The MAGIC apparel trade show, held twice a year in Las Vegas, Nevada, is now the largest apparel trade show in the nation. Originally focused only on men’s wear, MAGIC now encompasses all categories of apparel and accessories with special focus on urban and high performance activewear and footwear. The exclusive division at the MAGIC trade show is divided into the special emphasis categories of WWDMAGIC, FN PLATFORM, MENSWEAR, PREMIUM, STREET Unlimited, S.L.A.T.E., POOLTRADESHOW and SOURCING at MAGIC.
The most recent show was held last month, February 13-15, 2012, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Last February I was able to attend the entire event, but this year I had only a short time as I was flying on to Portland. As a result, I focused only on the SOURCING at MAGIC show held in the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall. The four days of SOURCING at MAGIC opens one day before and runs concurrent to the MAGIC show. It features manufacturers and suppliers from around the world.
The SOURCING at MAGIC website describes the show as “North America’s largest, most comprehensive sourcing event, reflecting the fashion supply chain at its most complete. Offering unmatched access to over 40 countries representing the world’s most important markets, SOURCING at MAGIC showcases more than 800 apparel, accessories and footwear resources, conveniently merchandised by country and category: contract and original design manufacturers; fabric, trim and component suppliers; and service and technology providers.”
SOURCING is mainly an opportunity to meet suppliers from around the world and network with sourcing executives, designers, merchandising managers and private label buyers. There are frequent complimentary seminars addressing topics of best practice, sustainability, social media marketing and other strategies for overcoming global sourcing challenges.
This year I was particularly interested in the area of sustainability but found interesting presentations on trend forecasts from Pantone (which I featured in a previous post), met Francis Harder of the Fashion Business Inc. (FBI) who offers training and service to apparel companies and start-ups, and investigated the SOURCING “matchmaking service”. I also checked out the Fashion Snoops, a global trend research and advisory company delivering insight to the fashion market.
At SOURCING at MAGIC, I met Bob Berger, the Director of International Business who provided an overview of how to best utilized the services offered at SOURCING at MAGIC and how to best prepare for a visit to MAGIC. I will cover this in detail in my next blog.