Demand for more content at sector fairs
After the pandemic period, where physical fairs turned to virtual alternatives, with the control of the health crisis, traditional events for manufacturers and suppliers in the footwear and manufactures industry have returned to in-person exhibitions. A fundamental factor in this sector, where visitors need direct contact with exhibitors and the products displayed.
At the same time, the notable progress of communications has demonstrated that virtuality is the best complement to physical fairs. For this reason, many of them had to rethink their operation and content based on the new needs and characteristics of the market.
Although the main objective of fairs is to promote contacts, purchases and sales, currently visitors demand something more than strict commercial services, especially in a very dynamic sector linked to fashion and technological updating, in constant renewal. The requirements arise from making the concepts of trends even more explicit, beyond what each exhibitor can offer individually. The main international fairs are implementing new common spaces, where trend guidelines are summarized, accompanied by presentations and conferences by experts and specialists who provide valuable information. These conceptual actions awaken a growing interest from the public, who access greater knowledge and facilitate better purchasing decisions.
Many footwear fairs usually incorporate fashion shows by brands or designers, acting as a reference for visitors to define their purchasing criteria. Similarly, contests and competitions promoting innovation and creativity in different areas of the industry.
In the case of technology, at supplier exhibitions, it is essential to observe equipment and machines in operation, to understand their possibilities, along with the advice of technicians and professionals who can provide specific information for their adaptation to each industry and/or product.
Although many fair visitors have sufficient prior information about exhibitors obtained through virtual means, direct contact with an expert allows to deepen a greater knowledge of the products and services, and to evaluate a better implementation.
The set of new needs currently posed by buyers or manufacturers comes from the big changes that occur in the footwear business (purchasing methods, consumption habits, manufacturing systems, etc.) where market, fashion, and technology information are crucial, and require constant updating.
