Dallas Market Center gears up to host the world's largest equestrian and Western lifestyle marketplace with the addition of the American Equestrian Trade Association show in January.
January will be a historical month for Dallas Market Center as it premieres as the new home of the Western English Sales Association (WESA) market. In addition to this groundbreaking move, the American Equestrian Trade Association will run their show alongside WESA in Dallas, creating the world's largest equestrian and Western lifestyle marketplace in the world.
Read the full news release from Dallas Market Center below:
DALLAS – May 22, 2020 — The American Equestrian Trade Association (AETA), the leading organization supporting the English equine industry, and Dallas Market Center, the wholesale marketplace for buyers and sellers from around the world, announce a partnership that will result in a new permanent home for the organization at Dallas Market Center and the Dallas debut of the AETA International Trade Show from January 14-17, 2021.
The AETA International Trade Show is the premier global event showcasing English and Western merchandise from leading manufacturers as well as offering networking and education. The AETA show was previously scheduled for August in the Philadelphia area.
The event will debut in Dallas together with the International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Markets from WESA, the Western & English Sales Association. Together, these events will create the world’s largest marketplace of equestrian, western and rural lifestyle brands and will serve as the global marketing headquarters for many of the largest manufacturers.
“It has been our mission for the last 14 years to support the equestrian business community,” said Anthony Gatto, president of AETA. “Now is the time to make a positive step for a better future and to unite the best of what we have with new opportunities. We are confident that the Dallas Market Center offers the best location, facilities, and team to manage the organization and create an event that will expand business and serve our industry. They have a tremendous track record of partnership with trade organizations, creating top trade events, and managing a facility that is highly praised for its convenience and customer service.”
“We welcome the opportunity to capitalize on our capabilities to work year-round on a superior AETA show and to manage an important organization that creates better business opportunities,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “Our team, including staff dedicated to AETA, will help deliver loyal and new buyers to expand sales opportunities for AETA members. For the entire equestrian community, this represents a shared commitment to success for the long-term. We are thrilled with the opportunity to create a global destination in Dallas for equestrian lifestyle trade events.”
AETA’s International Trade Show will be located in expo space in the World Trade Center. Permanent showrooms for manufacturers desiring a controlled environment will be located on the 14th floor.
Dallas Market Center is centrally located within a short travel time from any location in the U.S. and Latin America and offers unmatched access to more retailers and manufacturers as well as leading retailers in women’s, men’s, and children’s apparel and accessories, gifts, and home décor. Dozens of hotels at a range of values are located near the market center as well as world-class restaurants and shopping.
The addition of this trade event further extends Dallas Market Center’s position as the most complete wholesale marketplace in North America for lifestyle products in equestrian and western, apparel and fashion accessories, gifts, home décor, holiday and floral, and lighting.