An intro of Walker, her role and responsibilities towards Texworld/ApparelSourcing NYC and Texworld/ApparelSourcing LA.
Walker leads the event marketing efforts for Messe Frankfurt’s Texworld and Apparel Sourcing shows in New York and Los Angeles. She and her team are focused on creating a meaningful and impactful experience for both attendees and exhibitors — developing campaigns, content strategies, and brand touchpoints that drive engagement and support the continued growth and relevance of each edition.
TextilesResources.com: How is the preparation for July edition of NYC and LA shows?
Walker Erwin: Full steam ahead! We’re keeping the energy high for our July editions — new faces and industry voices, fresh features, and more ways to source smarter.
TextilesResources.com: What are key takeaways from past few editions of NYC and LA shows?
Walker Erwin: One of the major takeaways has been the shift toward more intentional sourcing. Buyers are coming in with clear priorities — whether it’s sustainability, traceability, or exploring new sourcing regions or new technologies. There’s also been a noticeable rise in demand for education and insight – buyers are looking to platforms like Texworld and Apparel Sourcing not just to source, but to stay informed and ahead of what’s next.
TextilesResources.com: How do you make sure to reach and attract quality audience (producers and buyers) to each edition of the show? Which are the emerging clusters and your strategy to capture them?
Walker Erwin: We take a multi-channel, highly targeted approach – combining digital marketing, direct outreach, personalized matchmaking programs, and strategic partnerships with industry associations and media. We’re constantly analyzing buyer behavior and sourcing trends so we can fine-tune our messaging and evolve with the market.
There is continued growth in both the sustainable/circular fashion and performance-wear segments, so we’re curating more niche sourcing zones and trend content that speaks directly to their needs. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach — it’s all about meeting buyers where they are and speaking to what matters most to them.
TextilesResources.com: Your plan on highlighting the current trends such as AI, Sustainability/eco-friendly, innovative textile technologies etc., in the show.
Walker Erwin: Sustainability and innovation remain a major focus at our events through our Econogy program, educational sessions, new Deadstock feature area, and the Next-Gen Innovation Hub. We’re also exploring how AI is shaping the future of fashion — from forecasting to design — and incorporating that into our educational programming. The Texpertise-powered Exhibitor Pitch platform also gives exhibitors a chance to highlight their innovations and cutting-edge developments directly on the show floor.
Visitors can find highlights and ongoing show updates at TexworldNYC.com and TexworldLA.com, where we’re always sharing new features and programming aligned with where the industry is headed.
TextilesResources.com: Your views about the current tariff war and geo-political issues in the world.
Walker Erwin: The current tariff situation and broader geopolitical shifts have created a lot of uncertainty — and we know it’s impacting both exhibitors and buyers in very real ways. As a global sourcing platform, our role is to help navigate that. Whether it’s through offering access to a wider range of sourcing regions, creating opportunities to discover new partners, or providing education around shifting trade dynamics, we’re here to be a resource. These disheartening challenges highlight just how important it is to stay informed, stay flexible, and have a community to lean on — and that’s exactly what we’re working to offer through each edition of the show.
TextilesResources.com: How are you seeing 2025 for Texworld/ApparelSourcing NYC and Texworld/ApparelSourcing LA. What new features in the upcoming shows.
Walker Erwin: Stay tuned! We’re already building out new features for 2025, and there’s a lot to look forward to. Visitors can follow along on social (@texworldnyc) and sign up for our newsletter online for updates and exciting announcements.
Walker’s message for the industry and readers/viewers of textilesresources.com
Whether you’re a buyer, designer, supplier, manufacturer, or newcomer to the industry, we believe in the power of connection and shared progress and are committed to building platforms that support the entire sourcing ecosystem — we hope to welcome you to our upcoming summer editions!
Registration for both events can be found online at texworldnyc.com and texworldla.com.
