The Fall 2003 edition of Material World, an event of the American ApparelandFootwear
Association (AAFA), held recently in Miami Beach, Fla., was the focal point for the garment
sourcing supply chain. Visitors saw the latest in products, met suppliers and took advantage of
networking opportunities. This edition of the show, however, also set the stage for change. The
Spring 2004 show, to be held May 18-20, will take on special importance with the co-location of the
Sewn Products EquipmentandSuppliers of the Americas (SPESA) Expo 2004, as well as the second
edition of Technology Solutions an information technology event jointly owned and produced by
SPESA, AAFA and Urban Expositions, owner and producer of Material World.The Fall 2003 Material
World the fifth edition of the show saw a 12-percent increase in attendance over the Fall 2002
event. In addition to offering educational programs, the show aspires to be a true full-package
sourcing, fabric and fashion information event. This editions 373 exhibiting companies presented a
broad array of products including fabric, trim and yarn; educational institutions; contractors;
manufacturers; technology (CAD, PDM, Web-enabled solutions); full-package providers; services such
as freight forwarding, financial, and color/trend forecasting; associations; and more.This was our
most successful edition to date, and we were especially pleased with the increase in high-level
retail traffic and attendance from other key top decision-makers from the industry, said Tim von
Gal, executive vice president, Urban Expositions.Material World has really reached its stride as a
complete destination for the sewn products industry, remarked Kevin M. Burke, president and CEO,
AAFA.The organizers state that, in addition to Material Worlds exclusive alliance with AAFA, the
show enjoys the support and endorsement of the American Apparel Producers Network (AAPNetwork), the
National Textile Association, the Textile Distributors Association, the American Yarn Spinners
Association, and the Office of Textiles and Apparel of the US Department of Commerce, as well as a
number of other important international industry associations.The May 2004 event, promoted as Three
Great Events Under One Roof, promises to extend value to exhibitors and attendees. Recognizing that
the sewn products industry has changed dramatically over the past few years, SPESA and Urban
Expositions believe that the industry is best served if visitors can see all the major components
of the sewn products industry in one place, at one time, von Gal said. While each exhibition will
retain its own identity and deliver its own message, the co-location of SPESA Expo and Material
World will provide the attendee a seamless opportunity to visit both shows, said Benton Gardner,
executive vice president, SPESA.
The eWarna sales team promoted its on-line color collaboration color engine, which links
color solutions via the Internet.
Members of the Bayer Chemicals sales team presented BayProtect protective finishes.
The Fall 2003 edition of Material World attracted a diverse gatheringof exhibitors and
attendees for the most successful edition to date.
Mount Vernon Mills displayed Career Wear, among other products.
New Generation Computing was on hand with technology solutions.
Left to right: Tom H. DePuit, Bob Fudge and John Paleczny, Thermopatch Corp.
Sue Strickland, executive director, AAPNetwork
Organizers and sponsors of Three Great Events Under One Roof gathered to explain and promote
the 2004 co-location of Material World, SPESA Expo and Technology Solutions events.
December 2003
