In a joint press conference held today in Milan, during LINEAPELLE, the UITIC Executive Committee, APICCAPS and CTCP presented the 20th edition of the UITIC Congress, taking 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 also reserved for additional visits to factories.
The 20th UITIC Congress - From Fashion to Factory: A New Technological Age
The theme was selected to reflect the current moment of constant technological change impacting the worldwide industries and to reflect on its influence in the footwear industry.
Modern digital technology is transforming consumer behaviour and the online business will impact the way shopping and retailing are organised. New consumer trends are constantly emerging and the importance of fashion becomes preponderant in every market segment (security, sports, children, senior.)
The increased customization that dominates now the industry, will require new production tools along with flexibility and quick response. Market requirements will push companies to be agile, innovative, and technologically proficient, while deepening the relationship with the consumers.
This congress will bring together experts and decision makers playing important roles in the worldwide footwear business, such as brands, retailers, footwear and components manufacturers and technology providers presenting their vision about the future. The networking opportunities and the visits to some of the most technological advanced companies can bring innovative solutions to cope with the future consumers’†needs and to prepare for the new technological age.
Call for Papers
The congress will present innovative projects and technologies for the footwear industry.
Innovators are invited to present their ideas on a “call for papers”†now open until the 20th of December 2017. Submissions should be made through the congress website. The UITIC committee will announce the chosen speakers by the 30th of January 2018. Final texts should be submitted by the 15th of April 2018.
Portuguese Footwear Industry
The Portuguese footwear industry, with a total of 1 473 companies and employing 38 661 people, continues to be highly focused on the international markets exporting more than 95% of its production. In 2016, Portugal has exported 81 million pairs of shoes to 152 countries across the 5 continents, with a total value of 1 923 million euros. Last year was also the seventh consecutive year of growth in sales to the foreign markets. In this short period, the Portuguese footwear industry has presented an outstanding growth dynamic, increasing its exports revenue in roughly 50%. In the last few decades, the Portuguese footwear industry has undergone rapid and intensive transformation. Footwear companies braced the challenge to modernize their facilities and production methods, also investing in the less tangible aspects that gave them a competitive edge. Nowadays, Portuguese companies are known worldwide not only for the quality of their footwear but also for the excellence of their service, the ability to deliver small series and always based on a quick response to the market needs and requirements.
The innovation process within the Portuguese footwear industry is a continuous one and its biggest challenge is to conciliate the tradition and know-how accumulated over generations with the most modern technology, flexibility, and top-level design. A challenge which has been at the same time one of its most distinctive features.
Porto
Within 50 km from Porto we can find 90% of the Portuguese Shoe Industry. Porto connects the Footwear Cluster.
Porto is one of Europe’ s oldest tourist destinations. Its wealth of monumental and artistic heritage, Porto Wine, open-air leisure spaces and cultural life are just some of the reasons to visit the city.
In 1996, the historical centre of Porto was classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The city unfolds along the river bank and the sea shore, to reveal charming views, inviting esplanades and all the pleasures of the outdoors, framed by its green spaces. Last year the city has been elected as the European Best Destination.
For more information about the 20th edition of the UITIC Congress please refer to the website of the event: www.porto2018.uitic.org
UITIC
Established in 1972, the UITIC is the International Union of Shoe Industry Technicians, an organization focused on the development of technical knowledge in the footwear industry, in particularly by organizing international conferences on a regular basis and by promoting information exchange between its members in the field of technology. Its most visible activity is the congress, an International Technical Conference which covers the latest technical issues impacting the industry and covering topics such as: automatic sewing, computerised management, new materials, quality, training and design.
The 19th edition of the UITIC Congress was hosted by the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) in Chennai (India) in 2016 and discussions focused on the Future of the Footwear Factory as well as the relevant innovations in the footwear industry. Previous editions took place in Guangzhou (China) in 2013, Léon (Mexico) in 2010 and Elche (Spain) in 2008 and focused on varied themes such as Social Responsibility, the Advantages of technology for footwear trading and production processes and the Changes driven by footwear production globalisation and delocalisation.
CTCP is Portuguese Footwear Technological Centre a non-profit organization, established in 1986, to support 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
Milan, 5th October 2017