How big will be ITMA 2023 if compared with the previous editions?
The exhibition space booked by exhibitors is the highest compared with the past three editions. We are happy with the outcome as there are many challenges brought about by slower global economic growth in the face of elevated inflation, higher interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainties.
What is new at this year’s ITMA? What are the top reasons to visit ITMA?
We have expanded our index of products to make it a one-stop sourcing platform for the manufacture of advanced materials by introducing textile composites. Visitors will be able to explore machinery for textile reinforcement structures for composites, auxiliary machinery and accessories.
We have also launched ITMAconnect which connects the global textile community before ITMA and extends the engagement after the exhibition. With this platform, both exhibitors and visitors can plan their participation more effectively and be more productive during the exhibition.
Another new initiative is Start-Up Valley which spotlights companies in their early stages of development with game-changing solutions. Sixteen companies have been awarded a CEMATEX grant to defray their participation costs. You can find out more about these start-ups and their innovative solutions from www.itma.com.
Could you please share your strategies to attract maximum attendance at ITMA?
We use a multi-prong approach to attract visitors to the exhibition. Besides advertising and media partnership, we collaborate with industry associations and have embarked on roadshows to key textile-producing hubs.
As a result of the pandemic, we have also increased our promotional mix to include more digital platforms and tools, including virtual events and social media. This helps to expand the reach and engagement with more textile and garment stakeholders.
What should be the innovation and value-adding service in the future by the fair organizer for the buyer and the manufacturer?
Currently, we are focused on this edition as the exhibition is five months away. We will review ITMA 2023, look at industry developments and new innovation trends, and propose activities that will add value and are meaningful for our participants for our next exhibition. In the meantime, participants can continue their engagement and sourcing opportunities through the ITMAconnect platform after the Milan exhibition.
Are there any concurrent events alongside ITMA?
Held alongside ITMA 2023 are events organized by us, namely the ITMA Textile Colourants and Chemicals Forum, and ITMA Nonwovens Forum. We also have events organized by industry partners: Global Digital Textile Conference 2023 staged by WTiN, Planet Textiles hosted by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and ZDHC Impact Day 2023. Visitors can find out more from www.itma.com.
An exclusive interview on ITMA 2023, Milan with Mr. Charles Beauduin, Chairman, ITMA Services
