The International Apparel Federation (IAF), a trade association, with its mission to unite all stakeholders of fashion and apparel industry globally to promote smarter, more sustainable supply chains, has announced launch of the 1st Digital Global Apparel Sourcing Expo 2020 for the ready-made garment industry together with Sourcing Journal as media partner.
The Global Apparel Sourcing Expo will be powered by Four source, who will provide the technological platform for the event with a specific focus on B2B matchmaking. The show will be launched on July 15 and will run for 30 days until the August 14, 2020.
“On request of our member associations we have decided to develop a fully digital tradeshow to provide an alternative for cancelled apparel sourcing tradeshows. Our objective is to create new and sustainable business opportunities for the industry and our members in these challenging days,” Matthijs Crietee, secretary general of IAF, said in a press release.
The IAF already has a strong existing partnership with Foursource, the largest digital sourcing platform for the apparel industry. Other than traditional tradeshow event software solutions, Global Apparel Sourcing Expo will benefit from Foursource’s B2B matchmaking technology with proven success in connecting international buyers and readymade garment manufacturers. Sourcing Journal, the leading media company for the apparel and textile industry, supports the event through their communication and social media channels driving relevant industry visits to the show.
“While the fashion industry is experiencing unprecedented challenges, the want and need to continue working has never been more critical. While there will be headwinds for the foreseeable future, a new way of working is evolving and the need to embrace new technology and new resources has never been more evident. With travel and factory visits on pause or limited, a virtual tradeshow powered by a digital platform like Foursource allow the discovery, communication and accountability the industry needs to continue conducting business while the ability for physical meetings remains constrained,” Edward Hertzmann, founder and president of Sourcing Journal, said.
Exhibitors will benefit from a powerful tool to personalise their company booths & profiles with dedicated product showrooms and verified company certificates through Foursource’s partnerships with GOTS, Oeko-Tex, Textile Exchange, Wrap and many others. Participating companies will be showcased to a global network of thousands of international buyers along with extensive digital marketing to promote exporters publicly, maximizing traffic on the tradeshow and securing relevant business opportunities. Exhibitors will furthermore receive a professional membership on Foursource to maintain direct buyer relationships.
To address and discuss the main challenges of the apparel and textile industry, a three days conference programme will be held with industry experts on the topics of Sustainability & CSR post Covid-19, Shifts in Global Trade, and Digital Product Development as the New Normal.
