September 6, 2024 Five essential fall sustainability events you need to follow
Impactful collaborations. Material innovations. Inspirational food-for-thought. While the day-to-day grind of normal business operations is what gets things done, it’s often when the outdoor industry gathers together that the trajectory gets set. As 2024 moves into its final months, Suston provides a calendar of events sustainability professionals won’t want to miss.
European Outdoor Summit
September 18-19, Cambridge UK
For each year since its founding in 2014, the European Outdoor Summit has brought together senior executives for insights, in depth discussions, networking, and tackling the big issues that face the outdoor sector and all businesses.
The 10th annual summit will be held in Cambridge, UK, and will be hosted by the Outdoor Industry Association and European Outdoor Group and sponsored by Gore-Tex, Exped, and Suston among others. With speakers including eBay’s Jemma Tadd, Patagonia’s Nina Hajikhanian and Surfers Against Sewage’s Dani Jordan, the program is sure to not disappoint.
“We promised to bring wider business insights to this year’s European Outdoor Summit, on topics that are really relevant and resonate with the outdoor sector,” shares Toni Clifford, event manager at the European Outdoor Group.
“The full programme is packed with great and varied content. The summit is shaping up very well and we look forward to welcoming delegates from all over Europe for two thought provoking and rewarding days in a beautiful location.”
Find out more about European Outdoor Summit.
The Sustainability Lounge at Performance Days
Performance Days
October 23-24, Munich DE
For those looking for the latest in material innovations, the annual “functional fabric fair” Performance Days is the best place to start. Here in Munich, the functional fabric industry can meet with sports and outdoor brands and together get inspired by Expert Talks, initiate collaborations in the Sustainability Lounge, or find solutions in the Performance Forum, where only products with the highest sustainability credentials are presented.
Each year, a new Focus Topic is selected to help laser-focus the industry’s problem-solving abilities. This year’s topic will be “Colorization – Chemistry is Everywhere,” where the impacts of dyes and finishes will be explored, as well as the latest solutions.
Find out more about Performance Days.
TITAS
October 15-17, Taipei, Taiwan
On the other side of the globe, Taiwan’s textile industry is among the world’s foremost in terms of functional fabrics and sustainability. It’s therefore no surprise that each year, roughly 35,000 visitors and nearly 1,000 booths can be found at its annual Taipei Innovative Textile Application Show (TITAS).
This functional fair is known for showcasing the latest in high-tech and high-performance textiles that boast high sustainability credentials. TITAS 2024 will live up to its reputation, focusing on the three core themes of Sustainability, Functional Applications and Intelligent Manufacturing, highlighting the strengths textile research and innovation bring to these topics.
Find out more about TITAS.
Angeles National Forest, just outside of Pasadena, California.
Textile Exchange Conference
October 28-31, Pasadena, California
With its mission to inspire and equip “people to accelerate the adoption of preferred materials through clear and actionable guidance,” the non-profit organization Textile Exchange is an industry heavy-weight that provides practical tools, resources and standards that help move towards a more sustainable future.
It also gathers leaders and experts from the fashion, textile and apparel industry at the annual Textile Exchange Conference. This year’s conference will be held in Pasadena, California, as well as virtually, where each of its three days will address its theme, “The Case for Change” – How integrating best practices for climate and nature into business operations can build resilience for the future” – from different angles:
- Day 1 – Tools and Systems for Action
- Day 2 – The Economics of Solution Building
- Day 3 – From Responsible to Resilient Sourcing
Find out more about the Textile Exchange Conference.
ISPO Munich
December 3-5, Munich, Germany
Part festival, part family reunion, all Outdoor – ISPO Munich is Europe’s leading international trade show for the outdoor industry.
“With its diverse offerings ISPO Munich remains the most efficient way for guests and exhibitors to gain a comprehensive overview of innovations and trends, get inspired, and network with the global community in just three days,” explains Exhibition Director Lena Haushofer.
With approximately 60,000 visitors and 2,400 exhibitors, the 2024 slogan “love every contact” captures the undeniable appeal of the fair: Networking. And while handshakes and business cards fly fast between brands, retailers and suppliers, a red-hot sustainability scene continues to grow.
The Sustainability Hub forms the beating heart, where visitors can pick up a copy of Suston, explore the exhibits for the latest sustainability solutions or meet up for a guided tour with Greenroom Voice. The expansive educational programme offered by European Outdoor Group and others, meanwhile, draws in the best and brightest sustainability professionals to further sharpen their skills.
Find out more about ISPO Munich.
Photo: Messe München
