Shoe, Textile and Woodworking Shows All Post Upticks in Numbers
August 20, 2013
Mirroring the continued growth in the overall trade show industry, several recent shows saw positive showfloor size, exhibitor and attendee numbers.
Messe Frankfurt’s Texworld USA, for example, saw tremendous growth, with 438 exhibitors from 15 countries, a 33.5 percent increase from the July 2012 show.
For the fourth time, Texworld was collocated the International Apparel Sourcing Show and the Home Textiles Sourcing Expo, which drew in a total of 731 exhibitors and 5,292 attendees.
“The exhibitor and attendee numbers demonstrate that Texworld USA continues to be the most important platform for sourcing apparel fabrics in North America,” says John P. Gallagher, president and CEO of Messe Frankfurt.
He added, “Our exhibitors are looking for renowned brands and we are pleased to say we bring buyers from some of the largest brands such as J Crew, Ralph Lauren, PVH, Elie Tahari and many more.”
The show was held July 16-18 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York and is on tap again in January at the same venue.
Woodworking also saw a boost in numbers at the 2013 AWFS (Association of Woodworking & Furnishing Suppliers) Fair when it was held July 24-27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The show hosted 9,150 registered attendees and nearly 13,500 total participants, with 503 exhibiting companies occupying 11percent more floor space than 2011.
The showfloor wasn’t the only place that grew, according to Angelo Gangone, AWFS executive vice president.
“This is the first time since 2005 that our trade show expanded in all categories including buyer and exhibitor attendance, total number of exhibiting companies, exhibit space sold, and seminar attendance,” Gangone added. “It is a very positive sign for our industry, as early indications strongly suggest this trend will continue for our 2015 show.”
In 2015, AWFS Fair will return July 22-25 to the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The Southeastern Shoe Travelers Association’s Atlanta Shoe Market continued to spread its wings from being just a regional event to having more of a national presence with continued attendee growth at its recent show.
Held Aug. 14-16 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in suburban Atlanta, the show saw a 6-percent increase in retailer pre-registrations, compared with the previous event, as well as 1,800 brands.
Industry show-goers recently ranked the Atlanta Shoe Market the second best fashion show in the world and first in overall attendee satisfaction, giving it a perfect “10” score for organization and planning, according to show organizers.
“Despite our growth, we are determined to maintain the things that contribute most to productive meetings between vendors and retailers, including ease, convenience and affordability,” said Laura Conwell-O’Brien, show manager and executive director of the Southeastern Shoe Travelers Association.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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