Organizers have confirmed that last week’s debut of Materials at WSA Expo & Conference attracted an impressive 1,695 visitors.
The 105 exhibitors at the show were delighted with the caliber of visitors and felt this was due to the well-defined, structured and marketed event.
An invaluable educational program, combined with the buzzing trend area and exceptional showcase of materials innovations, sitting alongside The WSA Show, served to create a marketplace unrivalled across the globe.
Diane Stone, chief operating officer, comments, “We are delighted to have had such an outstanding first show. Having set out to provide a unique and all-encompassing business proposition for the footwear industry, the phenomenal feedback leads us to believe that we have achieved just that. The show has caused a great deal of excitement.”
The show’s cutting-edge trend area was a particular hit. Designers, product developers and suppliers were treated to an inspiring environment, which stimulated creativity, provided solutions, and drove attendees to visit the exhibitor’s booths who participated in the trend area.
Both visitors and exhibitors found great value in the show. Rose Anderson, director of development at Stride Rite visited the show and comments, “I found my visit to the Materials Expo very beneficial.
It allowed me to meet potential new suppliers and see their newest materials, leathers, and components. Many of the exhibitors I saw were showing in America for the first time, so it gave me the opportunity to view the latest innovations from across the globe.
I will certainly be returning in July.” While Dan Callahan, Director of Development Footwear Vans Inc adds, "Materials at WSA had a great mix of both Asian and European suppliers, was well organized and presented, and had a trend area that was second to none. |