Latin America to Play New Role in SPESA Expo
GUATEMALA CITY—SPESAExpo, the huge trade show that has focused on equipment and machinery exhibits, is expanding its horizons.
At the show next year in Atlanta, organizers are planning to open the three-day event to a wide array of textile makers, manufacturers, logistics providers, country associations and other organizations from Latin America. They will be housed in a central area called “Supply Chain of the Americas.”
“This is beyond our typical technology and machinery offerings,” said Dave Gardner, SPESA’s managing director. “We want to show the balance of resource options available in the region. There will be everything you need to do garment maufacturing.”
In addition, the SEAMS Association in Columbia, S.C., will have a “Supply Chain of the USA” pavilion inside the trade show, which is held every three years.
With innovation and speed-to-market now a larger part of the manufacturing and retail equation, Gardner said the show will allow manufacturers to do one-stop shopping for resources and vendors that are located closer to the U.S. market. “The vision is to bring the entire suply chain together and represent the Western Hemisphere,” Gardner said.
This is a wide departure for SPESA Expo, which is known for showcasing huge machinery used in the textile, apparel, footwear, home furnishings, luggage, protective gear and auto upholstery sectors. It also houses design and technology exhibits.
Until recently, SPESA Expo shared space with the Material World trade show in Miami Beach, Fla. But SPESA (Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers), the trade association in Raleigh, N.C., that organizes the expo, decided to change its venue to Atlanta. The May 18–20, 2010, event will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Also, Techtextil North America andATME-I/Megatex will be part of next year’s show. —Deborah Belgum
