Chan2008 convention logo - Maastrichtging Consumer Needs and the Future of Fashion Business

Rapid international apparel trade liberalization has led to a complete decoupling of apparel manufacturing and marketing. Manufacturing companies in developed countries have been transformed into marketers and retailers. Large retailers have created hugely successful apparel brands with limited or no manufacturing operations. Manufacturers in Asia are increasingly looking at their national, more profitable, markets. The linear relationship between design, quality and price has been completely lost  as consumers today are faced with a vast array of choices when it comes to buying clothes. The internet, blogs and the phenomenon of urban “tribes” are already causing fundamental changes in how consumers perceive fashion. Also, these consumers are increasingly aware of, and sensitive to, ethical manufacturing and environmental issues. Apparel businesses have some time to reflect on these developments as, after two years of turbulence, apparel manufacturing and international trade has reached calmer waters. The 24th IAF World Apparel Convention, to be held in Maastricht, The Netherlands, on October 29-31, 2008, will provide insights and ideas on these issues faced by all companies whose core business is fashion or fashion-related.

Speakers and program

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

10.00 IAF Golf Tournament, Rijk van Margraten (by invitation only)
19.00 Board of Directors’ Dinner, Chateau Neercanne (by invitation only)

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008

IAF Meetings in the Crowne Plaza Hotel
08.30 IAF Executive Committee Meeting (by invitation only)
11.00 Technical & Education Committee Meetings (for IAF members only)
13.30 Global Social Responsibility Committee Meeting (for IAF members only)
14.00 IAF Board and General Assembly Meeting (for IAF members only)

18.00 Departure from the Crowne Plaza Hotel
18.30 Welcome Reception at the historic Town Hall of Maastricht
Opening of the 24th IAF World Apparel Convention by Gerd Leers, Mayor of Maastricht, and Vassilis Masselos, IAF President
20:00 Dinner and IAF International Designer Award Fashion Show at the Gouvernement

Thursday, October 30th, 2008

First Convention day in the Crowne Plaza Hotel
09.00 Opening by Vassilis Masselos, IAF President
09.10 Keynote speaker: Ludo Onnink, CFO/COO of Tommy Hilfiger (Netherlands)
09.40 Session I: How will the new generation of consumers shape fashion business?

  • consumer behavior related to fashion: actual situation and trends
  • internet and fashion tribes and how they can make or break a brand
  • the rise in luxury goods and sales versus down grading
  • ethical and corporate social responsibility and how to deal with it
  • young consumers and environmental concerns

Moderator: Prof. Dr. Michiel Scheffer, Lector, Saxion University (Netherlands)
Bill McComb, CEO, Liz Claiborne Inc. (USA)
Tim Kitchin, Partner, Glasshouse Partnership (UK)
Emily Riley, Global Advocacy Director, Nike Government Affairs (Belgium)
Peter Ingwersen, Director, Noir-Illuminati2 (Denmark)
Koen Snoeren, International Group Account Manager, GfK Panel Services (Netherlands)

12.30 Lunch

14.00 Session II: How will technology shape the future of fashion business?

  • smart textiles creating new niches in fashion
  • information technology and mass customization
  • internet connectivity, internet based apparel solutions (PLM etc.)
  • consumer communities and their influence on product development

Moderator: Dr. Mike Fralix, President and CEO, TC[2] (USA)
Prof. Dr. Marc van Parys, Professor, University of Gent (Belgium)
Uwe Quiede, RFID Project Manager, Kaufhof Warenhaus AG (Germany)
Antonello Marega, R&D Director, Tecnica (Italy)

16.30 Closure of first convention day
19.30 Buffet dinner with music and dance, “Grotten van Kanne” (marl caves outside Maastricht)

Friday, October 31st, 2008

Second Convention day in the Crowne Plaza Hotel
09.00 Session III: How will fashion education shape the future of fashion business?

  • balancing creativity and technical skills
  • harnessing talent to meet the needs of the fashion businesses

Moderator: Prof.Dominique Jacomet, Director, Institut Francais de la Mode (France)
Elizabeth Rouse, Pro Rector Academic Development and Quality, University of the Arts London (UK)
Liesbeth in ‘t Hout, Dean, Amsterdam Fashion Institute (Netherlands)
Linda Florance, CEO, Skillfast-UK (UK)
Roland Kahn, CEO, Coolcat (Netherlands)
Agnes Maestripieri, Manager Textiles, Decathlon (France)

12.00 Presentation of the IAF Student Award winner by Angela Peers, Chairman IAF Education Committee
12.15 Lunch

13.15 Session IV: What will be the future geography of apparel manufacturing and consumption?

  • a worldwide “level playing field” for apparel companies
  • the growing importance of logistics in outward production

Moderator: Dorothea Ern-Stockum, Vice President, KSA Europe (Germany)
Thomas Glaser, Sourcing Director, VF Corporation (Switzerland)
Jan Hilger, Director Operations, Hugo Boss Ticino SA (Switzerland)
Andreas Stockert, Senior Vice President, Nagel + Kuhne Management AG (Switzerland)

Consumer and Production Trends in China
John Cheh, Vice Chairman and CEO Esquel Group (Hong Kong)
Consumer and production trends in Asia
Keynote Speaker: H.E. Shankersinh Vaghela, Textile Minister (India)
Harminder Sahni, Managing Director Technopak (India)

17.00 Presentation of the 25th IAF World Apparel Convention in New Delhi (India)
17.15 Closure of Convention and Farewell Cocktail

Please contact the IAF Secretariat if you would like to receive the presentations.