Global demand for leather lifts exhibitor numbers at APLF
4 February 2011No sooner have the products, trends, and colours of leather been absorbed by those who attended the APLF - MM&T exhibition last year than the 2011 event is fast approaching.
For those who have not yet updated their 2011 diary entries, APLF - MM&T runs (Wednesday) March 30 - (Friday) April 1, 2011, in Hong Kong.
Many regular exhibitors over the past 27 years have already booked stands larger than they normally take. This reflects the general up-beat mood of the international market where, despite uncertainty in some economies, leather remains the ‘must have’ material for a host of products ranging from footwear and bags, through to garments and vehicle upholstery.
Recent flooding and natural disasters in certain parts of the world may trigger supply shortages but, of course, with higher prices comes the need for ensuring quality and comparing prices. More than ever underscoring the value of face-to-face contact only events such as MM&T can provide.
Last year exhibitors from 48 countries played host to over 17,000 visitors, spanning the entire industry supply chain. As of today exhibitor stand bookings are up 23% on last year. There are 42 exhibitors attending for the first time.
Already an impressive 25 International Group Pavilions are confirmed: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Pakistan, Portugal, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UK and USA. Pakistan will be the Focus Country for 2011 and will have one of the largest pavilions, comprising some 50 exhibitors.
MM&T has served as the most international exhibition for all those in the global leather business since 1984. The event provides visitors with a once-a-year opportunity to see, touch, discuss, sell and buy leather in all its forms. And, of course, the chance to network, meet suppliers and customers, see innovations and catch up with friends and exchange industry information. Also on display are the material and colour trends for the new season, which will be Spring-Summer 2012. And this year’s theme for the annual Leather Conference co-organised with BLC is ‘Sourcing, Safety and Sustainability’. Many other seminars are free-of-charge, like those organised by the CTC.
As usual MM&T is held concurrently, and alongside, two other complementary APLF events: Fashion Access and the Prime Source Forum. Registration for entry at MM&T extends automatically for entry to Fashion Access and parts of Prime Source Forum.
The exhibitions are all held at the Hong Kong Conference & Exhibition Centre, in the heart of Hong Kong’s vibrant business and entertainment areas.
