After the resounding success of the Sydney Show earlier this year, the Global Sourcing Expo is set to make a significant impact in Melbourne this November.

The Sydney Show was marked by the exceptional quality of speakers at the Global Sourcing Seminar series, which addressed crucial topics in retail, sourcing and product development over three days. Melbourne’s event promises to maintain this high standard, featuring an equally impressive lineup of industry leaders and experts.

The Global Sourcing Expo is set to return to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 19-21 November 2024. Building on the success of previous events, this year's seminar program promises to deliver groundbreaking insights and actionable strategies to empower industry professionals navigating the dynamic world of global sourcing.

Marie Kinsella, CEO of the International Expo Group, expressed her excitement about the upcoming event, stating, "Our Melbourne seminar series is designed to provide attendees with unparalleled access to industry leaders and cutting-edge information. The knowledge and insights gained here can significantly impact businesses and drive innovation in the sourcing landscape."

Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect over the three days:

Day 1 – Tuesday, 19 November 2024

10:00 – 11:00am: Decoding the Brave New World of Retail

Paul Zahra, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association, will explore transformative innovations reshaping the retail industry post-pandemic. Attendees will learn how to leverage these trends to stay ahead in the ever-evolving market.

11:30 – 12:30pm: Empowering Consumers to Drive Change

Belinda Paul, Founder and Director of RCYCL, along with a panel from eBay Fashion, The Salvos Stores, and Seamless Clothing Stewardship Scheme, will discuss solutions to tackle textile waste and empower consumers to make a positive environmental impact.

1:00 – 2:00pm: Regulations and Realities - Navigating Regulatory Shifts and Consumer Demands in Fashion

Elizabeth Park from Fashion True Futures will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest regulations in the fashion industry and the importance of developing sustainable, future-proof business practices.

2:30 – 3:30pm: AI Marketing and Protecting Your Brand

Brian Goldberg, Trademark Attorney, and a panel of experts will discuss the role of AI in brand marketing, intellectual property protection, and business operations. This session will guide attendees on leveraging AI while safeguarding their brands.

Day 2 – Wednesday, 20 November 2024

10:00 – 11:00am: How do Australians Acquire, Use, and Dispose of Their Clothing?

Professor Alice Payne from RMIT University will present findings from Australia’s first representative survey on clothing practices, highlighting implications for policy and the transition to a circular clothing economy.

11:30 – 12:30pm: Aligning Your Values – Managing Sourcing and the Supply Chain

Athena Voudiotis, Paul Murdoch, Courtney Holm, and Neale O’Connor will share strategies on ethical production, sustainable partnerships, circular design, and effective supplier negotiations.

1:00 – 1:40pm: China Clothing Textiles and Accessories Expo Seminar

A concise presentation followed by a Q&A session on the latest trends and opportunities in the Chinese market.

2:00 – 3:00pm: Tools to trace: Regulatory demands require real-time traceability. Are you prepared?

Melinda Tually, Director of Ndless: The New Normal, will be joined by industry expert panelists to discuss how unlocking your supply chain in partnership with your suppliers enables your business to comply with reporting obligations promptly. You’ll also learn how to identify operational efficiencies to future-proof your growth.

3:30 – 4:30pm: Understanding What You Need to Succeed in the Fashion Industry. 

Gain honest and thought-provoking insights from Jude Kingston, a renowned fashion buyer, mentor, and industry expert. This session will equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to achieve your goals and set you on the right path to realizing your dreams.

Day 3 – Thursday, 21 November 2024

10:00 – 11:00am: The Fiji Fashion Explosion

This session will feature a dynamic discussion on the Fijian fashion and manufacturing industry with insights from Ellen Whippy-Knight, Robert Cromb, Tracey Farrington, Temesia Tuicaumia, and Nicholas Huxley.

1:00 – 2:00pm: Net Zero and Scope 3 GHG emissions – achieving measurable results in partnership with your suppliers

Rick Lambell, Founder and CEO of Beyond Sustainable Retail Group (moderator); Liam Salter, Founder and Group CEO of RESET Carbon; and local and global brand panellists will draw on their experiences of supply chain decarbonisations from target setting to supplier engagement, materials selection, and factory level emissions reduction.

2:30 – 3:30pm: Production and Sourcing Workshop

Natasa Pitra-Grbic, 2024 Australian Business Champions awardee, will lead a workshop on the production process, quality control, and sourcing strategies. You’ll gain insights from real-life experiences and learn how to transform your designs into production plans.  

Note: The content of this press release has not been edited by Fibre2Fashion staff.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)