How2010 convention logo - Hong Kong retailer brands, internet and green manufacturing are transforming fashion business

The fashion sector has been hit by the global financial upheaval, albeit with a certain delay. Revenue growth has stagnated and in many cases companies and brands have experienced a decrease in sales. Prices have been under pressure, margins have suffered and consumers have cut down their spending on clothing. On the other hand creativity and innovation offer new possibilities in a world that becomes more and more digital.

The 26th IAF World Apparel Convention (October 5-7, 2010) in Hong Kong will help participants identify winning strategies and ideas for production, sourcing and distribution of fashion. Difficult times are also times of opportunity. It is during such times that careful sourcing, advanced IT systems, coherent environmental and social responsibility policies and innovative design and marketing can make a huge difference.

The IAF World Apparel Convention 2010 is more than simply a gathering of delegates in a suitable venue with the right facilities. It is about knowledge, communication, interaction and forming business relationships with fashion people from all over the world. Therefore, IAF believes that a successful convention has three essential factors: the quality of the convention program, the quality of accommodation and of the surroundings that are rich in culture.

 

Program and speakers

Wednesday, October 6th

Opening Addresses
Ms. Rita Lau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, HK SAR
Mr. Willy Lin, Chairman, Textile Council of Hong Kong
Ms. Leung Wai Ping, Executive Director, Li & Fung (Trading) Ltd.
Mr. Detlef Braun, member of the board of management, Messe Frankfurt
Mr. John Cheh, Vice-Chairman & CEO, Esquel Group
Mr. Vassilis Masselos, President, International Apparel Federation

Fashion in the digital age
  • fashion and the internet
  • trends in on-line consumer behavior in Asia, America and Europe
  • social netwerks and fashion brands

Moderator: Mr. Vassilis Masselos, President International Apparel Federation

Speakers: Mr. Bogo Vatovec, CEO Bovacon
Mr. Mitch Free, founder MFG.com
Mr. Alexios Ballas, CEO Fashinating.com

Is fast fashion killing fashion?
  • trends in clothing consumption per market segment/geographical area
  • impact of the exonomic crisis on high fashion and premium brands
  • new business models in the fashion industry

Moderator: Mr. Arvind Singhal, CEO Technopak

Speakers: Mr. Michael Tien, Chairman G2000
Mr. Robin Anson, Managing Director Textiles Intelligence
Mr. Anthony Keung, President and CEO Fenix Group Holdings Ltd.
Mr. B.S. Nagesh, Vice Chairman Stopper’s Shop
Dr. Marc Schumacher, Director Retail, Franchise & Marketing Tom Tailor

Thursday, October 7th
Fashion and the digital supply chain
  • Logistics, vertical Integration
  • E-procurement systems
  • XML, EDI and business integration, the role of standards
  • PLM systems, 3D design
  • Conversion systems: nano digital printing, seamless 3D garments

Moderator: Dr. Mike Fralix, CEO & President [TC]2

Speakers: Mr. Aaron Glatman, Director of New Business Development Checkpoint.
Mr. Kurt Cavano, CEO Trade-Card Inc.
Dr. Kai-Chiu Ho, Director Reaches & Development HKRITA
Mr. Ed Gribbin, President Alva Inside division Alvanon
Mr. Michel Guglielmi, Partner Diffus
Mr. Ransith Fernando, Head of SAP at MAS Holdings

Fashion and green manufacturing
  • how consumers perceive environmentally friendly products and brands
  • the environmental footprint of the textiles and clothing industry
  • the internet as a tracking and compliance tool
  • visible and transparent product safety and restricted substances regulations
  • how to implment a compliance management program

Moderators: Mr. Steve Jesseph, President & CEO WRAP
Mr. Thomas Rasch, Director General German Fashion

Speakers: Ms. Carmel Giblin, General Manager Sedex
Mr. Antonio Braz Costa, General Director CITEVE
Mr. Geoff Collins, Sales Director Lenzing
Mr. Tom Nelson, Managing Director & Vice President Global Sourcing VF Corp
Mr. Charlie Brown, Director Global Sample Development and FOD Avery Dennison