Istanbul is ready to host the annual IAF convention from October 13 to 15. Top industry veterans; have confirmed their participation as speakers for this event. The three day conference will touch on global trade dynamics.

Big names share ideas

Big names have confirmed their presence and the list include: Chief
Brand Officer of Hugo Boss, Christoph Auhagen, European Production Manager of H&M, the COO of Ahlers (Baldessarini, Pierre Cardin), McKinsey and WGSN. This edition, has been subdivided into seven sessions, including the introduction by Turkish minister of trade, as the key note speaker, Auhagen, sessions about supply chain and sourcing developments, CSR and sustainability, TTIP and trade policy and emerging brands and emerging markets. In the sustainability session, IAF will share examples from the denim industry while the supply chain session will feature results from McKinsey’s by now famous CPO study on expectations of future sourcing trends.

Woven into the conference is the convention’s theme: ‘Making it Better’. For the industry as a whole to really improve, new value must be added and old values implemented. The supply chain session is built around the slogan: ‘Not moving production, but improving production.’ Panelists at the sustainability session will debate on: how the total textile and fashion industrial chain can become a better employer with less negative impact on environment. The ‘emerging brands and emerging markets’ session will show how local Turkish brands have developed into big retail chains. There would also be a session on new entrepreneurs as well as the role of wearable technology.

Istanbul, the perfect platform for convention

Istanbul offers the ideal setting for a convention carrying optimistic message about the development of fashion value chain. It is a great place to network with Turkish manufacturers, and other delegates from over 20 countries. After IAF President Rahul Mehta visited Istanbul to meet Hikmet Tanriverdi, President of the Istanbul Textile and Apparel Exporters Association (IHKIB) and Şeref Fayat, President of the Turkish Clothing Manufacturers' Association (TGSD), he said, “IAF wants to create bridges between continents. We aim to provide maximum value to our members in international cooperation. Manufacturers, retailers, brands, solution providers and associations are working together to improve our industry together. That is why we are hosting this year’s convention in Istanbul, close to the bridge that is literally connecting the continents.”

On October 13 evening, delegates will participate at a gala dinner in the new Raffles Hotel, which is also a part of the Istanbul Fashion Week program. The third day, (October 15) will be devoted to a get-together with the Turkish fashion industry. Companies can sign up for a well guided business to business program.

With the 31st edition of the IAF World Fashion Convention coming to Istanbul, Turkey will be at the center stage of international apparel industry. And as IHKIB President Hikmet Tanriverdi puts it, “We hope to make significant contribution to the world apparel industry.”