Many new initiatives will be launched at the GDS show in Dûsseldorf next March 5-7, including an Italian catwalk show and panel discussions animated by the editors of the three German footwear trade publications, Schuhkurier, Schumarkt and Shoez. One of them will focus on measuring systems for children’s shoes, which are a hot topic at the moment. Not including the simultaneous new GLS, which will feature nearly 200 exhibitors from the leathergoods sector in Halls 5 and 7, the GDS will have a total of more than 1,300 exhibitors divided into three core segments – modern, young and global sources. Canal Grande, René Lezard and Sympatex will be among the newcomers at the GDS.