The 20^th 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, Portuguese-based footwear manufacturer AMF (www.toworkfor.pt) will deliver a much-awaited presentation focused on shoes made without stitching and no lasting processes.This new 3D BONDING technology, patented and developed by partner company Simplicity Works (www.simplicity.works) 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 present the AMF INFINITY Collection, the first line of products within safety footwear, which uses only one injection DESMA machine unlike any other standard production methods.

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 sense of 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”.

From Fashion to Factory: A New Technological Age

The UITIC Executive Committee, APICCAPS and CTCP will organise the 20^th edition of the UITIC Congress, to take place in Porto from the 16^th to the 18^th 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.