Preparing for Global Sourcing Expo 2024
As a Startup or Scaleup, choosing the right supplier is crucial and key to your business success. It’s not something to be rushed.
Author: Elizabeth Formosa
You might be at the stage where you’re wondering how to find a clothing manufacturer, what questions you should ask, and how to do all of the above without feeling completely overwhelmed!
There are many ways to approach finding your dream product team. Still, I have always advocated for attending trade shows, like Global Sourcing Expo, because they allow you to meet multiple potential suppliers in person and in one place.
As we prepare for Global Sourcing Expo Sydney, 2024, we’re diving into the Fashion. Business. Mindset podcast archives to revisit our chat with Marie Kinsella, CEO of the International Exhibition and Conference Group, and hear her words of wisdom on how to get the most out of your expo experience.
What Is Global Sourcing Expo?
This twice-annual gathering, hosted in Sydney and Melbourne, brings together hundreds of suppliers and industry leaders. It offers the opportunity to meet with businesses from around the world, including China, India, the States, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines.
“Our tagline is ‘We bring the world to you,’ and I really find this quite extraordinary still that instead of our retailers and wholesalers and those involved in the fashion and accessories and homewares industry having to travel the globe, We actually bring selected manufacturers from all around the world to the International Convention Centre in Sydney for three days.” - Marie Kinsella
Why Attend As A Startup Or Scaleup?
On the podcast, we spoke to Marie about how fashion brands in Australia can benefit from attending the Global Sourcing Expo, particularly those in their startup or elevation days. Some of these include the opportunity to:
- Connect with large and small-scale suppliers, too. The latter are more likely to have smaller minimum order quantities, making them great potential clothing manufacturers for startups.
- Attend seminars, workshops, and panel discussions covering new developments in the industry.
- Meet other service-based businesses that can help you on your journey (like us - Fashion Equipped consultants and mentors!)
Most importantly, at Global Sourcing Expo, you have the chance to expand your connections and have powerful conversations in person.
“That's where trade shows are fantastic in that you can really have this rare opportunity to collaborate and to connect, there's only so much we can do over the screen and so much we can do over the phone.”
- Marie Kinsella
The Importance Of Being Prepared
If your goal is to meet your ideal production partner, it’s important to go into the expo with a plan - one that will help you identify the right vendors to speak to, protecting your time, mental energy, and social stamina.
I have been attending fashion expos for years, and I remember those early days vividly. I’d wander the conference corridors, getting into 20-30 minute conversations. The late afternoon would sneak up on me, and I’d think, ‘Wait, what am I actually doing? Who exactly should I be talking to?’
That’s why we developed a free guide to preparing for the Global Sourcing Expo, including a two-page checklist to help you build your own sourcing criteria and feel empowered to ask all the right questions.
My hope is that it makes your experience streamlined, systematic, and stress-free. Download the guide for free HERE.
Words Of Wisdom
With all her years of experience hosting sourcing events, we asked Marie to share a few words of advice for those looking to take their supply chain strategy to the next level.
“. . .Collaboration and learning is really key. You can't really get far when you're acting by yourself on your own. It's much easier to work in a partnership environment. There is an opportunity to connect and collaborate with these exhibitors at the Sourcing Expo.” - Marie Kinsella
Images via @global.sourcing.expo
How we can help at Fashion Equipped
Working with a fashion business consultant and strategist can be highly beneficial for your business. The magic happens when a business owner decides to Invest in working ON the business as well as IN the business.
If you need help with sourcing or business growth strategies, Fashion Equipped offers powerful consulting solutions.
Email us at info@fashionequipped.com.au
Tune into the Podcast with Elizabeth and Marie discussing the benefits of attending the Global Sourcing expo, such as:
Accessing over 350 Suppliers from small to large scale manufacturers, right here on our doorstep in Australia
Exploring new and Innovative Supply Chain Solutions
Develop & Source new products and categories
Expand your Network & Connect with Industry
We’ll help get you ‘source ready’ - with a framework for developing your strategy, choosing your manufacturer and building that all-important relationship. Explore our Mini Course Shop.
