seminars Set To Unveil the Future of Retail, Fashion Sustainability and International Trade

Following the resounding success of the Sydney Show earlier this year, the Global Sourcing Expo is back and ready to make its mark on Melbourne for its next edition in November.

One of the clear highlights of the Sydney Show was the high calibre of speakers who participated in the Global Sourcing Seminar series – a three-day event that covers the most pressing topics relating to retail, sourcing and product development – and the Melbourne Show is set to be no different.

“The information shared in these sessions has the potential to completely change a brand’s trajectory, especially those that are just starting out, and I cannot overstate the value of the insights shared by our incredible speakers,” comments Marie Kinsella, CEO, International Exhibition & Conference Group, organisers of the Global Sourcing Expo.

“The full line-up for our Melbourne Global Sourcing Seminar series is out now and features the return of several of our most esteemed speakers from the Sydney session, including Paul Zahra, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association and Danielle Kent, Project Director at the Australian Fashion Council.”

The Melbourne Global Sourcing Seminars, which take place from 21-23 November at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, will also see distinguished fashion journalist and Features Editor at Harper’s Bazaar Australia, Patty Huntington, resume her MC duties throughout the three days of sessions.

“Attendees will leave each session equipped with the latest insights and practical tools needed to navigate all aspects of global sourcing, including fashion, trends, sustainability, marketing and the supply chain,” adds Marie.

Sustainability once again at the forefront of the Global Sourcing agenda

Sustainability seems to be the word on everyone in the fashion and sourcing industry’s lips in 2023 but as these expert speakers will unpack in their Global Sourcing Seminar sessions it’s more than just a passing trend – it’s here to stay:

The Rising Tide of Sustainability – Day 2 (22 November 2023) | 1:00-2:00pm

Speaker: Melinda Tually, Director of strategic human rights and sustainability consultancy, Ndless: The New Normal

Join returning speaker Melinda Tually as she sets sail on an exploration of the latest sustainability-focused legislative developments, both local and global, that should be on every business’s radar. Discover the initiatives, suitable for brands of all sizes, that promise to ignite or supercharge your sustainability and human rights agendas.

The Sustainability Agenda – Where Next? – Day 3 (23 November 2023) | 10:00-11:00am

Speaker: Clare Press, Sustainability Communicator, Wardrobe Crisis

With responsible business and circularity the hot topics of the moment, businesses are asking themselves: ‘What can we do to get ahead?’ And ‘Whose responsibility is it to make impactful changes?’ These questions will be answered by Clare Press, sustainability expert and author of ‘Wear Next, Fashioning the Future,’ as she decodes the context for the fashion industry’s current obsession with all things ESG.

Fashioning a Sustainable Future: The Outland Denim Journey – Day 3 (23 November 2023) |11:30am-12:30pm

Speaker: James Bartle, CEO, Outland Denim

James Bartle will take the audience through the remarkable journey of Outland Denim, a leading Australian brand with a commitment to ethical production. He’ll outline the innovative strategies it employs to leverage consumerism for good and reveal how the global garment sector can be a powerful force for lasting social and environmental change.

Expert panel discussions and sessions dig deeper into hot-button issues

Unveiling the Fabric Revolution: Fibres of Australia Panel Discussion – Day 2 (22 November
2023) |10:00-11:00am

Panellists: Melinda Tually; Ashley Hollis, Cotton Australia; Adrian Jones, BlockTexx; Rajesh Bahl, IEC Group

This isn’t your average panel; it’s a glimpse into ground-breaking science, sustainability, and unrivalled traceability in the local textile industry. Our experts will reveal innovations that will redefine your perspective on materials, including how cellulosic and polyester fibres can be created from clothing waste, using cutting-edge clean technology.

Unlocking the Future of Fashion: Introducing Seamless, The National Clothing Stewardship Scheme – Day 2 (22 November 2023) | 11:30am-12:30pm

Panel Chair: Danielle Kent, Project Director, Australian Fashion Council, joined by members of the Consortium, and fashion industry leaders

Seamless isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a coordinated masterplan designed to reshape the entire clothing industry and propel it towards achieving clothing circularity by 2030. Danielle Kent will lead a panel of industry leaders to give a comprehensive overview of the project and dissect the challenges facing Australia’s clothing and textiles industry.

