FESPA announces programme for inaugural sportswear pro conference

FESPA has confirmed the programme for its first Sportswear Pro conference, taking place on 21 March 2024. It runs alongside the new Sportswear Pro exhibition from 19 – 22 March. Delegates will learn about the latest developments in the sportswear manufacturing industry, as well as cutting-edge innovations used in on-demand and customised sportswear production.

“We’re thrilled to introduce our first Sportswear Pro conference, created in response to the demand for greater insight into the  shifts in sportswear production supply chains. At the conference, as well as at the exhibition, delegates will be able to see the latest manufacturing innovations, gain insight into production processes, find out how key trends are impacting the industry, connect with experts and learn about the market’s continued growth potential,” says Duncan MacOwan, FESPA’s Head of Marketing and Events.

The conference will run alongside a sportswear production-themed exhibition space, where visitors can see the latest end-to-end manufacturing solutions from suppliers, including Kit Builder, Optimus, Universe Production, and Valadio. In addition, visitors will be able to explore the Personalise Make Wear smart factory, which will showcase live end-to-end production and personalisation of sportswear and sports merchandise.

Key areas of focus throughout the Sports Wear conference programme will be sustainability, personalisation and automation in the sportswear sector. Hosted in English, the insightful line-up of sessions will include: 

• Innovations in Materials and Fabrics for Sportswear – As businesses and individuals strive to operate in more sustainable ways, the shedding of fossil fuel and microplastics from fabrics is increasingly frowned upon. In this session, Paul Foulkes-Arellano, Founder of consulting firm Circuthon, will shed light on sustainable textile finishes, dyes and printing and what this means for the sportswear sector.
• Circular Economy Redefined - Designing for Circularity – Ana Kristiansson, Founder and Creative Director at Desinder, will explore the immense power of circular thinking while outlining a framework for sustainable design strategies for the sportswear industry.
• Panel Session: Sustainability in Sportswear. A closer look beneath the surface. What does it really mean, and how do we achieve it? – This session, moderated by Samantha Taylor, Founder of The Good Factory, will delve into material selection, scalable sustainable practices and on-demand production for sportswear items. Confirmed panellists include Kevin Van Lancker, Founder of Sportswear Of Tomorrow; Consultant Sportswear Design Specialist Soudi Masouleh; and Nicole Espey, Institute for Textile Technology, ITA, RWTH Aachen University.
• Panel Session: The Power and Potential of Customisation and Personalisation – In this roundtable discussion, Circular Economy Innovation and Strategy consultant Serena Bonomi and Technical Consultant James Lawrence-Jones will explore the limitless potential for customisation in sportswear, which can be capitalised on to maximise customer satisfaction. FESPA’s Personalisation Ambassador Richard Askam will moderate this session.

Tickets to the exhibition will include access to the co-located FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo and Personalisation Experience 2024 exhibitions. Visitors who register before 19 February can save €30 using code SWPA427.

“We look forward to hosting the inaugural Sportswear Pro conference programme in Amsterdam and inspiring people involved in all stages of the garment production process – be it sportswear manufacturers, clothing producers, textile printers, sports apparel designers and more,” concludes MacOwen.

For more information about Sportswear Pro 2024 and to register, visit: https://www.sportswearpro.com/