The March 2020 edition of APLF had been postponed to June 1-3 due to the coronavirus outbreak, but the organisers have now announced the next edition will be held in 2021, in response to the escalating pandemic globally and after consultation with industry partners, associations and customers. “This was a difficult decision for the entire team including our staff, partners and for the industry to make; however we believe it is the correct course of action that will help sustain the leather and fashion industries in the long run”, said Perrine Ardouin, Event Director, APLF.
To support the industry on maintaining their businesses and staying connected with the community during this difficult period, APLF said it has various digital products in place, such as the APLF.com marketplace, webinars and InTouch, a new virtual business matching event. Starting April 16, the new InTouch initiative is a series of virtual sourcing events during which suppliers can present their products live to buyers worldwide. Exhibitors can present their collections and answer buyers’ questions. Also, one-on-one business matching meetings will take place after the presentations.
The All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE) is scheduled to go ahead as usual in Shanghai, September 1-3.