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WGSN Trend forecasts and AGOA a major focus for the 2019 Source Africa and ATF/CPT Expo seminar sessions

Jun 5, 2019

In exactly one week, Source Africa & ATF/CPT Expo (International Apparel, Textile and Footwear trade exhibition) welcomes over 300 exhibiting companies, from 18 different countries. The three co-located events will feature high-quality seminar sessions, trend talks and trend forums by WGSN and 15 fashion shows showcasing the latest designs.

Taking place from 12-14 June 2019 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the event attracts buyers, sourcing managers, technologists and retailers across the clothing and textiles sector to benefit and learn from each other through interactive discussions and networking opportunities. With a stellar line-up of industry influencers and a variety of local and international exhibitors, visitors are kept up-to-date with the latest trends, can source new suppliers and sustainable textiles as well as engage with trend specialists.

Fashion shows take place alongside the exhibition which will present manufacturers and suppliers from China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Lesotho, Mauritius and Frankfurt.

“The collocation of Source Africa and ATF Expo firmly solidifies our show as the largest textile event on the African continent. There are no other events which showcase as many local and international exhibitors to interested buyers. The 2019 event promises to be an informative, jam packed 3-day event and we are very glad to report that this year’s event is larger than the 2018 event with over 3500 sqm in exhibition space and more than 300 exhibitors from 18 different countries,” says Kathryn Frew, Portfolio Director at Messe Frankfurt South Africa.

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Expect seminar sessions from the editor of fashion and beauty of WGSN, Polly Walters, who will be predicting the ‘Menswear and Womenswear trends of tomorrow’. WGSN Fashion helps the world’s largest retailers, brands and manufacturers lead with confidence. Long-term consumer trends, new and breaking trends as well as global street style images will be featured during these sessions. Find out more about this seminar session on day 1 & 2 of Source Africa & ATF/CPT Expo.

'The Rebirth of Cotton' will be discussed by Dr. Annette Bennett, Technology manager of Cotton SA. This seminar session highlights the goals for the industry, as Cotton SA wants to increase the local beneficiation of cotton. This will lead to the creation of more than 75 000 new jobs and an injection of almost R10 billion into the economy.

Included in the seminar programme is a panel discussion focusing on AGOA (The African Growth and Opportunity Act) where each panelist will discuss their view of the value offered by the AGOA act to their specific country. With China being the US largest trading partner in textiles and apparel, what impact will the recent trade war have on this and what opportunities may open up for other potential suppliers to the US? What is the take of US brands and US Government on trade between US and Africa in textiles and apparel post 2025? 

The panelists include AGOA beneficiaries such as Mauritius and Lesotho together with AAFA giving the US buyer’s perspective and USTR representative who will give the perspective of US Government. The panel discussion will be chaired by the Hub COP, Jim Winkler. The panel discussion is scheduled for 13 June running from 12:30-13:15 on the ATF stage.

Other speakers confirmed for the 2019 event includes; CEO of Imprint Luxury – Cyril Naicker who will address ‘Sustainable Fashion – clothing with a conscience’ in a panel discussion together with Clay Hickson - Senior Vice President Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), Kim and Natalie Ellis – Founders - The Joinery and Jackie May – Founder Twyg. Whilst, Adine Gericke - Lecturer and Coordinator of the Programme in Textile and Polymer Science at the University of Stellenbosch will deliver ‘Technology Driving Fashion - the role of technology to ensure thermo-physiological comfort in sports and leisure-wear’.

The Source Africa Young Designer Competition, launched in 2018 with great success. This year, the competition has expanded and will showcase twenty curated finalists over two days. The overall winner walks away with prizes valued at over R85 000 including an opportunity to showcase his/her designs at Texworld Paris.

The seminar programme is open to all exhibitors and visitors, to find out which expert speakers you would like to learn from, please visit sourceafrica.co.za and atfexpo.co.za, and diarise the sessions most applicable to your line of work.

Book your free visitor pass online at sourceafrica.co.za or atfexpo.co.za

We look forward to welcoming you to Halls 1, 2 & 4 of the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

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