CONFERENCE PROGRAM
This convention is a unique fashion industry event bringing together the entire global industry ecosystem to hear high level industry insights and to jointly discuss concrete actions involving the entire industry ecosystem to create faster industry transition.
The conference program consists of a combination of keynote speakers, panel discussions, interviews and audiovisual presentations that all will elaborate on the various aspects relating to the convention theme ‘Transition of the Global Fashion System’
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Time |
Session |
Overview
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Speaker |
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09:30
10:00
|
Welcome
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Presentation of the theme of transition - Comments on transition from the perspectives of government and industrial relations and the future of work - Positioning of the IAF as global federation uniting the entire fashion system with a particular focus on the crucial collaboration between buyers and their suppliers. |
Han Bekke
, Immediate Past President IAF
Cem Altan , IAF President
Guy Ryder,
Director General ILO
|
|
10:00
11:00
|
Panel Session
|
Supply Chain Collaboration A global retailer’s objective to move from transactional relations in the supply chain to business partnerships
A perspective on collaboration from a manufacturer creating value. The perspectives of a united manufacturers’ voice.
|
David Sävman
, H&M
Miran Ali , Bitopi Group/BGMEA
Vivek Ramachandran
, Serai
|
|
11:00 11:30 |
Coffee Break
|
|
|
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11:40
12:30
|
Panel Session
|
Digitalisation
of the apparel and textile industries. What does digitalization look like now and in five years and how can implementation be accelerated. How does digitalization depend on process change and how do changed processes enable a more value driven and equitable buyer-supplier relationship.
|
Mehmet Kaya*
, TYH
Kristina Nedeljkovic
, 3DKN
Dominic Sluiter
(moderator), button-up
|
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12:30 14:00 |
Lunch
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|
|
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14:00
14:45
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Interview
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E-Fashion in Manufacturing
|
John Thorbeck interviews: Stanley Szeto , Lever Style
Gonçalo
Cruz
, PlatformE
|
|
14:45
15:30
|
Panel Session
|
Towards a More Transparent and Circular Supply Chain . The apparel industry cannot anymore operate at arm’s length from the textile industry. The industry needs better grip on the origin and impact of the materials it uses. Through circular models the apparel industry needs to be part of its own raw material base. |
Veit Geise, VF Asia
Leontien Hasselman-Plugge , SIM
Bülent Özipek*
, Istanbul University
|
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15:30 16:00 |
Break |
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16:00
16:45
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Presenta-tions
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Overview of Global Apparel and Textile Business Trends
|
Christian Schindler , ITMF
Michiel Scheffer
, Wageningen University & Research
|
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16:45
17:00
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Closing Session
|
Next Convention presentation
Conclusions and closing
|
Faruque Hassan , President BGMEA
Cem Altan
, IAF President
|
* IHKIB Board Members
THEME
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CONFERENCE PROGRAM
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The global fashion system is undergoing a profound transformation, and Convention Antwerp 2021 serves as a critical gathering point for industry leaders to navigate this change. Organized back-to-back by the International Apparel Federation and Euratex, the event brings together the entire ecosystem from textile producers to retailers. The theme 'Transition of the Global Fashion System' reflects the urgent need to address the shaking foundations of traditional business models. Attendees will explore how the industry can collectively respond to disruptions while building a more resilient and responsible future for fashion across continents.
Global supply chains have faced unprecedented disruption, forcing companies to fundamentally rethink their sourcing strategies and operational structures. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in just-in-time manufacturing models and over-reliance on single sourcing regions. Industry professionals gathering in Antwerp will examine how restructuring supply networks can create more agile and diversified approaches. Discussions will address the balance between cost efficiency and supply chain resilience, exploring nearshoring options, regional production hubs, and collaborative frameworks that can better withstand future shocks while maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly changing market.
Consumer behaviour has shifted dramatically, with growing awareness of environmental and social impacts driving new expectations for transparency and responsibility. Today's customers are more informed and selective, demanding clarity on where and how their clothing is made. This convention provides a platform to understand these evolving preferences and their implications for brands and manufacturers. Industry stakeholders will discuss how to align business strategies with changing consumer values, introducing environmental standards that meet regulatory requirements while building trust and loyalty with a more conscious global customer base.
Digitalisation is rapidly reshaping every aspect of the fashion value chain, from design and production to retail and consumer engagement. The convention program highlights how technology adoption is no longer optional but essential for competitiveness. Sessions will explore how digital tools enable greater efficiency, traceability, and responsiveness throughout the supply chain. From virtual showrooms to data-driven inventory management, the opportunities presented by digital transformation are vast. Industry leaders will share insights on implementing these technologies effectively, addressing both the challenges and the remarkable potential they hold for creating a more agile and transparent fashion sector.
The collaborative spirit of Convention Antwerp reflects a shared recognition that no single organisation can drive the transition alone. By bringing together brands, manufacturers, retailers, NGOs, and policymakers, the event fosters dialogue across the entire industry spectrum. This unique gathering enables participants to move beyond identifying challenges toward developing concrete actions for change. The double programme structure allows for deep dives into both immediate operational concerns and long-term strategic shifts. Delegates leave equipped with actionable insights and expanded networks, ready to contribute to a more sustainable, digital, and resilient global fashion system.