Apparel Textile Sourcing Miami (ATSM) is set to return in May with new sponsors, an expanded lineup and a growing role as one of the premier trade shows in the region after attracting 3,500 visitors in 2019.
The show will once again take place at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center in conjunction with Miami Fashion Week, running from May 27-May 31. This year, ATSM will continue its focus on tariffs, sustainable supply chains, nearshoring and the advent of microbrands demanding increasingly smaller orders from their manufacturing partners.
ATSM’s main objective centers on continuing to build the show as “a core hub” for businesses that want to do business in Latin America and the United States.
“During the second year, the exhibition in 2019 doubled in attendance and is on track for the same growth in 2020,” JP Communications, the producers of ATSM and its sister shows in Toronto, Montreal and Berlin, said in a statement. “Furthermore, the event has quadrupled the number of exhibitions from Latin America and the USA.”
As before, ATSM will offer business-to-business matchmaking and SME and enterprise-level seminars. New this year is the inclusion of Pantone trend forecasts, as the color marketing firm is an official show partner. The show will also include a larger fabric and trim section for brands and buyers interested in the immediate shipment of open stock yardage and apparel hardware items.
Yet despite the new additions and a changing industry landscape, a familiar theme remains at the forefront of the apparel world.
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“Trade policy has by far been the largest disruptor and challenge faced by sourcing professionals over the last few years,” Jason Prescott, CEO of ATS and JP Communications, said. “Our Miami-based ATS has proven to offer a home run as a perfect location for the market desiring changes in their sourcing schemes. We are truly based in the world’s gateway city of trade and meeting new producers this May in Miami is the ideal location.”
Past ATSM attendees have included Perry Ellis, Macy’s and Zara, with regular appearances by sustainable certification companies like Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) and the TESTEX Group, which will be offering analysis and education on recent shifts in corporate social responsibility during the event in May.
Speakers from Li & Fung, the International Apparel Federation, DKNY and The Trend Office have attended in the past, addressing sustainability, tactics for launching new brands, building authentic content and developing sound marketing strategies.
“We’re very grateful to have such influential key voices in the industry like Julie Hughes, president of the USFIA, to inform our 2,500 plus attendees on the dynamic market ahead of us,” Prescott added.
ATSM 2020 will also host a runway show highlighting innovative designers from South Florida to complement Miami Fashion Week, and offer a new “Sourcing Markets Pavilion” featuring products from emerging markets and a swim and resort section.