From Voluntary to Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence: Adapting to an Evolving Landscape – Day 3 (23 November 2023) | 2:30-3:30pm

Speaker: Bonnic Chung, Strategic Advisor, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP)

Explore the fashion industry’s evolving landscape as it navigates stricter human rights and environmental regulations, shifting from voluntary guidance to mandatory due diligence. Discover actionable insights from Bonnic Chung on how buyers can adapt to these changes, meeting global expectations while safeguarding human rights.

The future of retail unveiled

The global retail landscape has undergone a seismic transformation in the wake of the pandemic, propelling us into an era brimming with untapped potential. These Global Sourcing Seminar sessions are designed to answer attendees’ most pressing retail-focused questions and give a glimpse into the future of the industry:

Unleashing the Power of Change: Seizing Opportunities Amidst Economic Challenges – Day 1 (21 November 2023) |10:00-11:00am

Speaker: Paul Zahra, CEO, Australian Retailers Association

ARA CEO Paul Zahra returns to the Global Sourcing Expo to share his expert retail insights, decode the intricate web of global and local trends, and illuminate the opportunities and challenges awaiting us.

Elevate Your Retail Game with EQ Commerce: Crafting Exceptional Customer Journeys – Day 1 (21 November 2023) |11:30am-12:30pm

Speaker: Barry Mowszowski, APAC Strategy Director, The Future Laboratory

EQ Commerce is where innovation and technology converge to create an extraordinary retail experience. Dive into a realm where every interaction is a chance to learn, and artificial intelligence is your loyal ally, catering to your unique needs on a grand scale. In this session, Barry Mowszowski will take seminar attendees on a journey guaranteed to redefine your approach to retail and customer engagement.

Revolutionising Retail With AI: AI’s Game-Changing Trends – Day 1 (21 November 2023)|1:00-2:00pm

Speaker: Sanjay Prakash, Retail Industry Director, Microsoft Australia

AI is a driving force reshaping industries from every sector and retail is no exception. This session will give attendees a roadmap for the path ahead, showcasing the ever-evolving trends, exhilarating challenges, and boundless opportunities that AI brings to the retail value chain. You’ll learn how AI is reshaping the experience of retailers, consumers, and society at large.

Navigating the international landscape of trading and sourcing

Beginning one’s sourcing journey can be confusing and challenging – especially when it comes to finding suppliers and materials in new international markets. Luckily this path doesn’t need to be walked alone, and expert resources are available to avoid potential pitfalls and help brands take advantage of the untapped opportunities that are available:

One Year Post AI-ECTA Implementation – Where Do We Stand? – Day 1 (21 November 2023)|2:30-3:30pm

Speaker: Dr Ajay Sahai, Director General, Federation of Indian Export Organisations

This session will explore the dynamic landscape in the year since the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) implementation. It will cover India’s export scenario & market trends, Australia’s import market transformations and untapped sectors ready for exploration.

Global Success For Your Brand: Your Passport To International Markets – Day 2 (22 November 2023) | 2:30-3:30pm

Speaker: Jude Kingston, Founder, Mind Your Fashion

Discover industry secrets, international connections, and pitch-perfect insights to captivate buyers and make your brand a global sensation. Fashion veteran, Jude Kingston, holds the key to your brand’s global transformation, connecting you with international retailers and buyers.

Moving From Opportunistic To Strategic Sourcing – Unlocking ESG Opportunity – Day 3 (23 November 2023) | 1:00-2:00pm

Speaker: Gaynor Scott, Director, Retail Sourcing Solutions

Everyone wants to work smarter not harder, but moving from opportunistic to strategic sourcing requires detailed planning. As Gaynor Scott will explain in this thought-provoking session, finding your ‘True North’ relies on a graded, transparent supply chain that’s capable of balancing both ESG and commercial success. Attendees will get the strategic know-how and learn what questions to ask suppliers to deliver on your goals.