World Textile Information Network (WTiN) has launched a virtual trade show in a bid to reconnect the textile & apparel industry in the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Innovate Textile & Apparel Virtual Trade Show, which will run on 15-30 October 2020, will provide an opportunity for companies from across the globe to showcase innovation in manufacturing technology and materials, while respecting travel bans and safety measures.
Innovate Textile & Apparel Virtual Trade Show of technology and materials will feature manufacturers of textile technology as diverse as manmade fibre production through to garment assembly, alongside material producers for apparel, sportswear, personal protective equipment (PPE) through to smart fabrics.
Visitors to the Virtual Trade Show can explore two virtual halls with separate but interlinking themes: technology and materials. The Technology Hall will showcase technological innovations, textile machinery and software, whereas the Materials Hall will display fibres, yarns, fabrics and apparel.
Exhibitor’s virtual booths will contain everything from videos of machines operating to fabric technical specifications, and booth visitors can make appointments or use a chat option to communicate with exhibitors. The platform will allow for lead generation and visitor insight.
Steve Ayres, head of Content & Technology, WTiN explains why WTiN has chosen to build their own platform: “We are building our Virtual Trade Show platform from the ground up because we want to be using the best technology in every area,” he says. “This will be a virtual experience beyond which our industry has seen before. Our platform can deliver the best showcase and lead generation features for exhibitors whilst at the same time, ensuring attendees have an informative, immersive and exciting experience.
“We have the freedom to work with our partners in the way that is most mutually beneficial, and not be forced into fitting into a one-size-fits-all platform. We can’t wait.”
As well as the exhibition, the Innovate Textile & Apparel Virtual Trade Show will host conferences, seminars, roundtables and will be a showcase for academic research. These events will be available in multiple languages including Chinese, English, Japanese, Spanish and Turkish.
Chinky Tyagi, head of business development, WTiN, says: “Although we must physically distance from each other in this unprecedented time, now is the time that the industry must come together to forge a way through the Covid-19 pandemic and ensure a successful future. Innovation and industry partnerships have never been more important and, as a result, we believe a virtual trade show to reconnect the value chain is imperative.
“With many industry events being postponed, OEMs, suppliers, distributors, fabric and fibre manufacturers and service providers are missing out on the opportunity to showcase their technology and develop new leads and relationships,” she continues.
“As such, we hope to bring the industry together to reconnect with our peers, nurture new partnerships and discover new and exciting innovations, of which the industry has many. We look forward to welcoming the whole value chain to Innovate Textile & Apparel Virtual Trade Show in October.”
Exhibitors and visitors can now register to receive further information on the Virtual Trade Show at https://vts.wtin.com
World Textile Information Network Ltd (WTiN) provides specialist insight and data-driven intelligence to businesses in the Textile & Apparel value chain, enabling them to make better decisions faster and gain competitive advantage. Its primary focus is on the high growth markets of materials innovation, industry digitalisation and technical textiles. WTiN products are subscription based, with most delivered digitally, leveraging the latest technology to maximise user discoverability. WTiN also: organises focused B2B events held each year in Europe, the USA & Asia; delivers bespoke consulting projects; and publishes a range of journals and reports.