Social distancing guidelines around COVID-19 have made it difficult for textile executives to have physical face-to-face meetings in recent months. But trade show Texworld USA is creating the next best thing through the launch of a new virtual format that will facilitate connections in cyberspace.
“For more than a decade Texworld USA has been serving the textile sourcing community through our platform connecting suppliers worldwide with buyers in the U.S. market,” stated Jennifer Bacon, show director, Fashion and Apparel, Messe Frankfurt North America. “We are proud of this commitment and excited to have moved the Sourcing Event of the Summer to a digital space where the industry can continue to source, exchange information and network.”
The Summer 2020 edition of Texworld USA, being held July 21-23, will bring together professionals working in sourcing, fabric buying, research and development, merchandising and design on a digital platform.
“Adjusting to the changing times, Lenzing is pleased to participate in the digital format of Texworld USA,” said Tricia Carey, director global business development for denim at Lenzing Group, which will be exhibiting at Texworld USA. “Now more than ever it is critical for collaboration and an opportunity to recreate the textile industry.”
One innovation tied to the new virtual format is smarter networking. During the show, attendees and exhibitors will have access to an artificial intelligence-powered matchmaking tool that will suggest who to meet, what sessions to attend and which virtual booths to visit. The more that attendees interact with the AI, the more it learns and the more accurate its suggestions and leads will become. Beyond the show, participants will be able to leverage the networking platform for 45 days after Texworld USA closes.
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A chat function enables individuals to message each other within the trade show platform. Additionally, for one-to-one meetings, Texworld USA is offering browser-based video conferencing.
Recreating the feel of an exhibitor booth in a digital medium, companies will be able to customize a page with product listings and brochures, website links and promotional videos. This hub can also be used to set up meetings and manage scheduling.
Meanwhile, sessions will be broadcast live within the Texworld USA platform. During the Textile Talks and Lenzing Seminar Series, viewers will be able to chat with other attendees, adding another networking opportunity. After Texworld USA, registrants can access the 400-plus exhibiting global suppliers as well as these talks for 45 days to learn more about topics ranging from climate change to what sustainability will look like after COVID-19.
Moving to a virtual format will enable Texworld USA to expand its global reach, while affording attendees and exhibitors the chance to boost their profile in the crucial U.S. market. The virtual edition is currently bringing textile mills and manufacturers from 15 countries. Ninety percent of the 6,400 attendees for the summer 2019 editions of Texworld USA, Apparel Sourcing USA and Home Textiles Sourcing were from the United States.
“We are excited to join Texworld’s digital platform to network with the industry in an innovative way,” said Lukas Rebentisch from Sustainable Pakistan. “Virtual events open up new possibilities to connect with customers, consumers and partners uninhibited by physical boundaries.”
For qualified trade visitors, admission is free. To register for the event, click here.