In month of August 2016, the first ever Apparel Textile Sourcing Show (ATSC) was presented by TopTenWholesale.com and Manufacturer.com in Toronto, Canada. Since 2011 the Canadian apparel industry had been gaining traction. Jason Prescott, CEO of JP Communications, saw the lack of resources that domestic companies had to source materials and make industry connections within the country. ATSC was born out of the desire to enable Canadian businesses to reach their highest successes with the right resources.
ATSC 2017 Recap
This idea proved successful at the first show and was further evidenced this past August 21st-23rd at ATSC 2017. In just its second run, attendance was up 67 percent and booth sales saw a 50 percent spike. In addition, it was not just industry professionals looking to source materials and or find buyers for theirs; government representatives were also in attendance. The fashion business is a global one and one in which partnerships, trade and agreements must be negotiated and discussed. It was truly incredible to see the show be a platform for these connections.
Give them what they want
ATSC 2017 enjoyed great success due to its dedication to giving the attendees what they desired from the experienceATSC 2017 enjoyed great success due to its dedication to giving the attendees what they desired from the experience coupled with a strong Canadian sentiment throughout. More Canadian companies joined on this year such as Giant Tiger, Canada Goose, New ERA Cap, just to name a small few. With the matchmaking services provided at the show, the team was able to connect attendees with businesses large and small that met their needs.
ATSC identified what it was that attendees came to the show for:
Attendees were looking for:
Apparel – 45%
Accessories – 32%
Textiles – 23%
International Involvement
While the flooding the trade show floors with Canadian booths, brands and industry professionals was a large draw, the Artisan Hub drew some hype. Through TFO Canada, ATSC was able to showcase imports from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) such as: Madagascar, Uganda, Lesotho, Ethiopia, Haitai, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Nepal. This was a unique opportunity, and the first of its kind, for attendees to be able see, touch and feel these unique and fine goods. To be able to source these materials without the expense of international travel was invaluable.
A Breadth of Information
The seminars at the show have started becoming a highlight for many. Speakers such as Canadian fashion designer Julie Grieve, American Apparel and Guess former CEO Jeremy Streader and Brands for Canada Director Helen Harakas imparted their knowledge for an eager crowd. One aspect that makes ATSC seminars unique is that stage is on the show room floors and attendees can continue perusing the booths while hearing a unique panel discussion. In regard to one of the seminars, the Sourcing Manager of Joe Fresh Sawrabh Awasthi said, “We found the trend forecasting seminar from Cynthia Florek to cover much of the information we needed for future seasons.” Even better is since attendance may be free, but the knowledge is priceless.
The Big Showcase
While ATSC was very much business, it was not without play. Day 2 of the 2017 show held a full day of runway shows. Designs debuted on the catwalk from Canadian designers, international designers and even students. This was an incredible experience to celebrate apparel as well as get their creations in front of the eyes of potential clients. This was only further helped by the aforementioned matchmaking services putting the right people in contact with each other.
ATSC 2017 was an incredible success made possible by the 300+ international businesses involved, 3000+ attendees who came out and all the efforts of the Canadian apparel industry. Register now to get more information and stay in the loop in regard to the 2018 show. It will be back and bigger than ever and that is a promise and a guarantee. Here’s to making “Made in Canada” stronger than ever!
