The competitive environment of the international shoe industry has changed dramatically in past years. The Düsseldorf Trade Fair is paying tribute to this development and will premier a new event on the market in March: The `Global Shoes & Accessories’ will be held for the first time from 9th – 11th March 2007 parallel to the trade fairs GDS / GLS – International Event for Shoes, Leather Goods & More and will offer volume producers along with OEMs a professional communication and ordering platform.

With the launch of `Global Shoes’, we are splitting off the segment `International Basic’ from the GDS, thus offering exhibitors a new and independent forum for qualified B-2-B business. At the same time, we acquire the mature synergies provided by the DGS for professional buyers from all over the globe,“ project director Kirstin Deutelmoser explains development. The event is to present the entire range of volume producers of women’s and men’s athletic and wellness shoes including handbags and leather accessories,“ Deutelmoser adds.

The new event is accompanied by expert symposiums on the topics of logistics, law, production, quality management and national information. This is what Kirstin Deutelmoser has to say: “With the symposiums where genuine sector experts will hold lectures, we offer exhibitors and visitors extensive information pertaining to the global shoe business. As an international trade fair promoter familiar with the sector for many years, we see the urgent need for enhanced information from the supply and demand sides. By hosting these events within the trade fair hall, the Düsseldorf Trade Fair would like to make an essential contribution to meeting those needs.“

The `Global Shoes & Accessories’ is to take place in halls 15 to 17 of the Düsseldorf trade fair grounds. In order to help visitors find their way around the three halls, the event will be divided up into national areas. Along with importers and wholesalers, buyers of trade chains, discounters, department stores, online mail order firms, shoe producers and agencies are among the visitor target groups of the trade fair. Trade visitors to the fair are entitled to visit the GDS and GLS at the same time.

`Global Shoes & Accessories’ will be held for the first time from 9th – 11th March 2007 parallel to the fairs GDS / GLS – International Event for Shoes, Leather Goods & More on the trade fair grounds of Düsseldorf. The second run is planned for the 14th – 16th September 2007.

(22/11/2006)