The organisers report that top decision-making designers, product developers and sourcing professional from over 60 footwear companies have already registered to attend the Materials at WSA Expo & Conference, to be held in Las Vegas, USA 19-21 February 2008.

The Materials Expo will feature the most innovative suppliers to the footwear industry, from new materials and components through to technology and sourcing solutions.

This event will run alongside The WSA Show and The Collections at WSA creating the largest and most comprehensive footwear marketplace in the world.

The show organisers predicted that the new event would draw footwear industry design, development and sourcing professionals, and the early signs are certainly proving them right.

Those who have already registered for the show work in every corner of the footwear industry from luxury, athletic, affordable fashion, rugged/outdoor, and comfort to children's, men's, juniors, and accessories.

Almost 60% registered indicated they have "final design, development or sourcing approval" or that they "influence the purchasing decision."

"Attendee registration to date confirmed what footwear industry leaders told us that there is a need for The Materials Expo alongside The WSA Show," comments Courtney Harold, Show Director, "The high percentage of decision-making materials buyers and the nearly 50/50 split of these registrants between footwear brands and retailer brands has been impressive."

The Materials Expo organisers have taken considerable care to ensure the event meets the needs of the industry. The show has been guided by an advisory board of five key industry professionals, including Daniel Friedman, senior vice president, product development & sourcing, Brown Shoe, Michael Schaeffer, global creative director & vice president of design, Reebok and Doug Clark, vice president, Timberland Invention Factory, Timberland.

Furthermore, the show is featuring an educational workshop program, crafted specially for footwear and accessories, design, development and sourcing professionals.

This program will include workshops such as 'Innovations in Footwear Materials', 'Demystifying what Green Really Means', 'New Materials & Designs ¨C Inspiration from Outside the Footwear Industry', plus 'Understanding Chinese Culture & How it Helps you Successfully do Business in China'.