Below is the detailed agenda for the inaugural Global Footwear and Apparel Traceability Summit taking place in Portland, Oregon, October 17-18, 2024.
Welcome Reception
Thursday, October 17
6:00–9:00 p.m.
McMenamins Mission Theater, 1624 NW Gilsan St, Portland, OR 97209
Dinner
Doors open for informal networking, buffet dinner, and drinks.
Keynote Address
Dessert and Reception Conclusion
Global Footwear and Apparel Traceability Summit
Friday, October 18
7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
2nd Floor Event Space, Campus Center, UO Portland Campus, 2800 Liberty Street, Portland, OR 97211
Registration and Continental Breakfast
Doors open for attendee check-in; light breakfast and coffee served.
Welcome and Summit Overview
An overview of the day's agenda and goals.
Opening Remarks: "Transparency: The Modern Business Imperative"
An overview of the various sustainability, human rights, and financial drivers for transparency impacting the global apparel and footwear industry and their suppliers.
Break
Panel Session 1: "Current and Emerging Regulatory Frameworks"
Governments have been rapidly developing increasing regulatory requirements for transparency into the supply chain with a special focus on human rights and forced labor, as well as diversity, equity, and fair wages. This panel will discuss the current and emerging regulatory frameworks and how systems for traceability are needed.
Break
Panel Session 2: "Traceability Scope and Evidence"
What are the requirements to comply to existing and emerging legislation? How far back into the supply chain will we need to focus? What are the types of evidence that will be required to satisfy the emerging legislation?
Lunch and Keynote Address
Boxed lunches served.
Break
Panel Session 3: "Tools and Technologies for Managing Traceability"
Are there ways that the industry can collaborate to lower the burden on suppliers by harvesting evidence in a consistent, transparent, and trusted manner? What are the emerging ways AI, machine learning, and blockchain are being used?
Break
Group Discussion: "Where Do We Go from Here?"
Attendees review notes taken throughout the day and add any additional ideas to the board.
Formation of Working Groups
Attendees join working groups around their key area of interest as panel moderators facilitate conversations around the questions: Where do we need more research? Who are other organizations working in this space that we can partner with?
Call to Action: "Moving the Industry Forward"
Within the industry, we are witnessing a tapestry of strategies, technologies, and investments by companies, industry associations, and NGOs. This session will open up to a larger all-room discussion exploring how the industry—including members of the value chain—can work together to streamline efforts and effectively meet the growing challenges of traceability.
Closing Remarks
Information on follow-up actions and the next iteration of the summit.
Networking Mixer and Happy Hour
An informal networking session with drinks and snacks.