Keynote presentation: The current state of digitalisation in the textile & apparel industry

This keynote will address the current state of digitalisation across the textile & apparel supply chain. It will look at the challenges in digital transformation, key technology developments and how to navigate the changing landscape. It will also assess opportunities in this complex and rapidly evolving technological landscape and provide insights into preparing for the supply chain and factory of the future.

Panel: Streamlining production: Digitalisation 101

Speakers: Kevin Smith, Lead Technology Adviser, Made Smarter
Florian Pohlmeyer, Head of Digitalisation, RWTH Aachen University's Institut für Textiltechnik

This panel session will explore how digitalisation is enhancing process efficiencies in textile & apparel manufacturing. We will discuss real-world examples of how these technologies are being implemented in textile & apparel manufacturing, showcasing tangible benefits such as reduced production times and energy use, minimised waste, enhanced product quality, increased overall operational efficiency and consequently, improved profit margins.

Digital traceability: demystifying the supply chain

This session will explore the critical role of digital traceability and transparency in modern textile manufacturing. It will delve into how digital labelling can demystify textile & apparel supply chains, providing end-to-end visibility and full traceability of raw materials, production processes, and product journeys, from farm to consumer. It will also look at how facilitating the identification and verification of practices can enhance ethical sourcing and sustainability, as well as ensuring fair labour conditions and combat counterfeiting. 

How IoT is shaping the textile factory of the future

This presentation will explore the transformative impact of Internet of Things (IoT) technology on modern textile manufacturing. It will assess how IoT-enabled machinery is revolutionising production and the industry through real-time monitoring, machine-to-machine communication, predictive maintenance and data analytics, optimised resource adoption and the use of 5G. 

Bridging the data gap: Addressing the data gap for AI in textiles

This presentation will explore the critical challenge of data scarcity in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions within the textile industry. It will discuss how the lack of high-quality, diverse, and readily accessible datasets is hindering the progress of AI applications in key areas of textile & apparel production. It will also explore potential solutions to address this data gap, including data collection strategies, data generation and collaboration initiatives. 

AI: Powering the fashion renaissance

Speaker: Adriana Pereira, Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer, The Fabricant

In this presentation, you’ll discover how AI-driven tools are reshaping design, reducing waste and increasing profitability. Through real-world use cases, the session will explore how brands can harness AI to drive efficiency and speed to market without compromising creativity.

Panel: Exploring, integrating and benefiting from automation

Speaker: Michael Mayr, Founder, Silana

This panel session will explore the impact of automation in textile & apparel manufacturing. It will assess the latest technologies and machinery enhancing textile production but will also assess the effects of robotics and automation on the industry, its workforce and business models. What’s more, the panel will explore the state-of-the-art automation solutions in various textile processes, including spinning, knitting, weaving, dyeing, printing and finishing.