December 2024
The Global Sourcing Expo in Melbourne has concluded successfully, attracting over 4,700 visitors and representing a stellar array of Australian fashion and retail brands.
The Expo team reports a 29% increase from 2023 on total visits to the Expo, and 24% increase from 2023 on unique visits. A staggering 95% of Expo visitors have final decision-making authority or are able to make recommendations, and 83% of visitors attended to discover new manufacturers, products or new sourcing regions.
“The steady year-on-year increase in visitors is a clear indication that there is healthy demand for an industry event that brings together buyers and international suppliers under one roof for networking, knowledge-sharing and relationship building,” says Marie Kinsella, CEO, International Expo Group – the organiser of the Global Sourcing Expo. “Just a few days post-show and we had already received a number of repeat exhibitor enquiries for the 2025 Expo, with feedback from participants revealing that the Expo delivers on ROI”.
The feedback from exhibitors and attendees has been positive. One exhibitor said: “The event was exceptionally well-organised, and the support from the team was outstanding. From the smooth setup to the seamless logistics throughout, everything was handled professionally, allowing us to focus on showcasing our products. The venue was excellent, and the foot traffic was great, leading to valuable interactions and exposure. I’m looking forward to participating again in future events!”
Held from 19 – 21 November, the three-day GSE Melbourne event (including the co-located Footwear & Accessories Show and the China Clothing Textiles Accessories Expo) attracted close to 1,000 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions, including Türkiye, India, Brazil, China, Vietnam and Indonesia, showcasing the latest in fashion, footwear home textiles and accessories. Visitors to the Expo remarked on the diversity of exhibitors, saying they appreciated “the variety of stalls and the willingness of exhibitors to engage with new visitors and learn more about the textile and apparel sectors”. This was echoed by another guest, who said the Global Sourcing Expo offers a “good range of countries and exhibitors all under one roof”.
“This is what makes GSE Australia’s ultimate sourcing destination; it provides the ideal platform for buyers and brands to research and source an extensive range of goods and connect with suppliers from a variety of markets – without having to travel abroad,” adds Marie.
As an Expo attendee commented: “The best thing about the Expo was being able to meet suppliers in person and being able to chat to them directly, along with seeing samples and quality of their products”.
Visitors also had the opportunity to connect with trade associations and industry organisations such as the Handloom Export Promotion Council India and the Taiwan Textile Federation. “Having access to these associations and organisations provides exhibitors and visitors to the show with invaluable guidance and resources,” reiterates Marie.
The feedback from Expo attendees has been very positive, with one guest noting the event enabled them to “build up stronger relationships with customers and suppliers”, and another stating: “My company is very new to this industry, and I feel like the possibilities are endless after attending this Expo.”
Global Sourcing Seminars Unpacked Key Industry Insights
The Global Sourcing Seminar program brought together over 30 industry experts to explore pressing issues, shed light on industry trends and provide key insights on topics ranging from AI and clothing recycling to sourcing strategies. “Each of these sessions offered their own unique point-of-view, delivered by the best in industry. Day in and day out, these sessions were well-attended and the feedback from attendees was very positive,” adds Marie.
All Eyes on the 2025 Global Sourcing Expo
Following the successful conclusion of the 2024 GSE events calendar, Marie and her team have started coordinating the 2025 events, with plans for an impressive Expo in the New Year. “It has always been our goal to offer the Expo as a destination – a space where the sourcing and buying market can find the products, global partners and suppliers needed to bolster their supply chains and their business strategies,” she says. “Through our ongoing research and our relationships with key industry organisations, we will continue to develop the Expo offering so it’s always relevant and always adds value.”
IEG has announced the 2025 event dates for Sydney (17-19 June 2025 at the ICC) and for Melbourne (18-20 November 2025 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre).
Marie reiterates that exhibition stands will sell out fast. “We encourage organisations to get in touch soon to book their stands, and to follow our social media channels for updates,” concludes Marie.
