Top leather retailers to meet in Hong Kong

In March, Leather International magazine and the BLC Leather Technology Centre will co-host a major one-day conference aimed at the global leather making and retailing industries. Set to take place on Tuesday, March 27, 2007, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, (HKCEC), the conference will precede the APLF which runs from March 28-30. It will feature presentations by leading figures from major international retailers, brands, tanners and other technical organisations. The names of the high-profile speakers will be announced over the next few weeks. Topics for presentations include the following: * Business challenges when sourcing in Asia * Importance of corporate social responsibility * Environmental auditing protocol * Dynamics of restricted substance lists and testing * Common leather problems found when sourcing from Asia The leather in retail conference follows a highly successful footwear leather conference which was held prior to the APLF earlier this year. 'Hong Kong is an ideal location in which to bring together major international retailers and leather manufacturers. We envisage the 'Leather In Retail' conference will act as a valuable addition to your APLF diary', says Martin Ricker, commercial manager, Leather International magazine. Adam Hughes, sales director, BLC, added: 'With leather having such a significant presence on the retail high street and the annual trade in leather and footwear expected to exceed US$50 billion, the conference provides an essential meeting point for the leather supply chain from tanner through manufacturing to retail brand'. To date the conference has received sponsorship from APLF Ltd, the fair organisers. To register for the conference you can contact either Leather International or BLC or register online via [http://www.leathermag.com] or contact Martin Ricker mricker@wilmington.co.uk or Adam Hughes on adam@blcleathertech.com