May 2023
The Global Sourcing Expo, Australia’s premier international sourcing event for apparel, textiles, homeware and gift, has released the program for the much-anticipated Global Sourcing Seminars for their upcoming Sydney show.
This marks the first- time the Expo will be held in Sydney, taking place from 11-13 July 2023 at the International Convention Centre (ICC).
“We now have the opportunity to spotlight some of Australia’s best-known thought leaders in retail and sourcing industries in both Sydney and Melbourne – allowing us to dive deeper into hot-button issues and enabling these experts to share their invaluable knowledge with a larger audience,” says Marie Kinsella CEO, International Exhibition & Conference Group, organisers of the Global Sourcing Expo. “The Global Sourcing Seminars run across three days of the Sydney Show and will cover a diverse range of topics.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts in seminars that will equip buyers with the latest insights and knowledge across fashion, trends, sustainability, marketing, homewares, sourcing and supply chains.
Patty Huntington is set to MC, bringing an invaluable perspective on the industry that draws on her long and illustrious career in fashion and her current position as the Features and Fashion News Director of Harper’s Bazaar Australia.
Sustainable sourcing and conscious fashion in the spotlight
Conscious fashion is a growing movement that is transforming the global textile and apparel industry by embracing environmentally friendly production, social responsibility, and ethical practices. Consumers are prioritising conscious fashion at a higher rate than ever before, and ignoring the movement, risks a brand becoming obsolete.
This emphasis on conscious fashion ties closely into the broader trend of sustainability in sourcing and production, with many companies looking for practical solutions to help them adopt sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint.
To address the growing demand for sustainability best practice and conscious fashion guidelines, the Global Sourcing Seminar program includes sustainability-focused seminars, namely:
The Conscious Fashion Blueprint – Day 1 (11 July 2023) | 10:00-11:00am
Speaker: Elizabeth Formosa, Founder, Fashion Equipped
During this seminar, conscious fashion thought-leader Elizabeth Formosa will share powerful insights on purpose-led brands, responsible sourcing strategies, and upholding a positive impact and legacy.
The Shifting Sands of Sustainability – Day 1 (11 July 2023) | 1:00-2:00pm
Speaker: Melinda Tually, Director of strategic human rights and sustainability consultancy, Ndless: The New Normal
The sustainability wheels are spinning at breakneck speed in 2023 – giving rise to new terms, new data, new tech and crucially, new legislation. Join Melinda Tually as she shares her tips for navigating the new wave of transformation as the sector shifts its long-held norms.
National Clothing Product Stewardship Scheme – Day 2 (12 July 2023) | 11:30am-12:30pm
Panel Chair: Danielle Kent, Project Director, Australian Fashion Council, joined by members of the Consortium, and fashion industry leaders
This world-class initiative aims to improve the design, recovery, reuse and recycling of clothing, forming a roadmap for the larger mission of circularity in Australia’s fashion industry by 2030. Hear from the esteemed panel on the challenges facing Australia’s clothing and textiles industry and how the National Clothing Product Stewardship Scheme will address them.
Practical Solutions for Reducing Environmental Impact in the Production Process – Day 3 (13 July 2023 |10:00-11:00am
Speaker: Anshu Malika Gupta, Co-Founder, TYGR Apparel & Footwear Sourcing
This seminar will explore pressing topics such as reducing waste, using sustainable materials, improving energy efficiency and sustainable design principles. Gain invaluable insights in reducing your carbon footprint and making a positive impact throughout the production process.
Preparing brands for what lies ahead
In a global economy where legislation is changing regularly, businesses need to be increasingly agile and learn how to succeed under changed circumstances.
While the future is uncertain, the Global Sourcing Seminars have assembled some of Australia’s foremost trend predictors and business strategists to help brands adapt to the ‘new normal.’ These include:
Opportunities and Challenges Amidst Economic Headwinds – Day 1 (11 July 2023) |11:30am-12:30pm
Speaker: Paul Zahra, CEO, Australian Retailers Association
The global retail industry underwent a period of massive change during the pandemic and this disruption has given rise to a new world of opportunities. In this seminar, Paul Zahra will address the State of The Industry by sharing his expert insights, predicted global and local trends and highlight the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Retail Futures – Day 2 (12 July 2023) | 11.30am-12:30pm
Speaker: Barry Mowszowski, APAC Strategy Director, The Future Library
Discover how innovative retailers are using technology to create intelligent and empathetic commerce journeys that cater to customers’ idiosyncratic needs at scale.
Endless Opportunities – The Importance of Circular Business Models-Day 2 (12 July 2023) | 2:30-3:30pm
Speaker: Vanessa Thompson, Director of Supply Chain and Textiles, Go Well Consulting NZ
As Vanessa explains, operating within a circular economy offers businesses the opportunity to preserve precious resources, increase customer loyalty and increase new revenue streams. All this can be achieved while restoring and protecting your business and the planet.
Sharing global sourcing success stories
With sourcing as the main focus of the event, attendees will be able to explore case studies and get tips from experienced sourcing professionals, product developers and major retailers, as well as gain practical insights into what the process involves.
The Ins and Outs of Product Development – Day 1 (11 July 2023) | 2:30-3:30pm
Panel: Giovanni Pino, Co-Founder & CEO, Sourci; Winston Su, Founder & Co-owner, Noonie; Susan Lillian, Founder, SMITH KIT
This panel will discuss the complex intricacies of product development and give attendees a roadmap for navigating the production process. Other topics in focus include how to enhance sustainability during the product ideation and development stages.
The Importance of Brand Identity In Relationships and Expansion – Day 2 (12 July 2023) | 10:00 – 11:00am
Speaker: Ian Bailey, CEO, Kmart Group
This session will explore Kmart’s unique scale and sourcing capabilities, both of which underpin the retailer’s low-cost business model, and how they enable volume sourcing through established long-term supplier relationships. Ian will also share guidelines for utilising digital innovations for a better customer experience.
Challenges and Insights into Successfully Sourcing Homewares Globally – Day 3 (13 July 2023) | 11:30am-12:30pm
Panel including Jal Milne, General Manager, Brand Seekers Australia
Hear top insights and tips from a panel of global industry experts who will share their experiences in the international sourcing of homeware, through the challenges of COVID-19 and beyond. Topics in focus include country-specific challenges, distribution and supply chain issues within this field.
View the full Global Sourcing Seminar program and book your ticket here: https://globalsourcingexpo.com.au/visitor/whats-on/seminars/
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FOR EDITORS
About the Global Sourcing Expo Sydney 2023
Global Sourcing Expos Sydney and Melbourne provide a dedicated show platform to connect global manufacturers, producers, service providers and fashion labels with trade buyers, retailers and industry professionals from Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
The Show now includes a focus on homewares and gift, as well as apparel, accessories, and textiles. As one of the only shows in Australia to directly target wholesale and retail buying groups, this is an ideal opportunity to enter the Australian market.
“The Global Sourcing Expo connects the world!”
When and where for Sydney Show: Tuesday 11 – Thursday 13 July 2023, International Convention Centre (ICC), Sydney.
When and where for Melbourne Show: Tuesday 21-Thursday 23 November, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Website: https://globalsourcingexpo.com.au
About IEC Group Pty Ltd
International Exhibition & Conference Group Pty Ltd (IEC Group Pty Ltd) is a privately owned Australian company of key personnel with combined exhibition industry experience of over 70 years.
Enquiries about the event: Julie Holt, IEC Group. julie@iecgroup.com.au or +61 (0) 3 9596 9205
For editorial enquiries please contact:
Rene Rose
M +61 474 476 344