In a joint press conference held today in Hong Kong, during APLF, the UITIC Executive Committee, APICCAPS and CTCP, announced the first speakers of the 20th edition of the UITIC Congress, taking place in Porto, from the 16th to the 18th May
The 20th edition of the UITIC Congress is the first major footwear conference of its kind taking place since the massification of the Industry 4.0 principles. Flexibility, digital technologies, customisation and the management of the ever-changing relation between brands and final consumer are key Industry 4.0 principles present in the mind of us all. In this context, Portuguesebased footwear manufacturer AMF (brand To Work For) will deliver a much-awaited presentation focused on shoes made without stitching and no lasting processes. This new technology allows the production of shoes using traditional materials in the shoe industry, such as leather, without the need to incorporate many of the standard production stages that have characterized the production of shoes since the beginning. The UITIC Congress will be the perfect opportunity to hear and see about the process developed by AMF which uses only one injection machine unlike any other standard production methods. Without a question, a talk which will captivate the attention of an industry looking into developing non-stitching processes for many years. (www.toworkfor.pt)
In an environment where disruption is the norm rather than the exception, businesses must have the ability and the skills to turn changes into opportunities before their competitors do. New technologies and new methods appear almost every day and it is key to be the first to understand how these can be applied in the processes in order to drive better performances. Deloitte’s Center for the Edge understands that and works based on this assumption. This special Deloitte’ s service conducts original research across industries and develops substantive perspectives for new corporate growth to help senior executives and key leaders to make senseof and profit from emerging opportunities on the edges of business and technology. In May, Maarten Oonk from the Deloitte’ s Center for the Edge will be in Porto to give participants a better understanding of the fundamental changes shaping the world, especially the ones related to exponential technologies and how these can contribute to the development of emerging business models. (www2.deloitte.com)
Leandro de Melo, CTCP General Manager stated: “ The UITIC Congress will be a unique opportunity for the footwear industry to show its technological leadership. Hundreds of participants already registered to attend the technical sessions and to visit some of the most advanced footwear factories in Portugal” .
Mr. Melo continued: “ Nowadays Porto is an important meeting point for international players who ]can find in Portugal partners with high level manufacturing skills, able to quickly respond to the market’ s needs and with strong in-house departments focused on the development of products” .
The 20th UITIC Congress - From Fashion to Factory: A New Technological Age
The UITIC Executive Committee, APICCAPS and CTCP will organise the 20th edition of the UITIC Congress, to take place in Porto from the 16th to the 18th of May 2018, at the Sheraton Hotel and including visits to some of the leading Portuguese companies. Two extra days are reserved for additional visits to factories. For more information please refer to: www.porto2018.uitic.org
UITIC is the International Union of Shoe Industry Technicians, an organization focused on the development of technical knowledge in the footwear industry, on organizing international conferences and promoting information exchange between its members in the field of technology.
CTCP is the Portuguese Footwear Technological Centre, a non-profit organization supporting the footwear industry in the fields of testing and quality control, technical assistance and consultancy, research and development of new materials, products, processes and equipment.
APICCAPS is the national association representing the footwear, leather goods, components and equipment companies of the entire cluster in Portugal.
Press Release
UITIC CONGRESS
Hong Kong, 14th March 2018