The conference programme started even before the exhibition with the two rounds of webinars on the topic of “The role of leather in a fast changing world” by Ronald Sauer, publisher of the Sauer report and Mike Redwood, leather industry expert and spokesperson for “LeatherNaturally!” These webinars are co-organised by APLF and Leather International.

On the first day of the fair, representatives from this year’s focus country, Brazil will present a series of industry seminars on topics such as environmental sustainability issues, technology trends and process improvements in the leather industry. Also among the speakers is Maurício Medeiros, a renowned designer who will be speaking on "Design na Pele", an integrated project between tanneries and designers. Articles created during the “Design na Pele” project will also be on display at this year’s fair.

Seminars and conferences continue into day two starting with a seminar on the topic of “Applying tradition & innovation in leather for interiors”, presented by Bill Amberg, founder of the “Bill Amberg” brand of luxury leather goods and interiors based in London.

“While leather has been utilised for architectural elements, furniture and decorative accessories for centuries, it has always fascinated me on how we can better combine the best of traditional leather techniques and designs with innovative and modern treatments and applications,” said Bill Amberg, “our goal is to bring leather into the core of 21st century living”.
Mike Redwood is also among the speakers on day two and he will talk on “Leather and its levels of luxury”. Other confirmed speakers include Amanda Michel who will be speaking on “Leather basics” and Ralph Arbeid who will discuss the traceability in the trade of reptile skins. 

“As we move forward, leather will become scarcer per capita globally so it should be manufactured, utilised and consumed as an increasingly valuable item. Its utility defines many of its end uses but its emotional and sensory qualities will hold the key to its value to the final consumer. Tanners must think about the implications of this in the way that they design new leathers from all raw material types and grades, and how they can work with designers to ultimately create a better product,” said Mike Redwood.

The International Leather Conference co-organised by APLF and BLC will also take place at this year’s fair. The focus of this year’s conference will be on “Leather and the Environment”; industry leaders such as Martin Manghelli from adidas Group, Dr Dietrich Tegtmeyer from LANXESS Deutschland GmbH, Dr Victoria Addy from BLC Leather Technology Centre Ltd and Martin Berman from Micro-Pak Ltd will be presenting at the conference.

To view the full program of this year’s International Leather Conference, please click here.

Online pre-registration to visit MM&T 2014 is open now for qualified professionals. For more information, please visit http://www.mmt.aplf.com/.

APLF, Hong Kong
(17/02/2014)