Australia's only dedicated footwear trade exhibition, The Footwear & Leather Show, is set to welcome two new features in 2018.
The first new addition is a 'Global Runway,' which will showcase pieces from international brands, manufacturers and designers.
The runway will be located on the show floor at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and will host a range of footwear, apparel, accessories and leather goods from exhibitors, across the three days of the show.
The 'Global Runway' will give exhibitors an opportunity to highlight their goods to the trade attendees in a stylish and sophisticated manner.
The second new feature is a Global Business Matching (GBM) program which will fast-track the buyer/seller experience.
The program will utilise a recommendation engine which will match buyers to sellers, opening up opportunities for private one-on-one meetings.
The GBM program is open to invited exhibitors, senior buyers, general sourcing managers and quality managers in the footwear, apparel, textiles and accessories industries.
The Footwear & Leather show will also welcome back suppliers from India – the world's second largest producer of footwear and leather garments – to the largest pavilion.
For the third year running, the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) – India's peak export trade body for the Indian leather industry – is bringing 30 member suppliers to Australia to highlight the quality of their products to the Australian market.
Exhibition director at the International Exhibition and Conference Group, Julie Holt, said that CLE's participation in the show will help grow the export market for Indian leather.
“India is a reliable and attractive destination for the manufacture of high end goods and we are delighted to have CLE’s continuing participation at the Footwear & Leather Show.
“We are confident this will support their commitment to developing export growth for the Indian leather sector, particularly within the discerning Australian market.”
The Footwear & Leather Show will take place on November 20 – 22 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.