Top technology trends
29th April 2009 15:29

Taking place against the backdrop of the worst recession since the Second World War, it perhaps wasn’t surprising that turnout at last week’s IMB 2009 – World of Textile Processing trade show came in below the numbers reported for the last event in 2006.

But while the aisles were noticeably quiet during the first two days of the show when I was there, the organisers say they still pulled in an estimated 20,000 visitors to view the latest in apparel and textile technology from 509 exhibitors. For the number crunchers out there, this compares with some 25,000 visitors and around 600 exhibitors last time.

Around half of the visitors came from outside Germany, with representatives from more than 100 countries said to be there. Turnout from North and South America was particularly disappointing, although perhaps this was due to the dates of IMB clashing with the Material World & Technology Solutions show at Miami Beach.

However, even though there might have been fewer visitors to the stands, the organisers believe those that did make the trip were “top decision makers” planning ahead for the end of the economic slowdown.

There were certainly enough new products on show to make for a lengthy report on Top technology trends, as well as a pretty upbeat look at how apparel retailers, brands and manufacturers are turning to new technology to prepare themselves for an eventual uptick in business – as well as what they’re looking for from their investments.

In fact, the organisers are so confident of the success of this year’s show that they’ve even released the dates of the next event, which will take place from 8-11 May 2012. If you can’t wait that long, the next IMB Forum, which focuses on new IT developments, is scheduled for 5-6 May 2010.

 

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