COPENHAGEN – Global Fashion Agenda has announced that its physical event, which was due to take place in autumn, has now been cancelled. The event had already been shifted from May to October due to restrictions on travel caused by coronavirus, however, the organisers have now confirmed that the “summit as we know it is cancelled for 2020.”
The cancellation will raise questions about the financial impact on the organisers, as these issues are for all events and conferences managers in the textiles and apparel space. Events such as this are huge money-spinners for the likes of GFA due to the massive amounts of revenues they bring in from sponsorship. The eye-watering delegate fees at Copenhagen Fashion Summit – around 1,000 Euros per delegate in many cases – will also be sorely missed.
Said a statement from Global Fashion Agenda: “Amidst the significant challenges and uncertainty imposed by COVID-19, our team has revised the plan to deliver Copenhagen Fashion Summit this year. We do not believe the current times and sentiment warrant a physical gathering, and as a result, the physical Summit will not take place in Copenhagen this autumn.”
GFA has now announced the launch of a new concept, CFS. Taking place12-13 October, this is essentially a digital version of Copenhagen Fashion Summit.
Added a statement: “CFS+ will bring together industry leaders and diverse voices from around the globe to discuss and address the numerous challenges confronting our industry, and the crucial role sustainability has to play in rebuilding a more resilient and inclusive future.
“While digital by design, CFS+ aims to deliver an entirely new approach to storytelling—adjusted for your time and viewing patterns. CFS+ will bring to life stories that champion the intersection of fashion and sustainability and the people and perspectives driving our industry forward.
“CFS+ will also feature a premium showroom and meeting place for the leading sustainability solutions and innovators, providing the opportunity to experience live sessions, workshops, high-level roundtables and matchmaking.”