Despite the economic slowdown in the US, the WSA (Western Shoe Associates) exhibition held in Las Vegas from February 10-13, 2002, reported good attendance figures. Bancomext (the National Foreign Trade Bank of Mexico) said that Mexican footwear and leather products did well, with sales and orders worth $500,000 achieved. The bank organised a stand at the exhibition and 11 Mexican firms from all over the country took part.

Although all exhibitors reported good attendance at the WSA show, the Global Leather event held simultaneously had relatively few exhibitors and poor attendance numbers. There is now a question mark over a repetition of holding the show in conjunction with the next edition of WSA.