Page 140 - TEXtalks. May-June 2023

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An exclusive interview with

Charles Beauduin

Chairman, ITMA Services

Visitors to ITMA 2023 will be able to explore

game-changing solutions for the textile industry

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