FFANY and Informa Join Forces to Support Growth of U.S. Footwear Industry
October 3, 2018
Two large U.S. footwear trade show operators are teaming up to better meet the evolving needs of the industries they represent.
Spurred on by a clash of show dates in February of next year as well as the need for a consistent market calendar based on industry demand, the Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY), the organization that leads FFANY Market Weeks in New York and its NY Shoe Expo trade shows, and Informa, organizer of FN PLATFORM, MAGIC, Coterie and PROJECT, are forming a collaborative industry partnership designed to address the footwear industry’s emerging and evolving needs and shape the future of its trade events.
Besides a broad dialogue with industry stakeholders that will include developing research and recommendations for footwear brands and retailers on the optimal omnichannel paths to market, the FFANY/INFORMA collaboration intends to provide complementary and coordinated trade show calendars for platforms in New York and Las Vegas as well as provide greater opportunities for brands and retailers connect, do business, network and understand industry trends, according to FFANY officials.
“We look forward to collaborating with Informa to collectively serve the footwear industry,” said Ron Fromm, FFANY president and CEO. “Informa’s policy of transparency in scheduling and our mutual commitment to serve the needs of footwear brands and retailers with a thoughtful calendar is a development that will benefit all.”
As part of this effort, FFANY and Informa will coordinate their respective trade show calendars to ensure that the timing of footwear trade shows not only matches the needs of brands and retailers but also that industry players can participate in both FFANY and Informa events without logistical barriers.
FFANY Market Week will take place Feb. 4-8 in New York, while FN Platform is set for Feb. 5-7 in Las Vegas – a significant logistical challenge for attendees and exhibitors, but one neither FFANY nor Informa were able to resolve.
For these upcoming shows, the two groups will work with affected brands and retailers to develop personalized recommendations and programs to enable brands and retailers to participate in both events.
To help prevent future conflicts and find positive solutions for the industry going forward, FFANY and Informa are working together to create a footwear industry advisory group comprising retailers, wholesalers, trade organizations and associations, which will hold its first meeting Oct. 11 in New York City, according to Informa officials.
“We are appreciative to be working alongside FFANY on this forward-thinking planning initiative and collaboration,” said Mark Temple-Smith, commercial director of Global Exhibitions for Informa.
He continued, “We support FFANY’s service to the industry in charity and education and look forward to working on our joint commitment to ensure that all footwear brands and retailers have the necessary opportunities to succeed.”
Don’t miss any event news! Sign up for any (or all) of our e-newsletters HERE & engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn & Instagram!
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.
Add new comment