The recent Sydney Global Sourcing Expo was a huge success according to the organiser, with a 48 per cent increase in attendees.
From 12 to 14 June, more than 5,000 visitors attended the three-day sourcing expo, which took place at the International Convention Centre (ICC).
Marie Kinsella, CEO, International Expo Group and organiser of the Global Sourcing Expo, says the significant increase in year-on-year attendance shows there clearly is a need for a global wholesale sourcing event of this kind.
“The Global Sourcing Expo offers unparalleled opportunities to forge new partnerships and explore untapped markets, enabling trade buyers to drastically streamline their supply chain through direct ordering from international suppliers,” she says.
“What makes this platform so valuable to local buyers is the fact that they can see the product first-hand without having to waste time and money on overseas travel and sampling to find the right quality. The wide range of goods on display and suppliers with different capabilities and minimum quantity orders meant that every kind of business need was catered for.”
More than 500 exhibitors from over 10 countries including Korea, Bangladesh, India, Thailand and Vietnam, showcased the latest products in apparel, footwear, textiles and homewares at the event, which was co-located with the China Clothing, Textile and Accessories Expo.
While much of the Global Sourcing Seminar Series was focused on global trends, other topics included the risks and opportunities of AI in retail and supply chain traceability.
“Of particular interest was the living wage movement panel discussion led by James Bartle, CEO of Outland Denim and joined by Melinda Tually, director of Ndless: The New Normal and RMIT’s professor Shelley Marshall,” shares Kinsella.
“This hot-button issue has been subject to much debate and we were incredibly fortunate to have panellists that could share both a practical and academic perspective on what steps brands must take to implement this across their global supply chain.”
The Melbourne show is set to take place from 19 to 21 November 2024 at the MCEC and is co-located with the Footwear & Accessories Show.
“While there is a common remit of product categories in both the Sydney and Melbourne Global Sourcing Expos, there are distinctive education feature and focus areas to differentiate the two events.”
