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 TwitterFacebookLinkedIn & Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.