If you are starting a sustainable and ethical fashion brand, then you need to be familiar with fabric trade shows - or the trade show circuit as many of us industry pros call it. So, what exactly is a trade show? And, how important is going to textile trade shows for your startup fashion business?
BUT BEFORE WE GET STARTED...
I love helping startup brand founders succeed, so I created a bunch of free guides that will help you with your business.
They won’t be free forever, so make sure to grab them while you can.
- CUT YOUR SOURCING TIME IN ½ - the industry sourcing doc you didn’t know existed but definitely need
- HOW MUCH DOES IT REALLY COST TO START YOUR BRAND – I have helped people with as little as $2,500 get started; here’s how…
- NO MORE EXCUSES – get the exact productivity system I use to get things done
Now, back to trade shows...
To get started, a trade show is basically an exhibition for businesses that are all in the same industry.
Literally, almost every industry has its own set of trade shows. But, as a sustainable fashion startup, there are two types of shows you need to focus on - they are sourcing shows and apparel shows. For this post, I am only going to focus on sourcing trade shows. But, don't worry, I will be posting another list of apparel and fashion trade shows very soon.
And, because here at virtue + vice, we are a very international group, I have included shows from all over the world, not just the USA.
Why Are Trade Shows So Important To Your Small Business?
Let's break it down...
They Bring International Supply Chain Partners To One Easy To Navigate Location.
Trade shows are known for bringing together some of the best supply chain partners in the world. That is because not just anyone can exhibit in a trade show. Exhibitors not only need to pay a fee to participate (which is often over tens of thousands of dollars), but they also need to apply and be approved.
The companies that run textile trade shows are a business, and to stay in business they want you, their customer to be happy. And, that means having reliable, and trustworthy exhibitors participate.
The nice thing about textile trade shows (that the black hole of google can’t do) is that they pre-vet suppliers for you. You know that the people there are serious about long-term business growth (read, not looking to make a quick buck) and are definitely looking for new customers.
They Allow For Face Time And Relationship Building
Yes, technology is great, and zoom is pretty good. But, for now, it still can’t replace the real thing. When you are able to meet someone in person, that is when you can really start to build a relationship with them.
I like meeting people in person because it always you to do what I like to call the vibe check. It’s that guy feeling you get if this will be a good partnership or not. Early in my career I would ignore my gut and that little voice in the back of my head telling me to think twice about something. I chalked it up to anxiety. But you know what? As I got older I realized that usually that first gut initial reaction is right.
And, going to a textile trade shows makes meetings with lots of suppliers in the span of a day or two possible. You can then go home, think about everyone you met and decide who is the best fit for you. And, you don't have to feel pressured into working with one person, who you might not be crazy about, because they are the only person on your list.
They Are Chock Full Of Industry Experts, Panels, and Educational Opportunities
Tradeshows have come a far way, even from when I first entered the industry back in 2011. I feel like ½ of the experience now is panels and talks. It’s a great place for newbies like you to come to learn.
Sourcing Textile Trade Shows - The Ultimate List
BTW, if you can't make it in person, most shows have an online portal that allows you to meet suppliers digitally!
USA
Apparel Sourcing New York City / Apparel Sourcing USA
July 16-18 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City
While many tradeshows focus mostlye on textiles, Apparel Sourcing USA welcomes many finished garment suppliers.
November 6-8 a the Miami Beach Convention Center
Over 150 exhibitors specializing in everything from raw materials to garments, with a special focus on Latin American suppliers.
Spring Show - April 17-18, 2024 in Portland Oregon
Summer Show - July 16-17, 2024 in NYC
This is the trade show every performance brand needs to attend to learn more about high tech textiles.
February 28 - March 1 at the California Market Center (CMC) in Downtown LA
This fabric show is startup friendly, and many of the suppliers are happy to work with new brands offering low MOQs.
July 16 - 17, 2024, at Tribeca 360° in New York City
Many of the worlds top textile suppliers attend. This show is a must for luxury brands.
Vegas Show - August 19 - 21, 2024
New York Show - September 22 - 24, 2024
This is the biggest show in America. While literally everyone in the industry attends I would not recommend this show for beginners.
July 16 - 18, 2024, at the Javits Center in NYC
Mostly China suppliers, great prices, and many of them are happy to work with new startup brands.
Date and location TBD
But this show should have lots of European suppliers.
September 24-26, 2024 in Anaheim, CA
Over 4,500 textile professionals and 300 exhibitors. This show is super high tech and for industry pros.
Dates and location TBD
Laundering, dry cleaning, and overall textile care.
Dates and location TBD
This is the only tradeshow in North America that is dedicated exclusivly to home textiles and soft goods.
Dates and location TBD
Everything knits!
Canada
Apparel Textile Sourcing Canada
August 26 - 28, 2024, location TBD
Canada's largest textile and garment sourcing tradeshow.
Canada Textile and Apparel Expo Show
July 25 - 26, 2024 at The Epic Hall, Toronto
Textile and garment suppliers from all over the world.
Europe
International Conference on Sustainable Textiles and Fashion
April 23-24, 2024 Amsterdam
With 350+ atendees, 30+ practicle sessions, 60+ speakers this is an event where you get to learn from and meet top industry leaders.
UNITED KINGDOM
Textile Forums - The Fashion Fabric Show
March 13 -14, 2024 at One Marylebone, London
The show to go to for luxury textiles in Europe.
July 14-16, 2024, Olympia London
An International trade show with a focus on sustainability and support for small brands.
September 3- 4, 2024 at the Business Design Center in London
500+ exhibitors, and not just textile suppliers. Vendors include accessories, garments, printers, and even vintage finds.
June 25-26, 2024 @ Magazine London
The best place to meet sustainable suppliers in the UK and all over Europe!
GERMANY
Munich Fabric Start - ReSource Textiles
January 23-25, 2024 at MOC Munich
If you live in Germany, this is the textile and apparel trade show to visit.
PORTUGAL
February 21-22, 2024
Both local and international suppliers.
May 21-23, 2024
Thinking about manufacturing in Portugal? You don't want to miss this event!
ITALY
September 17-29, 2024
One of the best tradeshows for leather and accesories.
March 7-10, 2024
If you are looking for artisans and smaller hand made manufacturers this show is a must on your supplier search list.
March 25-26, 2024 at Villa Erba in Cernobbio
This show is a highlight of the latest trends in textiles design.
July 9-11, 2024 in Rho, Milan
Another textile show with super high end fabrics and textile innovations.
SPAIN
June 26-28, 2024 Fira Barcelona Montjuic, Pavillion 2
This is the largest trade show for textiles and garments in Spain, and the top place to meet Spanish suppliers.
FRANCE
July 2-4, 2024 at Paris Nord Villepinte
This is the same show as the NY edition, and there is another sister show in China.
July 1-3, 2024 at Porte de Versailles, Hall 7
The same show as NYC, but in Paris, with a lot of the same suppliers.
January 20-24, 2024 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
The best trade show IN THE WORLD for lingerie. Period.
Australia/New Zealand
Australian Sheep And Wool Show
July 19-21, 2024 at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds in Bendigo, Victori
Featuring Australias top wool suppliers across all levels of supply chian.
International Sourcing Expo Australia
November 19-21, 2024 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in Victoria, Australia
The biggest and best textile and garment trade show in Australia.
Other Countries
International Apparel & Textile Fair
6 comments
Hi Melanie,
This might be a silly question but are these the actual dates for the upcoming year? Or do we need to look on line for the upcoming dates.
Thanks! Haydée
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