When the Dallas Market Center set about to create the first-of-its-kind Nearshoring American EXPO to bring together factories and sellers in Latin America with North American importers and wholesalers, it was embarking on an unprecedented path.
“From the idea's inception, we designed Nearshoring America to be different,” said Cindy Morris, CEO of the Dallas Market Center. “We wanted to address immediate needs by building a project-driven exposition and today, we find ourselves working with a number of brands to take their nearshoring plans from concepts into tangible solutions.”
Those efforts have led to the inaugural first show, this Dec. 9 to 11 at the Dallas Market Center complex.
Navigating the nearshoring landscape alone is a daunting process, she said. “Cultural and language differences are just the beginning. Other challenges include awareness of policy risks, infrastructure, options for logistics, quality and production capacity.” Morris said that today brands have already begun working with the show network of affiliated sourcing agents and the index of vetted factories is more than 160 and increasing.
The journey to create the show began in February with a Nearshoring Category Survey (see accompanying story). The survey sparked interest in launching proof-of-concept projects. This model has the potential to help product designers and specialty importers explore new opportunities to develop, produce and import products from factories closer to home.
This first survey focused on identifying interested parties across a wide cross-section of apparel, fashion accessories and home furnishings classifications, including children’s, gifts, home décor, personal care, footwear, stationery and men’s and women’s clothing.
Through this research and information gathering, “The vision of Nearshoring America has come to life,” Morris said. “We are getting feedback from stakeholders and early adopters, and we are encouraged by their invaluable input and enthusiasm. These insights will help us refine our network of production partners, sourcing professionals, and exhibitors for Nearshoring America EXPO.”
This first Launch Project survey will be followed by a second category research later this month. Companies completing the survey and participating in the Launch Project will ensure that their needs shape the Nearshoring America EXPO.