With the Apparel Textile Sourcing Canada (ATSC) show making its debut in Toronto, from 22-24 August, small businesses, retailers, manufacturers and designers across Canada will get a boost this summer. ATSC will also bring to Canada hundreds of apparel and textile manufacturers from China, India, Bangladesh, Mexico, the US, Honduras, Peru and other countries.

A comprehensive trade show and conference will provide attendees with new insights and up-to-date information needed to effectively navigate through the sourcing process.

The introduction of ATSC is a direct response to market demand and fills a significant gap in the Canadian market, said Jason Prescott, CEO of JP Communications, and organizer of the event. JP Communications runs an expansive network of business-to-business sourcing platforms in the US.

ATSC provides an unparalleled opportunity for Canadian apparel and textile importers and retailers to access the most current importing information from industry insiders and connect with the world’s major apparel and textile manufacturers all under one roof, without having to incur the time or expense of travelling abroad, said Jason Prescott. He emphasized that Canadians import more than US$ 14 billion in apparel and textiles annually, up by 20% from 2012.

Presented in coordination with the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textile and Apparel (CCCT), the event is supported by the Ottawa-based Canadian Apparel Federation (CAF), the Consulate General of the P. R. China in Toronto, the Trade Office of Peru, and exporting agencies ProMexico and ProColombia.

Canada has long needed a venue where apparel and textile importers and retailers can learn about sourcing best practices while meeting producers from around the world, said Bob Kirke, CAF Executive Director. ATSC offers an important new resource for theri domestic market and the Canadian Apparel Federation is excited to support this endeavour.

According to Yu Jianwei, Commercial Counselor of the Consulate General of the P. R. China in Toronto, Canadian business owners and importers will have the opportunity to secure new partners among the more than 125 apparel suppliers from China represented at the event. Chinese suppliers are eager to do business with Canadian partners and work together to make the importing process smooth and efficient.

In addition to the 200 international exhibits to be displayed at the show, ATSC will also feature three days of conference sessions lead by acclaimed industry and government experts, covering topics from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and other trade agreements, to best practices and the changing Canadian market. A panel on ethical manufacturing of apparel and textiles, featuring executives from quality control organizations Wrap and TesTex, will also be presented.

A Made in Canada section will also take place, showcasing Canadian manufacturers who source apparel and textiles from abroad for their finished goods, as well as Canadian designers who have their designs produced into finished products overseas.