The 3-day event featured free-to-attend seminar sessions by industry expert speakers, trend forecasts by WGSN, 20 exhibitor focused fashion shows, over 200 business-to-business matchmaking meetings as well as a national and international exhibition.
“Following the call of the industry of one big event per year we co-located the fairs (Source Africa and ATF/CPT Expo) this year for the first time. Having over 300 international and African exhibitors from over 18 countries. Which also makes it the biggest show of its kind on the African continent,” says Joshua Low, Managing Director, Messe Frankfurt South Africa.
Day 1 of the trade fair kicked-off with a welcome and official opening of Source Africa and the Apparel, Textile and Footwear (ATF) Expo, including the China Premium Tex (CPT) opening ceremony followed by a ribbon ceremony and cultural performance, which captivated the attention of the audience claiming this to be unique with a sense of professionalism and importance.
Over the 3-days, visitors were impressed by the high-quality seminar discussions delivered by industry expert speakers and trend forecasters – WGSN. Polly Walters, the editor of fashion and beauty at WGSN, delivered a talk on predicting the Mens and Womenswear S/S20 trend forecast. Visitors gravitated towards this mind-blowing session on Days 1 & 2 of the trade fair. Another big pull for this year’s event was the AGOA (The African Growth and Opportunity Act) panel discussion whereby each panelist discussed their view of the value offered by the AGOA act to their specific country.
The Young Designer Competition, which launched with great success in 2018 has certainly attracted 59 entrants, which increased by 50% from the 2018 edition. Ha Eun Bae won the 2019 Young Designer Competition, walking away with over R85 000 in prizes and an opportunity to showcase her impressive designs on a global stage at Texworld Paris in September 2019.
Pre-scheduled business-to-business meetings between buyers and exhibitors proved to be a huge success at the 2019 edition of Source Africa and ATF/CPT Expo. “One of the key success we’ve had this year has been the B2B matchmaking programme that took place, with over 200 targeted meetings between buyers and exhibitors the quality has been a lot better. We draw a positive conclusion and see our strategy confirmed. With our fairs we have offered the most successful business platform for the fashion and garment industry ever been hosted in South Africa before.” Adds Low.
“On behalf of the Messe Frankfurt South Africa team, we would like to thank our exhibitors, visitors, sponsor and partners for joining us for our 5th annual edition of Source Africa and 19th annual edition of ATF Expo at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. It gives me great pleasure in announcing that we’ve had 3046 visitors over the 3 days which is a significant increase in the apparel, textile and footwear events we hosted in 2018. The event was much larger than the 2018 event with over 3500 sqm in exhibition space.” Says Kathryn Frew, Portfolio Director, Messe Frankfurt South Africa.
Visitor impressions
“A wonderful display of apparel, textiles and footwear. With lots of sourcing opportunities. The fashions shows were great.”
Roger Daniels, Buyer, Colibri Toweling
“Great event, perfectly organized and I will definitely attend the next Source Africa and ATF/CPT expo.”
Masimba Mudonhi, Import & Export Agent, Crusaders Corp
“Great platform to network and connect with suppliers and manufacturers, even as a starting entrepreneur.”
Yaone Refentse Maphuwne, Fashion Designer, Yaonerefentse.com
“Grateful for the exposure at this event. I would highly recommend this event to any industry entrepreneurs, especially those who are new to the industry.”
Akho Makaba, Buyer, Elamor Pty Ltd
“A very well-organized event as well as excellent communication and service.”
Dalene Slabbert, CEO, Impavidus Collection
“It was an amazing show to meet and network with new suppliers for our brand.”
Hoosen Mahomed Randeree, Buyer, Fashion Fusion HQ