Global trade shows are often overwhelming, especially for brands looking to expand their supplier networks and connect with innovative supply chain solutions. With numerous booths, endless businesses to explore, stacks of contact cards, flyers, and samples to sift through, it can be a lot to take in.

By the end of the event, it's tough to recall everything you've seen. All that remains is a pile of printed materials and the task of following up with endless business cards and catalogs.

But what if there was a solution that took the chaos out of the experience? What if we could simplify the process and make it smarter? That’s exactly what World Collective set out to solve with The Sustainability Hub.

The Sustainability Hub: Revolutionizing Sourcing with Phygital Innovation

The Sustainability Hub, powered by World Collective Marketplace, introduces a phygital approach to sourcing that merges in-person material exploration with digital efficiency. For brands and buyers seeking to maximize their time at global trade events, this is a game changer.

So, what does The Sustainability Hub offer?

• Smart Sourcing in Action: Buyers can scan QR codes on materials to instantly access product details, certifications, pricing, and supplier information.

• The Digital Basket: No more piles of catalogs or flyers. Buyers can save materials digitally and streamline post-event sourcing and follow-ups.

• Data-Driven Insights: Suppliers get real-time analytics on buyer interactions, enabling them to refine their offerings based on market demand.

By eliminating sourcing inefficiencies, this model transforms trade shows from chaotic networking events into streamlined, high-impact business opportunities.

Shaping the Future of Global Trade Shows

Bharat Tex 2025, one of the world’s largest textile trade fairs, hosted over 5,000 exhibitors and 6,000 global buyers. As the event is crucial for brands to diversify their supply chains and create new connections, forward-thinking digital solutions are key to taking the experience further by optimizing every aspect of the sourcing journey.

That's why Bharat Tex was the perfect catalyst for launching The Sustainability Hub. But we saw it not just as an activation for Bharat Tex only, but as a blueprint for how global trade shows should evolve, creating a consistent, inclusive, and tech-enabled experience that benefits both buyers and exhibitors.

This approach is about rethinking the way sourcing happens at large-scale events, integrating digital tools with in-person experiences, and fostering meaningful connections.

“Building a seamless, tech-driven sourcing journey is the future,” says Mariana Muhle, Digital Transformation Lead at World Collective. “This isn't just about scaling trade shows; it's about enhancing the experience so brands and suppliers can make smarter decisions faster.”

If you want to experience how The Sustainability Hub is redefining sourcing at global trade events, you can contact our team today for partnership opportunities and for scaling the platform beyond.

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