Impressive industry response to SPESA EXPO

10 Jun '10

3 min read

The Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) announces that more than 8000 industry executives and professionals attended its May 18-20 SPESA EXPO 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. Many of the visitors to SPESA EXPO also attended the co-located Techtextil North America and returned to both events over the three-day Textile and Sewn Products Industry Week event. 85% of attendees classified themselves as buying decision makers or influencers, including the more than 2800 business owners, presidents, and C-level executives in attendance.

“We are pleased to see such an impressive industry response to our 2010 event”, stated SPESA President Benton Gardner. “The signs of economic and industry recovery were evident with the greater than expected turnout of U.S.-based companies and the increased levels of top decision makers in attendance. Virtually all of our exhibitors reported that the show met or exceeded their expectations.”

On the SPESA EXPO tradeshow floor, 224 exhibitors represented several sectors of the fashion and sewn products industry from a broad range of machinery and equipment, fabrics and trims, product development services, production and supply chain services, IT and software solutions. Special new Supply Chain USA, Supply Chain of the Americas, and IT Showcase exhibits were popular destinations for a majority of the attendees. Also 1,000 visitors participated in the 30 SPESA EXPO FORUM conference and seminar events.

According to Gerber Technology VP of Global Sales Sam Simpson, “SPESA EXPO met our expectations. We had good representation from East and Mid-West regions of North America along with good representation from Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Honduras. Gerber was pleased with the good quality level of customers with serious interests.”

Lectra President Roy Shurling's analysis of the show was that, “The quality of contacts is better than we had hoped for. We met with a lot of corporate vice presidents and decision makers. People seem more confident now, and they're going back to a growth mode.”

Lonny Schwartz, President of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply added, “Superior had a wonderful show. We were visited by customers from around the Americas and even a few from Europe. We also were able to meet many of our suppliers from around the globe and even found some new ones.”

Jim Hopkins of Hamrick Mills stressed, “In terms of steady traffic through our booth, we were busier at SPESA EXPO 2010 than we have been at any trade show in 25 years. We saw a number of current customers as well as very promising prospects.”

More than 80% of attendees were from companies based in North America, many with additional operations in Central America. South America accounted for nearly 8% of total attendees, while Asia contributed 6%. Apparel companies made up more than one-third of all attendees. Other sewn products segments that contributed significantly to the strong overall attendance included government and military products, technical textiles and composites, upholstered furniture, medical products, luggage and bags, automotive interiors, mattress and bedding, and sporting goods.

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