ITMA 2023
Successful ITMA 2023 virtual launch whets great appetite for next show in Milan
There they had the opportunity to discover the latest textile and garment industry insights and trends from CEMATEX and ITMA Services.
The launch, which was shown on YouTube and Facebook via video, started immediately with a highlight, a song composed especially for ITMA 2023: Transforming the world of textiles by Gigi Mcfarlene. The title says it all, because ITMA 2023 will feature the theme, 'Transforming the World of Textiles'. It is supported by four sub-themes: advanced materials, automation and digital future, innovative technologies, and sustainability and circularity.
In his welcome address, Mr. Ernesto Maurer, president of CEMATEX, the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers, which owns the ITMA exhibition, underlined the very special importance of the upcoming ITMA. He said, "It is a very important ITMA that will be held in Milan in 2023 because we can then physically meet and be in a physical base together." Furthermore, he recalled the great success of the last show in Barcelona, with record numbers of exhibitors and visitors, and expressed confidence that ITMA 2023 will be able to build on these successes. He also made an announcement about the future of ITMA beyond the physical event, to be prepared for all eventualities and to absolutely ensure that exhibitors can meet their customers. He said, "Beside that we have prepared for a new virtual platform that is available 24/7."
"At ITMA we will see radical changes in technology. Far reaching digitalization that allows seamless integration of processes and products," said Mr Charles Beauduin, chairman of ITMA Services, which organizes ITMA .
"The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation. So we will be working to produce new opportunities for our exhibitors to better connect with visitors brought to a digital platform", added Mr. Federico Pellegata, ACIMIT Director and Board Member ITMA Services.
And Regina Brückner, Chairperson VDMA and Board Member ITMA Services, said:" We are a forerunner and we are happy to have a brand like ITMA where we can all meet and discuss these innovations."
Dr. Jeroen Vits, Board Member ITMA Services, summed up the purpose of ITMA once again: "ITMA will inspire to make your business more sustainable and more successful"!
During the live event, participants were able to chat with each other and with the experts, and surveys were also conducted among the participants. One of them clearly showed that, at least in this circle, the addition of a digital platform to ITMA was well received. Around 75% of the participants agreed with the question "An alternative online sourcing platform is necessary for the industry, in addition to the physical exhibition, which happens only once every four years".
In a final Q&A session, experts Mrs. Regina Brückner, Mr. Alex Zucci, ACIMIT President, Mr. Charles Bauduin and Oscar Reus, President of AMEC-Amtex, the Spanish Association of Textile Machinery Manufacturers, answered the participants' interesting questions on the future of the textile industry, addressing topics ranging from digital printing to mini factories, recycling and current market trends for nonwovens.
The launch video, along with other interesting videos from the organizers, is available in the media library on the new ITMA website.
ITMA 2023 will be held from 8 to 14 June at Fiera Milano Rho, Milan. Space application will open on 3 March 2021. Interested participants can visit www.itma.com to get details, including the exhibition schedule and space rental package. For participation enquiries, please email: application@itma.com.
The last ITMA exhibition, held in Barcelona in 2019, featured exhibits from the entire textile and garment making value-chain, including raw materials and fabrics. It drew a record-breaking participation of 1,717 exhibitors from 45 countries and visitorship of almost 105,000 from 136 countries.
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