Welcome to the Antwerp Convention!
COVID-19 has shaken the foundations of the textiles, apparel and fashion industry. Global supply chains have been disrupted, retailers are restructuring their sourcing options, consumer behaviour is changing. At the same time, public authorities are introducing new environmental standards , and digitalisation is rapidly changing the nature of our business.
To understand above mentioned trends and address its impact on our industry, the International Apparel Federation (IAF) and the European Confederation of Apparel and Textiles (EURATEX) have decided to organise a double convention:
- the 36 th IAF World Fashion Convention on 7-8 November
- the 9 th European Textiles and Apparel Convention on 8-9 November
IAF and EURATEX cordially invite representatives from the industry, but also public authorities, NGOs and academia to join us in Antwerp, to provide an answer to these challenges, but also to meet again – after so much time – to share ideas and develop new business opportunities.
Both events will take place in the beautiful city of Antwerp, Belgium, in the same venue (the Hilton Antwerp City Centre), thus allowing participants to benefit from that back-to-back programme, if they wish so.
On this website, you will find details on the IAF and EURATEX programs as well as practical information to register and book your hotel.
Let’s meet again, on 7-9 November in Antwerp!
COVID-19 Measures in Belgium and for Entering Belgium
Of course, organizing a physical event in 2021 is not without its COVID-19 related challenges. Fortunately, in terms of restrictions in place for events in Belgium, as of October 1 st , for all indoor events featuring less than 500 people, there will be very few. No social distancing or the use of masks is needed. However, to ensure every delegates safety and feeling of well-being, we are ensuring that the conference rooms are well ventilated. Air quality will be monitored. And we are expecting that our delegates, in exercising consideration of their fellow delegates, are only entering the conference rooms either fully vaccinated, with a recent negative Covid-19 test result or proof of recovery.
In terms of travel restrictions, the situation is a little more complicated. If you are not a Belgian resident but you are from one of the 27 EU countries, Switzerland or one of the few countries on Belgium’s white list, travelers with a valid Covid Certificate travel freely to Belgium. No test upon arrival nor quarantine are required. Turkish Covid Certificates are also recognized, but the catch is that Belgium only recognizes Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca-Vaxceria-Covishield or Johnson&Johnson vaccines.
Most countries outside of Europe are on the Belgium’s red list and fully vaccinated delagates travelling from these countries need to proof this with a recognized vaccination certificate and a negative test certificate (test taken max. 72 hours before arrival). If both are available no quarantine is needed, but again the catch is that only the above mentioned vaccines are accepted. If these requirements can’t be met, the only other option aside from a long quarantine is to stay for less than 48 hours in Belgium. Belgium might move to accept more vaccines, but as of yet, this is not the case.
To prepare well for your journey, we highly recommend the website: https://www.meetinflanders.com/en/covid-19-info/ And of course, please don’t hesitate to ask IAF/EURATEX for information and support.
The global apparel and textile industry has experienced profound disruption in recent years. Supply chains that once seemed stable have been shaken to their foundations, forcing brands, manufacturers, and retailers to rethink long-established sourcing strategies. The pandemic accelerated trends that were already emerging, from the restructuring of international supply networks to a growing emphasis on regional production hubs. In this shifting landscape, industry leaders are seeking fresh perspectives on how to build resilience while maintaining competitiveness in markets that are more unpredictable than ever before.
Consumer behaviour has shifted dramatically, with purchasing patterns evolving at a pace few could have anticipated. Digitalisation has moved from being a long-term objective to an immediate necessity, reshaping how products are designed, marketed, and delivered. Alongside this digital transformation, environmental standards are becoming more stringent and more central to brand identity. Customers increasingly expect transparency about where and how garments are made, pushing companies to integrate sustainability into every layer of their operations rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Hosting a physical gathering during a global pandemic requires careful attention to health and safety. The event is designed to comply with the regulations applicable to indoor gatherings of fewer than five hundred participants. Attendees can expect well-ventilated conference spaces with continuous air quality monitoring throughout the venue. While social distancing and mask-wearing are not mandated under current Belgian rules, organisers encourage mutual consideration among delegates. This balanced approach aims to create an environment where meaningful professional exchange can take place with confidence and peace of mind.
International travel remains a complex undertaking, and understanding entry requirements is essential for anyone planning to attend. Belgium recognises a range of vaccines, and delegates arriving from numerous countries can enter provided they meet the prevailing health documentation standards. A negative test result or proof of vaccination may be required depending on the point of departure. Participants are advised to consult the latest official travel information before their journey to ensure a smooth arrival and to avoid any complications at the border.
The programme brings together representatives from across the apparel value chain, including manufacturers, brands, retailers, and non-governmental organisations. By convening two major industry federations in a back-to-back format, the event creates a rare opportunity for dialogue that spans continents and market segments. Speakers will address the most pressing challenges facing the sector, from supply chain disruption to the accelerating demands of sustainability and digital transformation. Delegates will leave with insights that can inform strategic decisions in their own organisations.
Antwerp has long been a significant hub for fashion and textiles, making it a fitting host city for an industry gathering of this calibre. The city's rich history in trade and its contemporary reputation for design excellence provide an inspiring backdrop for discussions about the future of apparel. Conveniently located and well connected to major European cities, Antwerp offers delegates not only a practical meeting point but also a chance to experience a destination where creativity and commerce have intersected for centuries. The venue itself provides comfortable facilities suited to both formal sessions and informal networking.
