Further reinforcing its position as the industry's top intellectual forum in the US, the Materials at WSA Expo & Conference have announced ‘The Future of Footwear Manufacturing in China', the newest addition to their educational workshop programme for the upcoming July event.
This workshop will provide insight from the industry's leading experts on the status of the footwear manufacturing economy in China, adding to the already unparalleled offering of educational resources at the conference, taking place July 27-29, 2008, in Las Vegas.
‘The Future of Footwear Manufacturing in China' will be presented by Robert A Kapp, former president of the US-China Business Council, and Art Carver, president of Sourcing Resource Group Inc. This workshop will give attendees an overview of the economic and political trends within China and how they relate to the US. It will also review China's new labour laws and how they impact footwear manufacturers and raw material suppliers in China as well as emerging countries.
‘Dramatic changes are taking place in footwear manufacturing in China, making for an unsettling situation. Factory owners are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain control of their cost structures and are no longer willing to take the risks that they have in the past', said Carver. ‘This workshop will identify the risks being faced in China and, in turn, create a list of ways to address the growing problems. There is no doubt that this workshop will generate a controversial and lively discussion from the attendees.'
‘As with the entire industry, the situation in China has changed substantially over recent years and bringing together these leading experts to discuss the perception versus reality of the manufacturing process is a tremendous resource and learning opportunity for our attendees', said Courtney Harold, show director, Materials at WSA Expo & Conference.
In addition to "The Future of Footwear Manufacturing in China" seminar, Materials at WSA Expo & ConferenceTM will also present a two-part workshop presented by colour forecasting leader Pantone on 28 and 29 July, 2008. These workshops will include previews of upcoming seasons' colour palettes, as well as an overview of colour forecasting trends and design rules within the industry. Materials at WSA Expo & Conference TM will also once again host its cutting-edge trend forecast area, which will reflect the direction of the new season by showcasing innovative materials from exhibiting suppliers.
