2 minutes
Texworld, Apparel Sourcing trade shows cancel September editions
Show organiser Messe Frankfurt France has announced the cancellation of its Parisian shows originally scheduled on September 14-17. The decision was taken due to the lack of clear government guidelines on health protection requirements, and to the persisting limitations on international travel.
“A survey of our loyal textile and apparel buyers revealed that the majority of them are not yet willing to travel,” said Frédéric Bougeard, president of Messe Frankfurt France.
“A rigorous analysis of all these issues, and the lack of assurance as to the possibility of staging such major events under favourable conditions, have forced us to take this decision. It is a difficult decision, and also a responsible one, with regards to our visitors, exhibitors and partners,” added Bougeard.
Messe Frankfurt’s Parisian trade shows, with their high proportion of Chinese exhibitors, had already been hit hard by the Covid-19 crisis in mid-February. Half of the 500 Chinese exhibitors expected had been unable to travel to Paris, whether for failing to secure authorisation for leaving China, or for their inability to find seats on flights that were already becoming scarce. The shows were visited by only 7,109 industry professionals, a sharp decline from the record 13,929 visitors a year earlier.
“In my opinion, it will take at least six months before the situation will more or less normalise,” CCPIT-Tex’s general secretary, Zhang Tao, told FashionNetwork.com, at the show (the link to the interview is here).
It seems, therefore, that trade shows too will need to bide their time before getting back into full swing. The next edition of Texworld and Apparel Sourcing is scheduled on February 1-4 2021.
“Our leading international partners have signalled their renewed confidence in us by confirming their presence,” said Messe Frankfurt France, also announcing that various digital tools will soon be put at the buyers’ disposal.
The other leading Parisian apparel sourcing show, Première Vision, is expecting a decline in exhibitor and visitor numbers for its September edition.
The show is relying on new digital solutions to make up for this shortfall. In Germany, the Munich Fabric Start show is set to kick off on September 1, a lucky date, marking the first day in which it will be possible to hold events in Bavaria. The show will be held at a new venue, to comply with local health protection measures.
Copyright © 2024 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.
