London proves ideal location for new fair

Reporting on the first of American Events’ Europe-based shows.

The successful and long-running NE and NW Materials Shows are held on the east and west coasts of the USA semiannually. The NE Materials Show – in Wilmington, Massachusetts – is a sourcing show which attracts some 150 local, national and international exhibiting companies. The NW Materials Show, located in Portland, Oregon, is the long-established predecessor to the north east show, having first opened its doors in 1994. The north west event features products and services showcased by more than 200 companies. Both shows offer a relaxed, friendly atmosphere to source footwear materials and components, and SATRA has had a presence at both fairs since 2010.

Show organisers Hisham and Kari Muhareb of American Events announced at the August 2018 fairs that their current offering would be expanded to include a European location. Consequently, the first edition of the ‘EU Materials Show’ took place on May 1st and 2nd 2019 at the Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, London E1.

This inaugural event was a great success, attracting exhibitors from such countries as Canada, China, Germany, Pakistan, Taiwan the UK, the US and Vietnam. The EU Materials Show also drew over 300 designers, developers and technologists from retailers and brand owners across Europe.

SATRA is very pleased to have supported this event and promote its benefits to all of our European members. We also sponsored an evening drinks reception at the end of the first day as part of our centenary celebrations. Divisional manager of footwear, Lynne Fenyk, was on hand to say a few words of welcome and cut the cake during the reception. Christine Powley-Williams and James Corton were also present to welcome visitors to the SATRA stand.

The EU Materials Show is scheduled to be held once again in November 2019, and the event is expected to grow in size as it matures.

The photograph at the beginning of this report shows SATRA’s Christine Powley-Williams (left) and Lynne Fenyk at the first EU Materials Show.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 54 of the June 2019 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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