ITMA 2019 set new record with biggest number of exhibitors

The world’s largest textile and garment technology exhibition saw its reputation solidify further with the largest gathering of exhibitors in its history. Setting a new milestone, the record number of exhibitors at ITMA’s 2019 exhibition in Barcelona totaled 1,717 from 45 countries.

Speaking at the press conference on the opening day of the 18th edition of the exhibition, Fritz P. Mayer, President of the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers (CEMATEX), said: “The global economy is still facing challenges, accentuated by trade tensions and disruption. However, textile being the world’s oldest manufacturing industry has demonstrated its resilience over the years.

“This is also the spirit of our exhibitors who continually innovate and launch new technologies and solutions. We are glad that ITMA has been providing a reputable platform for textile machinery manufacturers to market their innovations. This has enabled us to record the largest number of exhibitors in ITMA’s history.”

ITMA 2019, which was held from 20-26 June, included exhibits that were showcased over 114,500 square metres of net exhibit space, a 9 per cent increase over the previous edition in 2015. The exhibition occupied all nine halls of the Gran Via venue, including the space under the linkway. To allow more companies to participate, many exhibitors were allocated lesser stand space than what they had originally applied for.

“The exhibition would have been larger if we had not turned away applicants due to a lack of space. Unfortunately, we could not accommodate a wait-list of about 250 applicants who booked some 8,200 square metres,” said Charles Beauduin, Chairman of ITMA Services, organiser of ITMA 2019.

“ITMA has also evolved into a more international exhibition with a rich diversity of technology offerings from both East and West. Almost half of the total number of exhibitors are from non CEMATEX countries. This augurs well for the development of ITMA into a definitive textile and garment platform for the industry,” he added.

Of the total number of exhibitors, over half were from CEMATEX countries; the balance comprising companies from other parts of Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.

Reflecting the international composition of the participants, the largest number of exhibitors were from Italy (364 exhibitors), China (276 exhibitors), Germany (222 exhibitors), India (169 exhibitors) and Turkey (164 exhibitors).

CEMATEX countries continued to occupy the largest exhibit space, taking up 65% of the total net exhibit space. Italy booked 26% of the space, followed by Germany which booked 18%. The top non-CEMATEX countries are: Turkey with 9%, China with 8%, and India with 5% of the space booked.

Nonwoven and technical textiles due to their wide range of applications continued to be an important sector at ITMA 2019. Garment making, which has been impacted by digitalisation and fast fashion, also made a bigger impact at ITMA.

 “We are extremely pleased to bring garment technology back in focus at ITMA. While ITMA has been traditionally strong in textile making technologies, we are glad that we are able to present garment-making solutions from some of the world’s most renowned technology providers. There is an increase of 27 per cent in number of exhibitors as compared with ITMA 2015,” said Fritz.

The theme of ITMA 2019 was ‘Innovating the World of Textiles’. To support the innovation drive, CEMATEX introduced the ITMA Innovation Lab. A new umbrella branding of a series of activities, the Lab included the Research and Innovation Pavilion, ITMA Speakers Platform, ITMA Sustainable Innovation Award and Innovation Video Showcase. Speakers from the industry were invited to share their perspectives and experiences at the Speakers Platform.