Virtual Trade show receives a good response

Home Textile Sourcing Expo which was held last week in tandem with the Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA shows, the events attracted more than 4,000 virtual buyers over the three-day run, including home participants from over ten countries. Key companies visiting the show included: Target, Macy’s, TJX, Ralph Lauren and Nordstrom.

Together, more than 460 international suppliers from 16 countries exhibited virtually. A highlight of the Expo was a full online webinar program focused on home textiles that featured sessions on design trends, sustainability, branding and technology. Speakers included Walter Bridgham of Lenzing, Loftex Home CEO Charles Gaenslen, former Macy’s executives Donna Vance and Janee Ries, Regan Iglesia of WestPoint Home, trend expert Tom Mirabile and designer Stacy Garcia.

“The industry was searching for an alternative solution to reach global suppliers during these challenging times and as evidenced by the tremendous support from high quality independent designers, buyers and brands, Home Textiles Sourcing is helping meet that need,” said Jennifer Bacon, show director, fashion and apparel for Messe Frankfurt North America, which co-sponsored the event.

Other parts of the virtual platform included AI-powered matchmaking that calculated and recommended the most relevant connections, live chats and virtual networking.

“We are committed to supporting the home textile sourcing community and were extremely pleased to have utilized a virtual platform that enhanced our ability to provide international suppliers with a means to reach the U.S. market successfully,” Bacon added.

The first virtual Home Textiles Sourcing Expo drew some big-name visitors. This positive feedback is a good achievement of the new normal with the help of AI.