Organisers of the Asia Pacific Leather Fair (APLF) have announced today that due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 the next edition of APLF – Leather, Materials+ and Fashion Access will now be held on 30 March–1 April 2021.
The events always take place in March annually but were rescheduled to 1–3 June 2020 in light of the initial COVID-19 virus outbreak then largely affecting mainly Asia. The decision to hold the next edition as usual in March 2021 is in direct response to the recent and escalating pandemic now felt globally and in direct response to our industry partners, associations, and most importantly our customers.
“This was a difficult decision for the entire team including our staff, partners, and for the industry to make; however we believe it is the correct course of action that will help sustain the leather and fashion industries in the long run,” said Perrine Ardouin, event director of APLF.
“The recent unprecedented developments of COVID-19 affecting our community and friends has moved from what was considered just an Asia epidemic at the beginning of this year to what is now a global pandemic. We want to ensure that when APLF returns it is under the best conditions for all participants. In the meanwhile, we will create digital solutions to keep the connection and conversation between buyers and sellers strong.”
The focus shifts to China in September
With the positive signs showing China’s recovery from COVID-19 and the worldwide determination to combat the disease, All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE) scheduled on 1–3 September 2020 in Shanghai will become the first event for the leather industry to get back on track after the pandemic.
ACLE is the definite leather exhibition in China. It is also the gathering place of the Chinese tanning, footwear, leathergoods, furniture sectors as well as key players in the automotive industry. The exhibition will provide the whole industry with a platform to resume the business and inject confidence through the various conferences and meetings.
APLF’s digital solutions to connect the community
To support the industry on maintaining their businesses and staying connected with the community during this difficult period, APLF has various digital products in place, such as the APLF.com marketplace, webinars and InTouch, a new virtual business matching event.
As of now, APLF has planned a series of webinars focusing on educational, industrial and trend topics.
The new InTouch initiative is a series of virtual sourcing events during which suppliers will present their products live to buyers around the world. Starting from 16 April, each InTouch event is specially curated to suit different sourcing requirements of the buyers. Exhibitors will present their collections and answer buyers’ questions, and afterwards they will meet each other in a one-on-one business matching meeting.
APLF stands together with the industry
The entire APLF team would also like to extend our thoughts to all of you affected by this pandemic. We also wish to thank all of you for your years of support of our fairs and your patience and understanding. During critical times like these, we should remain hopeful. Together, we believe that we will come out of this situation stronger.
Stay positive, stay connected.
