As preparations continue for the fourth annual Apparel Textile Sourcing Canada (ATSC), pre-registration numbers continue exceeding forecasts. With record-breaking shows expected, attendees will experience special first-time offerings during this year’s event including an expanded product variety and a new ‘wholesale supplier’ section.

“ATSC is coming back to Canada in a big way for the fourth year, a testament to its market need and success as a must-attend event for Canadian and Northeast U.S. industry representatives to connect with hundreds of factories from around the world under one roof,” said Jason Prescott, CEO of JP Communications, ATSC producer and publisher of North America’s leading of B2B trade platforms TopTenWholesale.com and Manufacturer.com.

ATSC will take place in Toronto from August 19-21 and switch things up in Montreal on August 23. The robust speaker lineup will feature industry experts including: Bob Kirke, Executive Director of the Canadian Apparel Federation; Julie Hughes, President of the U.S. Fashion Industry Association; Diego Diaz; Trade Commissioner representing Guatemala; Avedis Seferian, President and CEO of WRAP; and Tony Sciarrotta, Executive Director of the Reverse Logistics Association and more.

“The show has become one of Canada’s most significant B2B events, consistently delivering year-over-year growth, thanks to its unique merger of Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter merchandise into a single once-per-year trade show,” he added. “Nowhere else in Canada will you find ambassadors, trade commissioners, export councils and private sector representatives from more than 20 countries coming together with thousands of apparel and textile industry representatives, from C-Level executives to SMEs and start-ups.”

“ATSC sets a new standard for the production of a sourcing event, not only for Canada, but for the apparel industry at large. Toronto has now anchored itself amongst cities like Hong Kong and Paris as an earmark destination for manufacturers from around the world to meet with brands and retailers at their front door,” said Jeff Streader, CEO of GoGlobal Retail. “Connecting with factories is the foundation of the event, however, it’s the education, thought leadership, keynote speakers and panelists that set the show above the rest.”

Additional education offerings will highlight the latest trends in fashion technology, eco-friendly textiles and sustainable supply chains. This year’s ATSC will take the experience one step further through an in-depth review of changing sustainability and the steps to managing fragmented supply chains and trade, and addressing importing and exporting issues. 

“The topic of sustainability is quite broad, however, by using well-defined criteria when evaluating a supplier, our sourcing team can carefully analyze before awarding a contract,” said Pamela Bokser, Director of Softgoods Imports, who will participate in the opening day panel. “Although rigorous, these factors are a must. When a vendor is nominated, the goal is a long-term sustainable relationship, not a one-off production run.”

To read more about what to expect at this year’s stellar event, click here.