The global leather industry show will take place in Thailand, Bangkok from October 19 to 21, 2022 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). Faced with access restrictions and health constraints still in force in Hong Kong, where the event was usually held, the organizers decided to relocate it again, after Dubai last March. Following the success of the first edition in the Middle East, which brought together nearly 500 exhibitors from 34 countries and regions and more than 6,000 visitors, the date has already been set for March 13 to 15, 2023 at the Sheikh Saeed Halls of the Dubai World Trade Centre.
An Appointment in Southeast Asia
The special session of APLF ASEAN responds to the request of the main associations of leather producing countries, exhibitors and partners of the show to hold an event in Southeast Asia. “Since the last edition of the show in Hong Kong in 2019, APLF ASEAN will be the first opportunity to once again welcome buyers from this important economic region of Asia-Pacific”, explains its organizer APLF Ltd (a joint venture between Informa Markets Asia and SIC SA). It is within a versatile place that professionals in the leather industry will meet: more than 300 exhibitors from all over the world are expected on more than 11,000 square meters in halls 1 and 2 of the new QSNCC which will open its doors in september. The Fédération Française de la Tannerie Mégisserie (FFTM), the Fédération Française des Cuirs et Peaux (FFCP), the Pakistan Tanner Association, the Center for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB) and the Leather and Hide Council of America have already already confirmed their interest in this international meeting.
A New Exhibition Format
Visitors will discover a new organization of the event between three worlds – Leather, Materials+ and Fashion Access -. Under the acronym MEET, for Matching, Education, Experience and Tradeshow, the organizers announce a varied program. Matching echoes the holding of thematic sessions for exhibitors and buyers; Education concerns the various conferences and talks on the program for these three days; Experience brings together material trend forums for the fall-winter 2023-24 season, new technologies and the creation of works of art from leather; finally Tradeshow is based on the very DNA of the event, namely the presentation of new collections and innovations.
Asia’s Third Economy
Founded in 1967 in Bangkok, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) brings together ten countries: Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. The political, economic and cultural organization represents Asia’s third-largest economy after China and Japan, with a population of 660 million and GDP growth of 5.5% in 2022 according to IMF forecasts.
Committed Partners
APLF ASEAN enjoys the enthusiasm and active support of two of the main associations of tanners and manufacturers of footwear, leather goods and accessories in the ASEAN zone – the Thai Tanning Industry association (TTIA) and the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (LEFASO) . “This edition offers the opportunity for a supply of leather and materials for manufacturers in the region. Vietnam is one of the largest importers of leather and raw materials in the world, which relies on a large network of footwear and leather goods manufacturing industries. LEFASO and its members are looking forward to participating in this new event”, rejoices Phan Thi Thanh Xuan, Vice-President and Secretary General of the body. “The Thai Tannery Industry Association (TTIA) is delighted to welcome APLF to the capital. Bangkok is located in the heart of the ten member states of ASEAN, it benefits from a privileged geographical position for the business of our industry”, underlines Suwatchai Wongcharoensin, its president.
“This special edition aims to bring together international exhibitors and buyers from the region. While APLF Dubai has been supported by many countries in the Middle East and North Africa, this time we hope to welcome more buyers from Southeast Asia. Beyond a trade show, APLF ASEAN intends to provide participants with a real experience”, explains David Bondi, Director of APLF and Vice-President of Informa Markets Asia.