Materials Show will be held in the US, August 6 to 7, 2019 and August 14 to 15, 2019. The event is designed to position attendees and exhibitors at the forefront of what’s happening in the footwear industry. Buyers, designers, and thought leaders in the footwear industry will mingle and source material and components at the event. Taking place one week apart on both the east and west coasts, the semi-annual Materials Show is one of the most forward-thinking trade expos in the industry. Footwear designers seek out inspiration for upcoming seasons, and buyers source the practical components, textiles and processes they need to turn those designs into reality.

Attendees will participate in sessions led by suppliers and professors with decades of material expertise. Materials and innovation leaders from top footwear companies will discuss current trends, challenges and best practices. Attendees tour textile development labs, learn about new materials, and explore how to better manage cost and quality issues. A trend presentation will explore key socio-cultural and aesthetic influences uncovered through extensive research by a massive network of international trend explorers. It will summarize the mindsets, desires, societal pressures, and other factors brands should expect to see exerting force on the market in three to five years. Brands looking to anticipate what’s coming next will find the detailed, highly visual summary invaluable for planning their design direction.