Material World New York Debut Exceeds Expectations

“Based on the strong attendance numbers and positive feedback we’ve received from many of
our exhibitors, we think we’re off to a great start with Material World New York,” says Tim von
Gal, executive vice president, Urban Expositions, producers and managers of Material World. “As
pleased as we are, we know we have not yet begun to fully tap the potential of this New York
exposition. Looking forward, we plan to continue building on our attendee marketing efforts to
fully penetrate the local New York market, as well as the domestic and international audiences.”

“The premier of Material World New York was an outstanding showcase bringing together a
balanced presentation of sourcing, fabric, and technology,” offers Kevin M. Burke, President and
CEO, AAFA. “Coupled with the educational programming, the expanding international presence, and the
New York venue, it is fast becoming a must-attend industry event.”

Featuring 325 exhibiting companies, Material World New York showcased the latest
introductions and innovations from leading companies from around the world in every sector,
including fabric, trim, yarn, components, technology, color/trend forecasting and more. With a
broad international scope, Material World’s exhibitor base represented 22 countries. Further
expanding the global exhibitor participation, the New York edition also featured the ASAP Global
Pavilion, which showcased products and services from countries, including Bangladesh, India, Japan,
Korea, Pakistan and South Africa.

The exhibition attracted key decision-makers from branded apparel companies, private label
retailers, sourcing executives and other key categories. “There has been a strong mix of attendees,
especially at our trend presentations. We’ve met sourcing executives and designers from both large
and small companies,” said Abby Klanecky, global communications manager, Dow Fiber Solutions.

“We were impressed with the quality of attendees, finding it significantly better than that
of other apparel shows,” adds Lawrence Serbin, president, Hemp Traders. “I’m also impressed with
the show’s diversity – besides apparel, we’ve also seen more textile and footwear manufacturers.”

Responding to the city’s position as an international fashion and retail leader, Material
World New York also featured a number of trend and educational resources. In addition to a dramatic
trend pavilion in the center of the exhibit hall highlighting fall/winter 2007, Material World New
York offered a number of trend forecast presentations from leaders like Trend Union, Pantone and
Cotton Incorporated. The educational program also touched on key industry topics through the AAFA
line-up, including The Next Frontier in Fabric, Fiber & Thread; New and Different Ways to
Finance International Transactions, and Do’s and Don’t’s in the New Trade Era. Putting the
spotlight on technology, the AAFA’s Supplier & Resource Division program, Technologies That
Enable Today’s Global Apparel Industry, was followed up by a number of presentations from
exhibiting technology vendors and leaders, including [TC]2, QuestaWeb, New Generation Computing and
Geac Apparel North America.

Based on exhibitor feedback, the 2006 edition of Material World New York will shift from a
Wednesday to Friday date pattern, to a Tuesday to Thursday schedule, September 26-28, 2006.

The spring edition of Material World Miami Beach is scheduled for April 4-6, 2006. In
addition to offering a spring/summer fabric and sourcing opportunity, Material World Miami Beach
also puts the spotlight on Technology Solutions, the exposition and educational conference for
information technology enabling the sewn products industry. Both events run concurrently at the
Miami Beach Convention Center.

Press Release Courtesy of Urban Expositions