Lev2006 convention logo - Thessalonikieraging Powerful Change in the World Apparel Fashion Chain

The international apparel manufacturing map is being violently redrawn. The pace of change is unprecedented. China is showing its sharp, competitive teeth; regulatory knee-jerk reactions are disrupting supply chains; and apparel manufacturers in Europe are struggling to re-invent themselves. At the same time, consumers’ attitudes towards clothing, as well as their buying patterns, are changing dramatically, driven by declining prices and the increase in disposable fashion. Into this new environment steps the 22nd World Apparel Congress of the International Apparel Federation. Appealing to the entire apparel value chain, its aim is to address these issues and to focus on strategies for harnessing change. The speakers have been drawn from all areas of business, and not just from within the apparel world; and the delegate list will include retailers, consumer organisations, designers & fashion marketers, as well as manufacturers. In short, the Convention offers new insights, inspiring ideas and great networking opportunities.

Speakers and program

  • Mr. Dimitris Sioufas, Minister of Development, Republic of Greece
  • Mr. Vassilis Masselos, President, IAF
International Trade & Sourcing
  • Mr. George Papastamkos, Member of the European Parliament
  • Mr. Robin Anson, Director, Textiles Intelligence, UK
  • Mr. James Leonard III, Dep. Assistant Secretary of Commerce, Chairman of CITA, USA
  • Mr. Mike Flanagan, CEO Clothesource, UK
  • Mrs Ewa Synowiec, Director, DG Trade, European Commission
Consumer Behaviour & Buying Patterns
  • Mr. Marc Tungate, Freelance writer, Journalist WGSN, France
  • Mr. Alphons Schouten, Vice President, Mexx, The Netherlands
  • Mr. Benjamin Malhotra, Coordinator, Luxury Goods Master Program, Polimoda, Italy
Fashion Education & Training
  • Dr. Angela Peers, Principal Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK
  • Mrs. Vanessa Denza, Managing Director, Denza International Ltd, UK
  • Professor Sanjay Gupta, Chairman, National Institute of Fashion Technology, India
  • Professor Catherine Fairhurst, Head of the Department of Clothing Design and Technology Manchester, Metropolitan University, UK
  • Mr. David Jajtmann, Institut Francais de la Mode, France
Supply Chain Management/Logistics
  • Mr. Ken Watson, Director Industry Forum, UK
  • Mr. Jan Somers, European Shoe Confederation, Belgium
  • Mr. Ulf Brettschneider, Senior Vice President, Li & Fung Europe
  • Professor Dr. Franz Nothardt, University of Cooperative Education, Heidenheim, Germany
Technology Workshop
  • Mr. Akio Shinozaki, Corporate Officer, General Manager, Human Science Research Center, Wacoal Corporation, Japan
  • Professor, George Stylios, Herriot Watt University, UK
  • Mr. Mike Fralix, President, TC2, USA
  • Mr. Georg Steffens, Director Europe, The Woolmark Company
Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Mr. Pere Prat, President, VF Intimates, IAF Past President, Spain
  • Mr. Siegfried Uetz, Director, LINK Ethical Trading Consulting Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, India
  • Mrs. Lauren Moore, Director, Giving, Corporate Social Responsibility, Starbucks Coffee Company, USA
  • Mr. Manuel Escudero, Head, Global Compact Networks, UN Global Compact Office
  • Mrs. Evgenia Lianou, Cocomat, Greece
Presentation of the next IAF Convention
  • Mr. Roland Tsai, Chairman, Taiwan Garment Industry Association, Taiwan