FFANY and Informa Join Forces to Support Growth of U.S. Footwear Industry
October 3, 2018
Two large U.S. footwear trade show operators are teaming up to better meet the evolving needs of the industries they represent.
Spurred on by a clash of show dates in February of next year as well as the need for a consistent market calendar based on industry demand, the Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY), the organization that leads FFANY Market Weeks in New York and its NY Shoe Expo trade shows, and Informa, organizer of FN PLATFORM, MAGIC, Coterie and PROJECT, are forming a collaborative industry partnership designed to address the footwear industry’s emerging and evolving needs and shape the future of its trade events.
Besides a broad dialogue with industry stakeholders that will include developing research and recommendations for footwear brands and retailers on the optimal omnichannel paths to market, the FFANY/INFORMA collaboration intends to provide complementary and coordinated trade show calendars for platforms in New York and Las Vegas as well as provide greater opportunities for brands and retailers connect, do business, network and understand industry trends, according to FFANY officials.
“We look forward to collaborating with Informa to collectively serve the footwear industry,” said Ron Fromm, FFANY president and CEO. “Informa’s policy of transparency in scheduling and our mutual commitment to serve the needs of footwear brands and retailers with a thoughtful calendar is a development that will benefit all.”
As part of this effort, FFANY and Informa will coordinate their respective trade show calendars to ensure that the timing of footwear trade shows not only matches the needs of brands and retailers but also that industry players can participate in both FFANY and Informa events without logistical barriers.
FFANY Market Week will take place Feb. 4-8 in New York, while FN Platform is set for Feb. 5-7 in Las Vegas – a significant logistical challenge for attendees and exhibitors, but one neither FFANY nor Informa were able to resolve.
For these upcoming shows, the two groups will work with affected brands and retailers to develop personalized recommendations and programs to enable brands and retailers to participate in both events.
To help prevent future conflicts and find positive solutions for the industry going forward, FFANY and Informa are working together to create a footwear industry advisory group comprising retailers, wholesalers, trade organizations and associations, which will hold its first meeting Oct. 11 in New York City, according to Informa officials.
“We are appreciative to be working alongside FFANY on this forward-thinking planning initiative and collaboration,” said Mark Temple-Smith, commercial director of Global Exhibitions for Informa.
He continued, “We support FFANY’s service to the industry in charity and education and look forward to working on our joint commitment to ensure that all footwear brands and retailers have the necessary opportunities to succeed.”
Don’t miss any event news! Sign up for any (or all) of our e-newsletters HERE & engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn & Instagram!
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
Add new comment