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WSA offers retailers strong business advantages

The WSA Showtm, taking place in the Las Vegas Convention Centre from 28-30 July 2008 and the high-end luxury footwear and accessories show, The Collections at WSAtm 28-31 July housed within The Venetian, is the only event where the entire global footwear industry meets for business. It is the only show to offer buyers access to the most established US brands and their top-level executives. In addition to this, buyers can view full product lines that are not displayed at shows outside of the US. For buyers wanting to source something completely new, the show also plays host to exciting new US designers within every lifestyle category, which just don't exhibit anywhere else. Earlier than any other footwear show, The WSA Show and The Collections at WSA give overseas buyers a massive business advantage over their competitors. Key brands ordered at the show will be delivered up to six weeks ahead of those who restrict themselves to the later European shows.

"The convergence of major industry professionals provides a business environment second to none and the scope of opportunity cannot be found at any other footwear event", said Diane Stone, chief operating officer of The WSA Show. "In today's highly competitive retail landscape, there is a need for footwear and accessories retailers to achieve stand out and differentiation within the marketplace - the very things our constantly expanding shows deliver. "

New show features include C7 (located on the 7th floor at The Collections at WSA), which will showcase the future of casual luxe in edgy fashion, fused with a contemporary mix comfort men's and women's Euro-trend footwear. The Box at WSA - a feature area within The WSA Show, which launched in February 2008 - will expand at the July show. This area hosts trend-driven women's and men's fashion dress, casual footwear and handbags from new designers and established industry leaders. The booths are open, inviting buyers to explore and discover what's new for next season. The July show also sees the return of the Style Walk Lounge, the high energy networking arena featuring ongoing live fashion shows in the lobby of The Las Vegas Convention Centre.

Leading brands return to The WSA Show, such as contemporary fashion brands - Nine West, Brown Shoe, Skechers, Steve Madden, Kenneth Cole, Camuto Group and comfort/outdoor names - Geox, Rockport, Keen, HHBrown, Deckers and Timberland. Joining the show floor will also be a host of emerging brand names.

The Collections at WSA - the luxury and designer footwear, handbags and jewellery event that runs in conjunction with The WSA Show - will continue for an extra day, offering buyers more time to view both the shows. This world-class assembly of luxury and designer product will take place in one compact area within the suites and ballrooms at The Venetian, offering buyers the important luxury of convenience. The Collections at WSA presents an array of industry leaders such as Stuart Weitzman, Emma Hope, Bruno Magli and Colin Robertson, as well as the up and coming innovative new stars of tomorrow, making a visit the most efficient buying trip of the year.

WSA also offers an unrivalled educational programme, with seminars running throughout the show covering all aspects of the fashion and footwear industry. For instance, Marshal Cohen, chief retail industry analyst for The NPD Group, will identify what today's consumer is looking for, while Tod Schulman from Pantone, will discuss colour palettes, shades and themes for spring/summer '09 and beyond. Anne Obarski will highlight how to create a contagious shopping experience for consumers, and Sharon Leicham will address the topic of Visual Merchandising. The seminars present information and perspectives not generally offered in Europe, as such buyers from Europe who make the trip, can gain a true competitive edge. For details on the full seminar programme, visit the conference section of The WSA Show website (www.wsashow.com).

WSA has been continually expanding its global outreach programme, indeed International attendance has more than doubled in the past three years and about 25% of participation comes from outside the U.S. To further support these efforts, The WSA Show and The Collections at WSA have been selected to participate in the International Buyer Program (IBP), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The IBP promotes trade shows and their exhibitors through U.S. consulates and trade missions around the world by facilitating meetings with qualified foreign buyers, representatives and distributors. In preparation for the increase in international attendees, The WSA Show has already developed an extensive support system. Pre-show support, includes buyer/exhibitor match-making, help with registration and travel/hospitality arrangements; on-site support includes introductions to exhibitors, networking and educational events, retail tours and interpreters; and post-show assistance is offered through vendor/buyer communication facilitation.
Retailer support is offered to all European visitors.
Please contact Monica Cagnolati, Retail Relations Europe, on +39 3313341748
or
E-mail:mcagnolati@wsashow.com

For details, exhibitor lists or to register for the event please visit:
www.wsashow.com - link
www.thecollectionsatwsa.com - link
www.materialsatwsa.com - link

Upcoming Show Dates:

THE WSA SHOWtm
28 - 30 July 2008 - Las Vegas Convention Center
12-14 February 2009 - Mandalay Bay Convention Center & Sands Expo Center

THE COLLECTIONS AT WSAtm
28 - 31 July 2008 - The Venetian
12-15 February 2009 - The Venetian

MATERIALS AT WSA EXPO AND CONFERENCEtm
27 - 30 July 2008 -Sands Expo Center

Press release
WSA