ATSM 2020 is predicting another record turnout as multiple conference tracks have expanded with trend forecasting lounge enhancements, three track fashion shows and more regions expected to exhibit. The stage is set once again for ATSM 2020 to celebrate year number three in the Gateway City of Miami. 2019. Attendance almost doubled with over 3,500 attendees taking part in the threeday global sourcing trade show. ATSM 2020 will take place May 27–29 at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center located in the city’s art, fashion and cultural hub. Expected to take center stage once again will be tariffs, sustainable supply chain, near sourcing and the rapidly expanding ecosystem of microbrands demanding smaller MOQ’s than ever before.
During the second year, the exhibition in 2019 doubled in attendance and is on track for the same growth in 2020. Furthermore, the event has quadrupled the number of exhibitions from Latin America and the USA. This international sourcing show will feature global manufacturers catering to the US and Latin American buying markets and brings fashion executives from the Americas at large to a single trade event under one roof. ATS is the primary trade show on the East Coast tailored to retailers, brands and experts that bring together inspirational leaders and respected industry executives from the apparel, manufacturing, retail and affiliated business industries to educate, network, share market intelligence, discuss pressing topics and engage in conversations that facilitate the flow of global commerce.
The event will offer matchmaking, B2B sourcing, SME and enterprise-level seminar series, trend forecasts from PANTONE as a show partner, a runway show for designers from the local area and exhibitors to showcase the latest design and manufacturing techniques. ATSM will have a niche educational focus held in the fashion innovation lounge including highlights in global trade policy, colour and design direction, and business strategy. ATSM 2020 will have a focus on sustainability, near sourcing, and speed-to-market. Amongst many other topics that will be addressed, including Low MOQ Sourcing and the rise of micro-brand disruptors as the fastest growing segment of the show’s database and how retailers and consumers have adapted to the shift. Past ATS attendees like Perry Ellis, Macys, and Royal Caribbean continue to make the show a must-visit trade event on the sourcing calendar. Additionally the value of strategic partners such as the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) and independent Swiss testing certification organization (TESTEX Group) offer education and analysis on the shifts in corporate social responsibility and ethical sourcing within the sourcing community.
With a turbo charged geopolitical landscape, it is expected that trade policy, domestic production and sourcing alternatives will once again be a very hot topic. “Trade policy has by far been the largest disruptor and challenge faced by sourcing professionals over the last few years. Our Miami based ATS has proven to offer a homerun as a perfect location for the market desiring changes in their sourcing schemes. We are truly based in the world’s gateway city of trade and meeting new producers this May in Miami is the ideal location. We’re very grateful to have such influential key voices in the industry like Julie Hughes, President of the USFIA, to inform our 2500+ attendees on the dynamic market ahead of us,” said Jason Prescott, CEO of ATS and parent company JP Communications, INC.
Previous speakers include WILSON ZHU – Chief Operating Officer Li & Fung, MATTHIJS CRITEE – Secretary General of the International Apparel Federation, SAL KHOKHAR – Former DKNY and Adidas Head of Licensing and CEO of Kollective. Moda, popular trend and style forecaster Cynthia Florek of The Trend Office who have spoken on trending topics such as sustainability as one of the world’s largest and quickly-growing consumer requirements, and dozens of other executives and government officials. Other subjects addressed in 2020 include the aggressive steps towards integrating sustainable business practices, launching a successful B2B or B2C fashion company in today’s global market, the importance of building locally before growing globally, how to build a stand-out brand with authentic content that resonates with consumers, trade secrets, converting website traffic into customers, unveiling 12 key digital marketing strategies to target the right customers, and how to drive online sales and build a successful supply. Returning speakers planned are Jeff Streader from Go Global and ModCloth offering insight on Brand Acquisitions and turnaround management, and Julie Hughes of USFIA will keynote on US Trade Relations.
The strategic value of Miami being a core hub for global companies wanting to do business in both LATAM and the United States will continue to be a focus. In 2019, ATS featured Michael Finney, President of Miami Dade Beacon Council, David Hart, EVP of Florida Chamber of Commerce, along with Alice E. Ancona, Director of International Strategy & Policy, Florida Chamber of Commerce with Mathew R. Rocco, President of the South Florida Manufacturers Association – all featured on our annual Florida Business panel. This will continue to be a featured topic in 2020 with a focus on data analysis on what makes Florida so important in the current geo-political climate.
