Source Debates returns in July with sessions on AI, overproduction and supply chain resilience

Source Fashion, the UK sourcing trade show for fashion buyers, manufacturers and supply-chain professionals, will bring back its Source Debates stage at Excel London from 7–9 July 2026.

Source Debates was created to encourage open discussion around the key issues that fashion businesses are facing today – from tightening margins and evolving legislation, to sustainability commitments and operational disruption.

It will run alongside Source Fashion's wider July 2026 content programme, which also includes the return of Fashion Deconstructed with an expanded line-up of live demonstrations and workshops.

Source Debates will bring together industry experts, buyers, manufacturers and thought leaders, exploring the challenges, contradictions and opportunities shaping the future of fashion, sourcing and production.

Spanning nine sessions, visitors will be able to gain insights on topics spanning AI in buying, overproduction, regulatory compliance, circular economics, UK manufacturing and talent retention. 

The format is built around open discussion, with each debate intended to surface practical insights attendees can apply within their own organisations. Ellingham, event director of Source Fashion, commented: "The programme is deliberately designed to ask difficult questions, challenge established thinking and bring together different perspectives from across the industry. We don't claim to have all the answers, but we believe meaningful progress starts with meaningful conversation."

Source Debate session highlights include:

Will AI replace sourcing and buyers?

Hosted by Jo Ward, Co-Founder and Director, Our Fashion Fix. As artificial intelligence moves beyond forecasting and planning into design, sourcing and product development, this debate explores what parts of buying and sourcing can realistically be automated and where human expertise remains essential.

Can buyers reduce overproduction or is the system just broken?

Hosted by Jo Ingham, Co-Founder and Director, Our Fashion Fix. Examining the role buyers play in addressing fashion's overproduction problem and whether commercial realities continue to drive unsustainable levels of output.

Is policy enough of a lever for real impact?

Hosted by Joseph Mountain, Director, Future Fashion Fair. Exploring whether legislation such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Digital Product Passports and green claims regulation can truly drive industry change, or whether progress ultimately depends on business behaviour and collaboration.

Can British manufacturing help fashion build more resilient supply chains?

Hosted by Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director, Source Fashion, and Jenny Holloway, MD, Fashion Enter. Investigating whether nearshoring and UK production can help brands respond to ongoing disruption, rising costs and growing uncertainty.

Repair, resale and repeat: can circular models actually deliver profit?

Hosted by Millie Webb and Saskia Borchardt-Hume, Founders, Thread Ahead. Tackling one of the industry's most pressing questions as brands seek to balance sustainability ambitions with commercial performance.

Can we get consumers to care about sustainability and not just price?

Hosted by Gemma Meatheringham, Founder, The Elephant in my Wardrobe. Exploring the disconnect between consumer attitudes and purchasing behaviour, and what needs to change to make sustainable fashion commercially viable at scale.

Are you really factory ready?

Hosted by Caroline Trend, Owner, Rosebudd Agency. Unpacking the challenges brands face when moving into sampling and production and exploring how stronger supplier relationships can help businesses avoid costly mistakes.

How can you make fashion into a career for life?

Hosted by Bernie Yates, Lecturer, Central Saint Martins. Exploring how businesses can retain talent, support long-term career growth and create environments where people can build fulfilling careers within the fashion industry.

Can we rethink the manufacturing model – is the current system broken?

Bringing together industry perspectives on whether fashion's long-established manufacturing model remains fit for purpose in a rapidly changing world.