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
Here at Mandalay Bay, venues are inviting and innovative. As one of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center has recently undergone an exciting upgrade. This renowned venue now offers everything your business needs, with a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, as well as an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're searching for a venue that is both inviting and innovative, Mandalay Bay is the place to be. Mandalay Bay is committed to investing in a new wave of enhancements, not only in the convention space but also throughout the entire resort. With new restaurant openings and remodels, spectacular entertainment, and updated rooms, Mandalay Bay promises to deliver new and exciting experiences to its guests until 2024. To create a truly effective conference venue, Mandalay Bay has carefully considered what businesses require. The right technology, capacity, and inspiration are essential to take ideas to the next level. The refreshed Mandalay Bay Convention Center has been designed with your business in mind. Every room is equipped with newly-upgraded technology, enhancing our ability to support bandwidth demand and overall data capabilities. Additionally, the addition of 10 new digital walls provides bigger and more dynamic ways to display customized content messages. Mandalay Bay offers world-class conference space and service. The venue options range from ballrooms to ample pre-function spaces, catering to teams of any size while accommodating multiple large groups simultaneously. Our certified planners work collaboratively with you to understand your specific event requirements, anticipating your business needs and offering the best-fit solutions. In addition to providing exceptional conference facilities, Mandalay Bay is also dedicated to sustainability. We strive to give our guests an unforgettable experience while minimizing our impact on the environment. As part of our sustainable energy efforts, you'll find refillable water stations throughout the property, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles and reducing unnecessary plastic usage. Mandalay Bay is proud to offer an upgraded and enhanced experience for businesses seeking a venue that combines innovation, convenience, and sustainability. Whether you're hosting a conference, meeting, or other business event, Mandalay Bay's refreshed convention space, world-class service, and commitment to sustainability make it the ideal choice. Come and discover the new wave of experiences awaiting you at Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip. Wherever your organization is going, getting there starts with being here.