Where to start…  hum this a question I usually don’t ask but today and since the show it has been my reality… how many parts should be in this blog?  Part I, Part II, Part III, etc… These days it is starting to feel like I don’t have enough time so unfortunately I will not be able to share everything with you.  If you would like an in-depth overview or have a specific product or business need you can contact me directly.

This post is about the Spin Expo that was held at the Pudong Expo in Shanghai from September 7^th through 9^th, 2010.  As last year’s expo was my highlight trade fair, I was excited about the show and wanted to be there early for the opening day but was delayed until noon time.  It was a beautiful and extremely hot (35c+) Shanghai summer day.  Upon arrival I noticed tents on both sides of the expo and a sign pointing to the direction of the entry.

I then walked stage right til the next tent but I was advised that was not the entrance and I was told to continue around the corner til I got to the registration which was outside in the heat.   It was sweltering hot and everyone around was sweating, including me.

After getting my badge I quickly proceeded to the tent for a quick glimpse of what was in store.  Upon entry I was quickly stopped by a hulking security guard who didn’t like my badge placement, he requested that I move it from my bag to my neck.  I was not quick enough to jump and he was getting angry by the second, when I finally moved it, he looked at me like I was lucky he let me in.

Now past the hulking security guard I could proceed into fantasy land.  The room was full of developments, swatches, and stories which was a great delight to see.

The first day I spent the whole afternoon on the ground floor in lah lah land and chatted with product developers, trending companies, exhibitors and attendees about all the excitement and joy, then before I knew it the show was over…. Thankfully only for the day, the next morning I made sure I was back at the show earlier as I still had allot to see.

On the second day I went back to the inspiration floor for another look at what I possible missed and then I was off to the 2^nd and 3^rd floors.  On the second floor there were great inspirations and suppliers to be found, see below images of products.

On the third floor the heat was on as the air conditioning units were not working well and many people were complaining and sweat talking or walking.  On the positive side the show vibe was incredible; many suppliers had taking the lead and highlighted their own product, fabric and color trends and invested more dollars into their branding (Corporate, Booth) and execution.   Then there were other suppliers who went half way and then forget about what they were doing so they were not as well represented.  Those booths that went the distance had a constant buzz and attention throughout the show.   See images from the show floor:

All in all this is one of the best fairs to attend in Asia and most likely the world.  If you are the business of knitwear make sure you don’t miss this show.  If you can’t attend make sure you have someone on the ground looking out for your needs and wants. On my first day at the show I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to chat with the founder of the show and her passion and intelligence exudes out of her every word.  She is a talented woman who has a great team; I look forward to working with her in the near future.

Always the best and happy knitwear sourcing from Shanghai, China.

Jeffrey