Advanstar Communications and Fairchild Fashion Group are teaming up to launch a new global footwear trade show.

FN Platform, a partnership between Magic International and Footwear News, will debut Feb. 16-18 and run concurrently with Magic’s other trade show events in Las Vegas.

“Magic has [already] become an enormous [destination] for footwear,” said Chris DeMoulin, president of Magic and EVP of Advanstar Fashion Group. “We saw the opportunity to grow our presence and create a show that will allow both dedicated footwear buyers and ready-to-wear buyers to see all of the brands together.”

“As the leading publication in the industry, FN is delighted to partner with Advanstar on FN Platform,” added Fairchild Fashion Group President and CEO Richard Beckman. “This exciting new show will build upon the publication’s unique and powerful bond with the shoe business.”

Leslie Gallin, a former WSA executive who is now VP of Advanstar’s Fashion Group, will be managing FN Platform with her team at Magic.

“We’re going to create an environment unlike any trade show the industry has ever seen,” said Gallin. “Magic is pulling out all the stops to create that ‘wow factor.’”

The show, which will be housed adjacent to WWD Magic, will be divided into five distinct areas with innovative environments and buyers’ lounges that bring each category to life. The sections include women’s fashion, men’s fashion, athletic/outdoor, comfort and children’s.

Already, a roster of big footwear firms have signed on to participate, including Nine West, Steve Madden, Vince Camuto, Stuart Weitzman, Hugo Boss, DKNY and many others.

Gallin said the timing of the show would allow buyers to launch their product during New York’s FFANY show earlier in the month and continue to roll out their collections a few weeks later at Magic.

“This is a huge opportunity to unite the industry and help get the different shows in sync,” Gallin said.

The move marks an expansion of the relationship between Advanstar and Fairchild Fashion Group. The two companies already work together to operate the WWD Magic show.

“Expanding our successful WWD partnership with Fairchild to create FN Platform is a natural evolution,” DeMoulin said.