In the third edition of the Global Footwear Executive Summit, top players from footwear brands, retailers, suppliers and associations will once again gather together to discuss and explore the latest trends of the industry and examine the corresponding strategies.
Footwear Material / Sustainability / Competitiveness
What is Global Footwear Executive Summit
The Global Footwear Executive Summit (GFES) is an annual and influential gathering of top executives, industry leaders, and professionals from the footwear industry worldwide at APLF. It serves as a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, with a focus on addressing key challenges and opportunities in the footwear sector.
The summit brings together experts and decision-makers from various segments of the footwear industry, including manufacturing, retail, marketing, branding, materials, technology, and sustainability. It aims to facilitate meaningful discussions and provide insights into the latest trends, innovations, and strategies that are shaping the future of the global footwear market.
Session 1: Sustainability Highway to Market by UITIC
Session Time: 14:00 – 15:15
This session by UITIC brings together footwear group executive, sustainability expert, and technicians to provide the audience with invaluable insights into the key factors driving the competitiveness of footwear brands.
Key topics will include:
- How to leverage sustainability to enhance brand visibility and appeal.
- Insights into how AI is transforming product design and efficiency in the footwear industry.
Keynote: Global Scenario & Challenges, by Sergio Dulio – President of the international association of footwear technicians (UITIC)
Panel Discussion – How to utilise sustainability to grow your footwear market
Moderator: William Wong, Consultant of Hong Kong Footwear Association
Panellists:
- Sergio Dulio, President of the international association of footwear technicians (UITIC)
- Yves Morin, President of the Organizing Committee of Sustainable Leather Forum
- Lu Hua, Deputy Secretary-General of CLIA
- Alex Thomas, Caleres, Inc.
Session 2: Compliance – An Opportunity or An Unwelcome Necessity?
Session Time: 15:15 – 16:30
In this session by SATRA, footwear brand and accreditation body will explore the multifaceted nature of compliance within the footwear industry. Is compliance merely an unwelcome necessity, or can it be transformed into a valuable opportunity for growth and innovation?
Key topics will include:
- How compliance could influence production, design, and market entry
- How to leverage compliance as a competitive advantage
- Discover how adhering to compliance can not only mitigate risks but also drive sustainable practices that resonate with consumers.
- Address the common challenges businesses face in meeting compliance requirements.
- How can companies prepare for upcoming regulations?
Moderator: Dr Christine Anscombe , SATRA Technology Centre
Speakers:
- Matthew Abbott, Technical Editor / Commercial Manager, World Leather magazine / Footwearbiz
- Deborah Taylor, Managing Director, Sustainable Leather Foundation (SLF)
- Keith Kwok, Operations Director, The Hong Kong Standards and Testing Centre
Global Footwear Executive Summit Agenda
Date:
Time
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Venue:
Seminar Area, Hall 1C, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Opening Address – Footwear Industry Updates by World Footwear Magazine
Session 1:
Footwear Production 1400 – 1500
Manufacturing and Supply Chain
In the current scenario where the demand for footwear is significantly lower than the available supply, finding a balance for the supply chain has become a crucial challenge. This session identifies the challenge by analysing the industry changes in the past 5 years and most importantly, to explore potential solutions for the near future.
Session 2:
Footwear Material 1520 – 1620
The evolution of footwear materials
Delve into the realm of material’s carbon neutrality, the sustainability comparison between leather and man-made materials, the concept of circularity and particularly the recyclability and manufacturer’s responsibility throughout a product’s lifecycle.
Session 3:
Footwear Retail and Branding 1640 – 1740
Omnichannel Brilliance: Branding in Modern Retail
Shift your perspective, instead of seeking customers for your products, discover products that truly cater to your customers’ needs. Get inspired by visionary speakers who will share their insights on the latest market trends, content creation and branding strategies in the future footwear market.
Networking Session – APLF Cocktail Party
Who Should Attend:
Footwear brands
Manufacturers
Retailers
Material Suppliers
Session 1
10:30 – 11:30
Think Innovation: How to Shape a Swift, Flexible & Future-Proof Retail Brand
To be a successful company in today’s hyper-competitive, customer-driven world, innovation must be everybody’s business. How to connect the dots, come up with the ideas and find the opportunities in any market, for any business and under any condition…
GUEST SPEAKERS
Ms. Deepali Khanna – Inochhi
Mr. Rajesh Kadam – Inc5
Mr. Abdallah Hamdan– Aldo
Mr. Nakul Manchanda – Lamos
Ms. Pooja Chopra – Felix
Ms. Catherine Hindermann
Co-Organisers
Supporting Partners:
