As the Panamerican Leather Fair was winding down for the last time, (see leatherbiz.com story: Panamerican fair fades to history, 25.01.02), the show's management announced that they were forming a new event to take place in the United States in 2003. Called Source International (Si), the new event will be aimed at supply chain managers and will combine materials, private label products and technology and logistic support.

The three-day event is described as a one-stop sourcing venue targeting managers, product development managers, specifiers, buyers, stylists and designers, the people behind the supply chain. Si (a lower case I is used for style and because it was claimed that it is globally acknowledged as the symbol for "international,") will include a product exhibition section where suppliers from around the world may exhibit their products. It will also feature a technology section featuring design and cad/cam systems; supply chain management systems, e-sourcing systems; as well as packaging, transportation and logistic elements.

The Material Source section is expected to bring together materials to be specified for global manufacturing, such as the best leathers, textiles, non-wovens, closures, trims and components so that sourcing executives can make appropriate buying decisions. The target attendee marketplace will include major department and speciality store product development departments; and wholesale buyers and agents promotional products development directors, designers, and material managers.

As a fashion source, Si is expected to bring together the best private label manufacturers of footwear, garment, leather garments, bags, luggage, accessories and upholstery. Finally, there will be in-depth conferences focused on these three areas. These three conferences will take place one day prior to the exhibition.

This new idea, according to Ray Bianchi, Si's show manager, will create the first global supply chain and sourcing meeting place, bringing together American buyers with their American, Asian and Latin American suppliers. No date or location for Source International has been announced, but is expected to be revealed by March.