The Future of Trade Shows

Maternity Activewear Is on the Rise [View on Web]( [Add to contacts]( [New reader? Subscribe]( [BoF]( THE DAILY DIGEST ADVERTISEMENT [JOOR-DD-TTHSAT-week-8-31]( THE UPFRONT Dear BoF Community, Fashion designers and buyers have made pilgrimages to trade shows like textiles expo Première Vision for decades. Then the pandemic hit. And hit again. Première Vision had to cancel its show planned in Paris this month as a fresh wave of infections hit France. And even before the pandemic, the old-fashioned, and often expensive, trade show format was struggling to draw the same crowds. In today’s must read, Rachel Deeley explores how the industry’s [core commercial networking events are plotting their survival.]( In other news, Alexandra Mondalek explores [the next big opportunity in activewear]( maternity. Sarah Kent, Senior Correspondent TODAY'S MUST READ [Intelligence]( [Can Fashion Trade Shows Survive the Pandemic?]( BY Rachel Deeley [With large in-person events facing an uncertain future due to changing coronavirus restrictions, trade shows have had to sharply adapt to serve their audiences. But with a changing format, will the business model have to change too?]( LONDON, United Kingdom — As a manufacturer of highly technical and innovative interlinings (the thin layer of fabric that help garments keep their shape and structure), Chargeurs PCC relies heavily on trade shows like Première Vision Paris and Future Fabrics Expo in London. This year, it’s not planning on attending any, not even virtually. “We don’t actually secure orders during trade shows,” said New York-based Angela Chan, president and managing director, worldwide of Chargeurs PCC, in an email exchange with BoF. “[They’re] just a place for meetings and catching up.” Trade shows were troubled even before the coronavirus crisis hit, but the pandemic has brought the industry to the brink. Like Chargeurs, many attendees see the shows’ value in the networking opportunities they present and the ability to physically showcase the tactile quality of products. To survive, the industry will have to modernise at pace and find new ways to entice customers in a financially uncertain and increasingly digital world. [Read More.]( Try BoF Professional for 30 days for $1/£1 [JOIN]( TOP STORIES [News & Analysis]( [The Next Big Activewear Opportunity]( BY Alexandra Mondalek [Nike has responded to the growing demand for maternity-specific workout clothes by launching a dedicated line. Will its competitors follow suit?]( Try BoF Professional for 30 days for $1/£1 [JOIN]( [Intelligence]( [The September Issue Gets an Overdue Makeover]( BY Alexandra Mondalek and Daphne Milner [For years, magazines disproportionately relied on white mega-celebrities to sell the most important issue of the year to advertisers. Now, they're responding to readers who want more diversity by featuring women of colour and independent brands. Will the shift pay off?]( Try BoF Professional for 30 days for $1/£1 [JOIN]( [News & Analysis]( [Live Blog: Saks Fifth Avenue Escalates Eviction Fight, US Brands Launch Voting Initiatives]( BY BoF Team [Follow our live blog for continuous updates from the frontlines of fashion.]( [IN OTHER NEWS]( [UK Retailers Increased Discounts and Promotions to Boost Sales]( [J.C. Penney's Bankruptcy Attracts New Potential Bidders]( [DAILY DIGEST Fashion News from Around the Web]( 1 [The Lost Season]( [THE CUT]( 2 [America’s Department Stores Could Be in Their 'Last Stages']( [CNBC]( 3 [Women-Led Fashion Tech Companies Are Shaking up the Industry]( [THE GUARDIAN]( 4 [How Fashion Brands Can Survive The Covid-19 Recession]( [REFINERY29]( 5 [The Clothing of the Future Completely Dissolves After Use]( [FAST COMPANY](  [Subscribe Were you forwarded this email? To subscribe to this newsletter, click below.]( for Free]( Follow Us [The Business of Fashion]( [Sponsorship & Advertising]( [About]( This email was sent to {EMAIL} [Add to Address Book]( | [Unsubscribe]( | [Edit Newsletter Subscriptions]( The Business of Fashion Moray House - 6th Floor · 23-31 Great Titchfield St London W1W 7PA · United Kingdom