PREVIEW RAW MATERIALS brings design, sourcing and production professionals together

One of the product developers, attending on behalf of a leading national footwear brand, shared the following thoughts on the new event:

“A great initiative, a well-organised setup, and one with strong potential for further growth.”

Exhibitors particularly appreciated the event’s format, which created a comfortable and welcoming environment for meeting both new and existing business contacts.

A compact trade show with efficiency at its core
With a clear and well-organised setup, direct communication and plenty of room for personal interaction, PREVIEW RAW MATERIALS offers a locally focused alternative for the Benelux market. The concept is built around efficiency, inspiration and the creation of new business opportunities and valuable connections.During the two-day event, design, sourcing and production professionals from across the Benelux had the opportunity to meet suppliers of materials including leather and components, all under one roof. Expanding the event in the future to include fabrics and a broader range of textile solutions could create additional opportunities to attract visitors and further strengthen the event’s offering.

Inspiration, innovation and networking
The new event responds to current challenges within the European supply chain. Brand and design teams often spend considerable time arranging individual appointments with suppliers, while the European supply chain itself remains highly fragmented. PREVIEW RAW MATERIALS brings different players together at one central location, making it easier for professionals to connect, discover new materials and explore potential collaborations.

At the same time, the event offers an accessible alternative to large international trade fairs, which can often be costly, time-consuming and extensive in scale.The organisation had anticipated a higher number of visitors for the first edition, but remains positive and determined to further grow the event’s reach and attract more professionals to future editions.

High-quality visitors create a positive atmosphere
The first edition of PREVIEW RAW MATERIALS attracted a predominantly high-quality audience. Throughout the event, exhibitors and the organisation repeatedly exchanged ideas and brainstormed about the next edition, with the aim of developing a joint communication and PR strategy to further strengthen the concept and reach.The atmosphere across both days was characterised by positivity, openness and a shared willingness to embrace and develop this new initiative together.Visitors and exhibitors particularly valued the hospitality, attention to detail and personal involvement of the CAST team.

“Good and simple layout, good environment, will increase for sure. Also a nice strategy and concept.”— José Guilherme Dias, CEO of Poleva, Portugal

New meeting point for supply chain
With the introduction of PREVIEW RAW MATERIALS, CAST aims to create a practical and accessible meeting point for professionals across the Benelux supply chain. The combination of a compact trade show format, a focused group of exhibitors and space for personal interaction responds to the growing need for efficient and relevant business connections between suppliers and professionals working in footwear, sports and fashion development.CAST is committed to strengthening and supporting the European production and supply chain wherever possible, helping to maintain and develop a more connected and resilient industry. Strategic partnerships, including CAST’s collaboration with the Confederation of European Footwear (CEC), form an important part of this ambition. The date for the next edition of PREVIEW RAW MATERIALS will be announced shortly.