With five months still to go, the leading influential apparel fabrics and accessories trade event, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition 2016, is ready to set new records for the exhibitor number and scale.

More than 5,000 exhibitors from more than 25 countries and regions are expected to exhibit in 10 halls totalling 260,000 m² at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai, from 11-13 October 2016. Product categories include cotton, denim, functional, knitted, linen, man-made, printed, ramie, silk, sustainable and wool fabrics, as well as accessories, embroidery and lace, fibres and yarns plus design and testing services.

“With 20-plus years’ development, Intertextile Shanghai is now the most comprehensive and leading event in the global apparel fabrics and accessories industry,” commented Ms Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. “With over 66,000 buyers from nearly 100 countries and regions attending last year, the fair’s scale and internationalism provides opportunities for exhibitors that are unrivalled in the industry.”

Specific sourcing focuses

In recent editions of Intertextile Shanghai, the fair organisers have received strong appreciation for creating distinctive pavilions and product zones. “Many exhibitors and buyers reported to us that their experience was more successful because it was easier for them to identify their target buyers or products due to the product zones and pavilions,” explained Ms Wen.

Last year, French exhibitor Dormeuil saw the advantages brought by the fair’s strategic zoning. “Our booth is located in Premium Wool Zone, and I think it is a great idea that the organiser set up product zones as well as different countries’ pavilions. The fair is huge and this arrangement will definitely save visitors’ sourcing time and attract them to stop by our booth,” said General Manager Mr Jean Denerolle.

Following on from the success of previous fairs, numerous country and region pavilions, group pavilions and product zones are confirmed to feature again in this Autumn Edition, all designed to help exhibitors meet their target buyers.

Pavilions and product zones

SalonEurope is a stage for the France, Germany, Portugal and Turkey pavilions, the Milano Unica Pavilion from Italy, as well as individual exhibitors to showcase their high-end, European-made products. Asian country and region pavilions include a diverse range of cutting-edge products on display from India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Thailand pavilions.

Group pavilions include DuPont, GNC, Hyosung, Invista, Korea Chemical Fibers Association (KCFA), Korea Textile Trade Association (KTTA), Lenzing and Oeko-Tex pavilions. These will host leading mills to showcase the latest innovative fabrics and services.

Product zones will be split into Accessories Hall, All About Sustainability, Beyond Denim, Functional Lab, Premium Wool Zone and Verve for Design. They are designed with specific focuses to fulfil different sourcing needs.

In addition to the overseas exhibitors’ arrangement, Chinese exhibitors will be allocated into product end-use categories. These include ladieswear, casual wear, shirting, suiting, lingerie and swimwear, as well as functional and sportswear.

Extensive fringe programme

Intertextile Shanghai is also a comprehensive learning platform for global industry players to expand their knowledge and perspectives.

The ever-popular fringe programme will feature the Intertextile Directions Trend Forum (Autumn / Winter 2017-18), Fabrics China Trend Forum, China International Fabrics Design & Fabrics Creations Competition, Innotex-Space (a display zone for innovative textile applications and technologies) and a number of seminars, panel discussions and product presentations.

In addition to the Autumn Edition of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, three other textile events, Yarn Expo Autumn, PH Value and CHIC, will also be held concurrently.

www.intertextileapparel.com