On the first days of May 2022, the third edition of the international textile business event “Textile Connect 2022” took place. The event connects companies/designers looking for production partners with manufacturers, service providers and suppliers within the textile and footwear industry.
As previous years the matchmaking event was organized by partners in Lithuania, Kaunas Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts and Sweden, Almi Företagspartner Jönköping AB. Both partners are also a part of Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) and the EEN sector group Textile and Fashion.
The event united as many as 400 companies from +30 countries, not only from Europe, but also from North America, Asia and Africa. In total, over 400 digital meetings took place between buyers and suppliers.
“Textile Connect is well appreciated among our clients and companies and we have already received feedback asking us for future editions. Since our launch in 2020, the event has proven to be a really successful way for companies to find new business partners within the textile industry.” Elin Berlin, Almi Företagspartner Jönköping AB.
The company Avinfi, specialized in direct printing on fabrics, participated in Textile Connect 2022 event for the third year in a row. Andrius Vegys, the owner of the company, has found many partners abroad through these type of B2B events, organized by Enterprise Europe Network, and states that it is a great platform to meet new companies and to present particular textile services.
“I am positively surprised with the organization of Textile Connect 2022. I had a negative attitude towards virtual meetings and events like this, but this time I was surprised. Firstly, it is easy to register, invite and respond to an invitation to have a meeting – the event platform is very well set up. Secondly, the number of participants is surprising – it is really big and diverse enough. Third, organizers are not limited to the event organization, but also seem to be concerned about its direct benefits to participants. This fascinate and attract and you only want more of such events” wrote Irma Sereikienė, representing UAB Daisita that specializes in the production of women’s, men’s, children’s clothing and home textiles.
The matchmaking event gave companies the opportunity to meet new material suppliers, production and service providers, agents and distributors from near and far abroad. All free of charge. Some companies had more than 10 international meetings during the 3 days of the event.
”Great that one can meet people all over the world without having to travel” says Swedish participant Emelie Herlin at Even Emi Design.
“The event was great. The technology worked fantastically, and the meetings were efficient and calm. I am super happy and I have already found several potential business partners.”
“I found Textile Connect very useful for both my business and expanding personal understanding about the textiles, solutions available and exciting innovations in the industry. It was definitely worth my time since I discovered several potential partnerships during the event” – Augustė Kaknevičiūtė, the owner of a sustainable brand in Lithuania “ONE 100”.
Ingrida Braziūnienė, one of the organizers of the event, also states that the interest of the worldwide textile community shows how relevant events such as Textile Connect are. “The number of meetings indicates that there is always an interest to cooperate. Textile companies from all over the world represent different products and services and with the help of events like Textile Connect they can significantly expand their client base abroad.” – Ingrida Braziūnienė, Kaunas Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts.
The organisers of the event Textile Connect 2022 belong to an international textile and fashion sector working group within the Enterprise Europe Network, which aims to help textile companies and service providers to expand their activities, find new partners abroad, participate in international events and projects and share their knowledge and experience. Thanks to the working group, companies in the textile sector can participate in various international B2B events in various countries, join business missions, participate in information events – seminars, share experiences and find new partners.
Are you interested in finding new business partners within the textile industry? Get in touch with your local Enterprise Europe Network office and we will try to help you!
