First edition of Si takes place

The inaugural edition of Source International (Si) took place at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York from January 12-14. Initial reactions to the fair have been less than positive with many European and Mexican exhibitors expressing their frustration at the lack of serious US buyers attending the show. According to one report seen by Leather International even a high proportion of exhibitors from the Leather Industries of America pavilion stated their disappointment at the quality of visitors. Some stated that it was worse than the final edition of the Panamerican show held in Miami. Si is not a specific leather industry fair and is aimed at the whole supply chain of footwear, leathergoods, luggage, leather apparel, upholstery and components including non-leather products. Si also combined technology with materials and included design, supply chain management, logistics, packaging, on-line payment and marketing companies. The concept, which is good in theory, is to present the whole product supply chain to US based major brand buyers and designers. A number of leading brands are located in the north eastern part of the United States. Around 300 exhibitors from 24 countries attended the fair from the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. There were a particularly high number of exhibitors from South East Asia and the Indian sub-continent.