WSA show to be held in Las Vegas in February

1,600 exhibitors will showcase 6,000 footwear and accessory brands in Las Vegas from February 10-13, 2006. The exhibition is designed for the global footwear, handbag and accessories industries and will present an array of fresh designs, product innovations and next season's emerging trends. The international event will cover 186,000 square metres and is expected to attract around 35,000 participants from 90 countries. The show will display the latest design innovations and trends spanning from hip, California Cool street fashions to original Western cowboy culture, from the hottest brands in sporting and athletic footwear, to the retro styling of the lifestyle trend-setters, as well as the largest gathering of high-end luxury brands under one roof at The Collections at WSA. Diane Stone, chief operating officer of WSA, says: 'At WSA, we seek to satisfy the needs of the buyers. This is best done by recruiting the most exciting array of new products from all over the world and presenting it in a convenient, categorised manner. This makes it easy for buyers to shop at the show and discover the styles that will excite their customers in the coming year.' An array of new exhibitors, including Lacoste, Bronx Shoes, Rocket Dog, LeFlesh and Michael Tepperson, will join the designer showcase at The Collections at WSA. 'For the world's leading retail chains, department stores, distributors, boutiques and independents, WSA is a must and first-see event, where formal, outdoor, sports, comfort and high-fashion collections make their debut', Stone continued. 'As the first major show of the season, the WSA Show's unique cross-section of global brands, manufacturers and distributors, as well as 'Who's Who' in the footwear and accessories world, constitutes an essential venue for the international retail trade to track the fashions, innovations and economics which drive business forward.' Angelo Uriel Hassan, managing director of the Hassan Group located in Rome, Italy, with shops all over the metropolitan area of Italy's capital comments: 'It takes time for the product developments and styles in the US to reach Europe. WSA gives us the great advantage of seeing the latest styles first-hand and making sure that we have the next bestsellers.' To ensure that visitors get the most out of their time in Las Vegas, both on and off the show floor, WSA has a skilled retail relations team, to assist with pre-show planning, supply information on exhibitors, help set up appointments and provide support on-site as well as with travel and hospitality arrangements. The WSA marketplace includes American icons such as Chippewa, Chuck Taylor Allstar, K-Swiss, Keds, Levi Strauss, Rockport, Sebago, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger and Wrangler to name a few, as well as international stars such as Clarks, Diesel, Ecco, Fila, Filanto, Fly London, Geox, Oakley, Royal Elastics, Sergio Tacchini, Skechers, Speedo and Von Dutch. In addition, more than 300 ultra luxury international designer brands will be on display at The Collections at WSA. 'Not only will buyers have numerous opportunities to establish relationships with manufacturers and designers, they will also have access to educational business seminars that can help to drive their bottom line', said Stone. 'Combined with the excitement of Las Vegas and the Earth Wind & Fire and Chicago concert the first evening of the show, this event can be an integral part of their success.' For more information, visit [http://www.wsashow.com] or email Philippe Versluysen in the WSA Milan office at pversluysen@wsashow.com