Buyer enthusiasm sparked a busy APLF - Materials, Manufacturing and Technology (MM&T) The general atmosphere was upbeat and the mood of exhibitors and visitors was very positive with much to smile about. As the most international trade event for leather and synthetic materials, machinery and chemicals, components and accessories, MM&T serves as a benchmark of the overall mood of the global industry and its performance during the year. Much of 2010 was devoted to economic recovery and growth. Both have been reflected in the fair this year, which has been particularly good for wet blues and hides trading. As the days passed and business negotiations continued, some things became very clear: The quality of the visitors, hence the discussions, was very high. “People who come to MM&T these days are serious business people and they come with clear objectives.” said Mike Redwood, visiting professor at the University of Northampton, UK.   Optimism Everywhere
		However the talk of MM&T was prices and the rising costs of raw materials. But behind all these conversations was a clear optimism. 19,013 buyers passed through the gates over the 3-day event this year, exceeding 2010 numbers and 1,235 exhibitors. MM&T was alive with the buzz of serious business professionals discussing serious business. And vibrant demand at all levels from emerging economies like India, Brazil, Russia, Turkey and China offset the cost concerns. Packer Leather Pty Ltd., Australia said that "2011 MM&T is better than last year; our sales volume has gone up by about 15% as compared to last year."
MM&T’s Evolution & Adding Value But, more than just business took place at the fair. Over the last 27 years, MM&T has evolved from the days of the 1980s when trade fairs were only about meeting old friends and having a good time, and just about showing your wares to potential customers. However, the social side has not been ignored. It has strengthened, instead. MM&T moved from being focused only on showcasing materials and technologies to include facilitating business meetings.   Networking sessions, like those by the International Council of Tanners and the International Union of Leather Technicians and Chemists, as well as the annual leather conference (this year focused on "Sourcing, Safety and Sustainability") form an important part of MM&T. Other networking events include seminars, cocktails, workshops, debates, like "What’s in a Name? – the correct terminology for synthetics and leather", and a materials trends display. Also taking place during the fair is the Best of APLF Awards (BOAA). From Turkish flair to German classic, the 2011 winners showed that innovative product thinking is still the heart of material-making, and MM&T is the best place to showcase new ideas.