Global Sourcing Expo Sydney attracted more than 6,500 visitors from June 16–18, 2026, marking a 20 per cent rise over 2025.
With exhibitors from over 20 countries, the event strengthened Australia’s sourcing ecosystem through global supplier connections, seminars, the new Learning Lab and masterclasses.
Attention now shifts to the Melbourne edition in November 2026.
With more than 20 exhibiting countries represented across the exhibition floor, visitors had the opportunity to connect directly with manufacturers and suppliers from around the world, explore new products and innovations, and build meaningful business relationships that will shape future sourcing strategies.
Each year, Global Sourcing Expo Australia delivers two major editions across Sydney and Melbourne, connecting international manufacturers, service providers and fashion labels with wholesalers, retailers, department stores, manufacturers and industry professionals from across Australia and beyond. Recognised as one of the region’s premier sourcing events, the Expo provides unparalleled access to some of the world’s most innovative and inspiring suppliers.
In today’s environment, global sourcing operates within an increasingly complex and evolving geopolitical landscape. Against this backdrop, the value of face-to-face engagement has never been greater. Events such as Global Sourcing Expo provide a vital platform for businesses to build trust, strengthen partnerships and navigate uncertainty with confidence.
A destination for knowledge and industry leadership
Beyond the exhibition floor, the education program proved to be one of the defining features of this year’s event.
The Global Sourcing Seminars, expertly emceed by renowned fashion commentator and journalist Patty Huntington, were a standout success. Featuring leading industry experts and thought leaders, the seminars attracted strong audiences across all three days and delivered valuable insights into sourcing, sustainability, innovation, artificial intelligence, global supply chains and the future of the fashion industry.
New to the Expo in 2026 was the Learning Lab, an informal, interactive knowledge hub designed to deliver practical, bite-sized sessions tailored to today’s sourcing professionals.
The Learning Lab quickly became one of the busiest destinations on the show floor, with several sessions drawing standing-room-only crowds. Joel Perna from Rise wise was among the many presenters whose sessions generated significant interest, creating a vibrant atmosphere and energising the exhibition throughout the event.
Another exciting addition was the Global Sourcing Summit Masterclass, led by respected fashion industry expert Jude Kingston. Her session provided emerging and established brands with practical guidance on launching, growing and scaling successful fashion businesses.
Attendee feedback highlighted the impact of the new program:
“I found the From Concept to Commercial Success Masterclass incredibly valuable. Jude has a wealth of knowledge and was extremely generous with both her time and the information she shared. The course gave me a much clearer understanding of what is involved in starting a clothing brand, along with practical tips and strategies to help avoid costly mistakes and save money along the way. I left feeling far more confident and equipped to turn my ideas into a successful brand. It has definitely set me up for success.”
Face-to-face connections drive business success
Attendees consistently highlighted the quality of exhibitors, the diversity of suppliers and the opportunity to build genuine business relationships in person.
One visitor commented:
“So useful to have so many manufacturers in the one place, and to be able to talk to them, feel the fabric, and make the contacts. And the seminars and Learning Lab were next level. No matter what stage you are with your business – this is well worth your time to attend.”
Another shared:
“The Global Sourcing Expo exceeded every expectation. Having so many world-class exhibitors under one roof saved me an extraordinary amount of time, energy and stress – meeting face to face achieved in a single day what would have taken weeks of back-and-forth online. I would unreservedly recommend it to any business owner serious about sourcing.”
Looking ahead to Melbourne
Following the success of Sydney, attention now turns to Global Sourcing Expo Melbourne, taking place 17–19 November 2026 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Building on the momentum of Sydney, the Melbourne edition will once again showcase hundreds of international suppliers, an expanded education program, Global Sourcing Seminars, the Learning Lab and further opportunities for Australian businesses to connect with global manufacturing partners.
Visitor registrations and Exhibitor Applications are now open, with the industry invited to be part of Australia’s next major global sourcing event.
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)
