Strong interest in new Materials at WSA Expo & Conference

The new show, bringing the supply chain alongside the largest and most comprehensive footwear and accessories show in the world, The WSA Show, held in Las Vegas, will focus on innovative materials such as leathers, synthetics, textiles, components, technology and sourcing solutions for the footwear sector. Materials at WSA to be held at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas will open two days before The WSA Show and overlap The WSA Show by one day. This pattern will allow the design, product development and sourcing teams from the major footwear brands and retailers to use this expanded marketplace for maximum efficiency. Although the concept was only unveiled in May, exhibitors have been quick to confirm that they will be at the Materials at WSA Expo & Conference. Companies such as Adige Conceria, Alba Gruppo, CMC Gruppo, Conceria 800, Conceria Kara, Conceria NCL, Conceria Virginia, Creative Leathers, Gruppo Mastrotto, IP Valdarno together with Cuoificio mpg Nuova Antilope, Pellami Macchini, North American Tanning, Rino Mastrotto Group, Romapelli and Wolverine Leathers are just some of the tanneries that have contracted for stand space. Not surprisingly these major companies have chosen to exhibit at the inaugural show, given that the show's content is being crafted with the assistance of an advisory board of key industry professionals. This board is made up of executives who are all leaders in the various supply chain sectors of the footwear industry including: Daniel Friedman (senior vice president, product development & sourcing, Brown Shoe); Doug Clark (vice president, Timberland Invention Factory, Timberland); Michael Jeppesen (divisional senior vice president, global sourcing & product development, Payless); Michael Schaeffer (global creative director & vice president of design, Reebok); and Ray Tonkel (inventor, former design, development, advanced technology executive with Adidas, Nike, Reebok, Rockport). The Materials at WSA Expo & Conference is an "invitation only" event. It will include the most innovative companies operating in the footwear & accessories supply chain. 'With the platform that The WSA Show affords, building on the strength of the most comprehensive finished product show for footwear and accessories in the world's largest affluent market does the industry a great service', comments Diane Stone, chief operating officer of The WSA Show