Complementing the physical trade fair, new online platforms and digital solutions were added to the mix of services on offer, enhancing business opportunities amid the international travel disruptions.The combination of onsite and online services worked to further stimulate the industry’s recovery and maintained the fair’s leading global position in the textile apparel market.
Products should be seen and felt up close
Intertextile Apparel running as planned has been another significant step for the industry which has received enthusiastic support from both domestic and overseas participants.Feedback from this edition and the absence of trade fairs earlier in the year has stressed the value and irreplaceability of in-person business interactions, with fairgoers keen to meet with potential buyers and suppliers face-to-face.Particularly in the textile market, where products should be seen and felt up close, visitors appreciated the chance to comprehensively source for their needs in-person.Meanwhile, exhibitors experienced a strong demand for their products from quality buyers, making up for lost business earlier in the year.
Fairs Most Popular Trade Platforms
Following the conclusion of the fair, Ms Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd acknowledged: “It’s apparent that the industry has greatly appreciated the return of Intertextile Apparel following the Shenzhen edition in July, as it's still recognised as an ideal platform to reconnect with business partners and to allow participants to see and feel products in-person. And with the launch of new digital solutions including the Hybrid Showcase and Connect PLUS, our online exhibitors and buyers valued the chance to be able to connect with those who were not present at the fairground.”
Ms Wen continued: “We are proud that as a trusted, reputable platform, the fair has always served as a tool for suppliers to introduce their latest collections. And this was amplified this edition as exhibitors used the fair to showcase their products in direct response to the pandemic, such as antibacterial and other functional fabrics. The business nature of the industry has also adjusted to the pandemic, with exhibitors noticing an increase in e-commerce buyers, who often request high-quality products with fast delivery services, reflecting the popularity and demand for e- commerce business.”
“Looking ahead, with the successful conclusion of the show last week, we are excited to further support the industry’s revival with the Spring Edition in March 2021, which will again combine digital solutions with the physical trade fair to create a comprehensive trade platform, accessible to all,” Ms Wen concluded.
Close-up Messe Frankfurt
Messe Frankfurt is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With about 2,600 employees at 29 locations, the company generates annual sales of around €736 million. Thanks to its far-reaching ties with the relevant sectors and to its international sales network, the Group looks after the business interests of its customers effectively. A comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent).
