More than 4,700 visitors attended the Global Sourcing Expo (GSE) at the MCEC, a 29 per cent increase from 2023 on total visits and 24 per cent increase from 2023 on unique visits.
Representing an array of Australian fashion and retail brands, 95 per cent of visitors have final decision-making authority or are able to make recommendations and 83 per cent of visitors attended to discover new manufacturers, products or new sourcing regions.
“The steady year-on-year increase in visitors is a clear indication that there is healthy demand for an industry event that brings together buyers and international suppliers under one roof for networking, knowledge-sharing and relationship building,” says Marie Kinsella, CEO, International Expo Group—the organiser of the Global Sourcing Expo.
“Just a few days post-show and we had already received a number of repeat exhibitor enquiries for the 2025 expo, with feedback from participants revealing that the expo delivers on ROI.”
Held from 19 to 21 November, the three-day event (including the co-located Footwear & Accessories Show and the China Clothing Textiles Accessories Expo) attracted close to 1,000 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions showcasing the latest in fashion, footwear home textiles and accessories, while the seminar program brought together over 30 industry experts to discuss industry trends and provide key insights on topics ranging from AI and clothing recycling to sourcing strategies.
“This is what makes GSE Australia’s ultimate sourcing destination; it provides the ideal platform for buyers and brands to research and source an extensive range of goods and connect with suppliers from a variety of markets without having to travel abroad,” adds Kinsella.
The feedback from Expo attendees has been very positive, with one guest noting the event enabled them to ‘build up stronger relationships with customers and suppliers’ and another stating ‘my company is very new to this industry and I feel like the possibilities are endless after attending this expo’.
Exhibitors were equally as positive, saying the foot traffic was great, leading to valuable interactions and exposure.
The next GSE will be in Sydney on 17 to 19 June 2025 at the ICC.
