More than 500
delegates from 37 countries descended on Liverpool, UK last week to participate
in the International Cotton Association's (ICA) ‘Moving Forward' trade event.
Marking the
culmination of one of the busiest times in the year for the cotton trade, the
two day event, hosted by ICA President, Mr Ray Butler, was held at the Crowne
Plaza Hotel and St George's Hall on 20/21 October 2011.
Attracting 20
sponsors from the world of cotton, the event provided an ideal opportunity for
delegates to network and focus on the international business of cotton with
other leading industry professionals.
Speaking
after the event Mr Butler said: "I am
delighted that so many people travelled to Liverpool to participate in this
year's event. This clearly demonstrates that Liverpool, as the home of the ICA,
retains a deep attraction as a venue and it will figure in the consideration of
where future events are to be held. The presentations made were well received
and attracted thought provoking question and answer periods, so our speakers
deserve a special mention for taking the time and trouble to prepare for and
participate in our sessions. I would
also like to offer my heartfelt thanks to our event sponsors."
Over the
course of the two days, six high profile industry speakers took to the stage to
deliver a range of presentations that were based on the ‘moving forward' event
theme, with particular emphasis on sustainability.
The first
presentation, ‘Sustainability - A
Merchant's View', was delivered by Ecom Cotton Group's CEO, Mr Antonio
Esteve. Lise Melvin, Executive Director of the Better Cotton Initiative
outlined the factors that led to its creation and its plans for moving forward.
Leon Picon, Cotton Purchasing Manager for Orta Andalou TAS, gave delegates an
insight into sustainability from a mill's viewpoint. Mark Sumner, Sustainable
Raw Materials Specialist at Marks & Spencer took to the stage to focus on
sustainability from a retailer's view. In between the presentations on
sustainability an in-depth look was taken at the future of the Chinese cotton
industry by Madam Gao Fang, Executive Vice President and Secretary General of
the China Cotton Association and Madam Zhang Fangchun, General Manager -
International Trading Department, CNCGC. The event also played host, for the
first time, to the ICA Annual General Meeting, enabling more members to attend
and participate.
In addition
to the presentations, delegates had plenty of opportunity to network and do
business with two networking lunch sessions, a cocktail reception and a closing
gala dinner, held in the magnificent surroundings of St George's Hall. During
dinner, the official handover of the ICA presidential badge was passed from Mr
Ray Butler to Mr Antonio Esteve, who now takes up his year in office.
Mr Butler
concludes: "Being able to report on my
year in office to such a huge audience during dinner, in the surroundings of
Liverpool's magnificent St. George's Hall, is a memory that will stay with me.
The occasion was just right to hand over the presidency to my successor. We
also used the occasion to help raise funds for a local children's charity -
Claire House - a concept that will be retained in future. Cotton companies and
delegates showed their support and raised a total of £11,431.78. Taking into consideration the costs
of the prizes, this leaves £9,606.78 donated directly to the charity. Sincere thanks
to all those who contributed so generously."
Adding to Mr
Butler's thanks, Claire House Area Manager, Helen Carlson said: "On behalf of Claire House I would like to
say a huge and heartfelt thank you to ICA for choosing Claire House to partner
with them for this fantastic event. To raise such an enormous amount of
money from an international event really does show the global support people
have for children with life shortening illnesses. I hope every single
donor understands just how much of a difference they have made. Thank you".
Click here for the event downloads - including photos, presentations, delegate list and event programme.