SOURCING at MAGIC equally important for SMBs: Christopher Griffin

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SME Times News Bureau | 06 Jul, 2015
SOURCING at MAGIC, an ultimate fashion trade show that happens twice a year in Las Vegas with thousands of exhibitors showing off next season's collections, scheduled to be held in August this year.

In an email interview, President of Sourcing at Magic, UBM Advanstar, Christopher Griffin said, "SOURCING at MAGIC is not only meant for large buyers; it also caters, and is very important for small and medium business (SMBs). There are factories that specialize in smaller quantities/minimums as well as large factories that have large minimums. The educational aspect of SOURCING at MAGIC is very important to small, medium and large buyers."

Excerpts of the interview...

SOURCING at MAGIC (http://www.magiconline.com/sourcing-at-magic) is North America's largest, most comprehensive sourcing event. What do first timers need to know before becoming a part of this mega event? Any suggestions for first timers.
Christopher Griffin: It is important for buyers who are attending SOURCING at MAGIC for the first time to come with an understanding of their business and to have understanding of what is most important for their business. It could be price, speed to market, quality or innovation?

If you don't have a clear picture before you go to SOURCING at MAGIC you will spend a lot of time walking around clueless. Knowing your business is especially crucial for buyers who are attending for the first time.

SOURCING at MAGIC is to connect with entrepreneurs and create business opportunities. How many exhibitors from how many countries are participating this time?
Christopher Griffin: We expect to have more than two thousand exhibitors, from forty-four countries at the upcoming August show.

SOURCING at MAGIC is a big part of MAGIC for wholesale buyers/ importers and is geared for large companies doing high volume. Is SOURCING at MAGIC a good trade show for a SMBs (Small and Medium sized Businesses) as well?
Christopher Griffin: SOURCING at MAGIC is not only for large buyers; it also caters, and is very important for small and medium companies. There are factories that specialize in smaller quantities/minimums as well as large factories that have large minimums.

The educational aspect of SOURCING at MAGIC is very important to small, medium and large buyers. A variety of seminars hosted by top professionals in the industry are open for both attendees and exhibitors.

Do you have any mobile applications (mobile app) to help in assisting exhibitors as well as the visitors? Please share.
Christopher Griffin: We have a mobile app that is a searchable database. This app can be used by all exhibitors and attendees. Within the app you can search by country of origin, name of factory, products and minimums.

In this e-age/technology age how and what has been offered for exhibitors & visitors which help them use the show to their fullest advantage?
Christopher Griffin: The mobile app we have elevates the show floor experience by enabling efficiency for those attending SOURCING at MAGIC.

We also have a digital matchmaking service that allows attendees to find the manufacturers that will best fit their production needs.

Show Planner is another app that attendees can use over the course of the show to plan out their show days, search the database of exhibitors, search for events and seminars and to access show maps.

Anything else you want to tell us about SOURCING at MAGIC?
Christopher Griffin: SOURCING at MAGIC is focusing on wearable technology this August. Intel and DuPont will be speaking and there will be an interactive exhibit area curated by North Carolina State College of Textile.

MAGIC is unique because it shows and blends a variety of brands, alongside a variety of factories from around the world. There are invaluable opportunities for education with a number of seminars offered. Attending or exhibiting at MAGIC allows you to meet buyers and suppliers and to network within the fashion industry.

MAGIC is the ultimate fashion trade show that happens twice a year in Vegas with thousands of exhibitors showing off next season's collections. Please share more about it?
Christopher Griffin: MAGIC is the world's largest fashion marketplace, comprised of eleven unique communities showcasing the latest in apparel, footwear, accessories, and manufacturing. Every February and August the retail industry convenes in Las Vegas to spot and shop the latest trends in men's, women's, juniors' and children's apparel, footwear, accessories and resources. More information at http://www.magiconline.com/

From the height of advanced contemporary luxury brands, to the latest trends in fast fashion, MAGIC brings you brands that fuel the business of fashion. MAGIC is comprised of WWDMAGIC, FN PLATFORM, SOURCING at MAGIC, PROJECT, THE TENTS, PROJECT WOMENS, T HE COLLECTIVE, POOLTRADESHOW, WSA@MAGIC, Playground and CURVENV@MAGIC.

MAGIC is only for fashion(apparel) or are their other products as well which gets showcased at the show?
Christopher Griffin: MAGIC showcases the latest in apparel, footwear, accessories, and manufacturing.