An official event of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), the semi-annual Material World exhibition returns to the Miami Beach Convention Center September 29 – October 1, 2003.   Strategically timed to showcase Autumn/Winter 04 trends, the event will once again offer sewn products industry exhibitors and attendees a one-stop resource for sourcing, textiles and technology.

“From design to delivery, Material World truly offers a one-stop product and service resource for all members of the sewn products industry,” says Tim von Gal, executive vice president, Urban Expositions, producers and managers of Material World. “Every element of the soft goods chain is represented from fabric and technology to equipment and machinery suppliers. Our international exhibitor base offers direct access to global and local chains of commerce.  And, our complete roster of educational programs, networking events and trend pavilions round out the offerings, making this a true fashion and fabric information resource.”

“Supporting and serving the business goals of our members is paramount to how we measure success at AAFA,” remarks Kevin M. Burke, president and CEO of AAFA. “Through the exhibits, AAFA-sponsored educational programming and a complementary venue for our committees and task groups to meet, such as the International Network of Sourcing Executives, Material World offers our members the right blend of business and professional networking opportunities. AAFA is pleased to expand its participation at the fall event with the addition of our Board of Directors meeting.”

As the full-package sourcing, fabric and fashion information event for the sewn products industry, the fall edition of Material World will bring together  the introductions and innovations from leading companies from North, Central and South America, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Europe in every sector, including fabric, trim, yarn, components, educational institutions, contractors, manufacturers, technology (CAD, PDM, web-enabled solutions), full-package providers, publications, services (freight forwarders, financial, color/trend forecasting), associations and others.

As the fifth edition, the fall event is expected to attract even more key decision-makers from throughout North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, including: CEOs, presidents, general managers, manufacturing vice presidents, sourcing executives, product development executives, designers, manufacturers, purchasing agents, marketing executives, branded apparel companies and retailers, including mail order, private label and e-business, importers and others.

In addition to product, packaging and sourcing opportunities, the September 29 – October 1 event will feature a number of trend pavilions highlighting the color, product and technological elements expected to make a splash in 2004.  A comprehensive educational program will also be offered to attendees, including a special pre-show conference addressing key legislative and trade issues scheduled for Sunday, September 28.