If you’ve never been to a trade show like Sourcing at MAGIC NYC before, have you wondered if you should go? Traveling to a sourcing show can be an investment if you don’t live locally and whether or not it is worth it for your brand depends on what your goals are for attending. Here’s what I found at the show and who I think could benefit from going.
I was impressed by the number of sustainable companies exhibiting. Sourcing at MAGIC does a rigorous third-party evaluation of all companies who apply for their sustainable verification. Only those who meet the criteria across not only materials but business practices and operations are verified. If sustainability is an important factor in your vendor selection, Sourcing at MAGIC makes it easy for you to identify which companies align with your sustainable values. Plus, as the VP of Sourcing at MAGIC shared, there are more companies applying for and being verified for their sustainable designation every year!
There were also some fascinating technology companies demoing solutions for virtual try-ons, 3D, and on-demand manufacturing. Seeing the latest tech and material innovations all at one show really highlights the industry trends. Sourcing at MAGIC is a good place to stay up-to-date on the latest and learn.
What was missing at the show, though, was US-based manufacturing. There were a few technology and service companies from the US, but no fabric suppliers or factories. I found this a bit surprising since the show took place just a 5 minute walk from the garment district. If you are looking for USA domestic manufacturing partners, this isn’t the show I’d recommend.
Note that the NYC edition of Sourcing at MAGIC is much smaller than the Las Vegas shows. The NYC show has more of a focus on smaller batch and speed-to-market manufacturing solutions whereas the February and August Las Vegas shows cater to larger MOQs with even more global sourcing options. If you have never attended a sourcing show before, a massive show like the Vegas ones can feel overwhelming. The NYC Sourcing show felt very manageable. Although I didn’t get to visit every booth, you definitely could within the 3-day show.
Half of what makes any trade show worth it is the networking with other attendees. In this regard, a trade show is what you make of it. Between attending the educational sessions and striking up conversations with other attendees walking the show, there are ample opportunities to make connections that can grow your business. Sourcing at MAGIC NYC attracted a good mix of attendees from fashion entrepreneurs, to designers and buyers from larger brands, to freelancers. If you go, definitely make time to meet up and connect with other attendees while you are there.
Then there is the experience of the trip outside the show itself. NYC is a fun city to visit and it was easy to make the most of the trip by scheduling other factory visits, client meetings, and fun activities surrounding the show.
All in all, Sourcing at MAGIC NYC is worth a visit if you are looking for an accessible sourcing show that has global and sustainable options. If you are mainly sourcing for US production, this show might not be the best one to make a trip for unless you also have other meetings set up to make the most of your travel.