APLF - Materials, Manufacturing and Technology and Fashion Access

(28-30 March 2007)

The Luxury of Leather

Leather. It's a fascinating material, used since the dawn of time to create wonderful, creative and enduring garments and accessories. And it's still one of the most important and sought-after materials in contemporary fashion, as was obvious from the two-in-one Asia Pacific Leather Fair (APLF) which ran at the HKCEC from 28 to 30 March. This amazing event combined the APLF Materials, Manufacturing and Technology (MMT), which showcases everything to do with raw materials and the production processes used in creating high-quality leather goods, with APLF Fashion Access, an exclusive show devoted to leather fashion goods and accessories. Together, the joint shows illustrated the entire range from raw materials to finished products, providing the perfect platform for buyers right along the supply chain. Visitors came not only to see the phenomenal range of products and services at both fairs, but also to gather essential information on changing trends and styles in this fast-moving industry.

APLF MMT is the largest and the most international exhibition for today's Asian leather industry. This year's fair covered over 30,000 square metres and attracted nearly 22,000 buyers from 105 different countries and regions. They got to explore exhibits from over 1,600 exhibitors from 53 countries and regions, including fascinating displays from 34 group pavilions showcasing the leather expertise of specific countries. Fashion Access, meanwhile, straddled an additional 19,000 square metres of the HKCEC, attracting an impressive 15,000 buyers from 93 countries and regions and featuring over 900 exhibitors from 41 countries and regions.

Fashion Access October edition will be held at the HKCEC from 3 to 5 October 2007. For details, please visit www.aplf.com.

Senior Lifestyle Asia (5-7 July 2007)

Striking Gold in the Silver Market

With more and more businesses recognising the huge influence and spending power of older people (the so-called "silver market"), it's not surprising that trade fair organiser Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd has launched a brand-new fair targeting providers of goods and services for the older generation. Senior Lifestyle Asia 2007 is the brainchild of this recognition, the inaugural version of which was held at the HKCEC from 5 to 7 July.

The show was designed around the fact that the number of older people across Asia as a percentage of the population is increasing from year to year. With one's later years nowadays seen in a much more positive light than in the past, one major goal of the new fair was to bring the extremely rich range of resources for the over 50s together into a single convenient location. The concept proved itself a good one, attracting nearly 4,000 visitors from 26 countries and regions. Attendees included representatives from homes for the elderly, social services organisations, and Chinese medicine clinics.

Divided into three main areas — Daily Living, Well Being and Professional Services — the event showcased every kind of product and service relating to the needs of an older lifestyle. These ranged from financial and insurance products and security systems to such practicalities as walking aids and home care services. "The fair is the first step in raising awareness of the huge potential of the silver market," said a Messe Frankfurt spokesperson. "We're now looking forward to even greater response to next year's version at the HKCEC." The next edition of Senior Lifestyle Asia will be held at the HKCEC from 18 to 20 July 2008. For event information, please visit www.seniorlifestyleasia.com.