Beast to Beauty 2009: full programme announced
20/03/2009
The full programme for the second Beast to Beauty conference for the leather industry is now in place.
Jointly organised by World Leather and specialist training provider Leather Wise, the conference will take place at the Guildhall in Northampton on July 17.
As at the inaugural Beast to Beauty conference last year, the aim is to help companies throughout the leather sector increase their understanding of the impact their work has on the whole leather value chain. The event will also provide good opportunities for networking and meeting potential new customers for these companies, as well as the chance to enhance their understanding of consumer demand, of the properties of leather itself, and of the current legislation that affects its production.
The conference is open to all, but will especially benefit tanners, those involved in selling hides, skins and finished leather, retailers, designers, and chemical and machinery manufacturers.
With speakers representing a wide range of organisations, including Marks and Spencer, the University of Northampton and Scottish Leather Group, the conference programme will cover hide supply, the industry situation today, likely developments in the future, production challenges, social responsibility, and brand management, with plenty of time for questions and discussion too.
At the end of the day's presentations, there will be a drinks reception at the nearby Northampton Shoe Museum and a gala dinner, featuring Steve Pateman, managing director of local family firm WJ Brooks, as the after-dinner speaker. Mr Pateman was the inspiration for the film Kinky Boots, having persuaded his father to manufacture thigh-length boots and high-heel shoes strong enough to support the weight of cross-dressing men.
With so much on offer, and all in one day, Beast to Beauty promises to be one of the most important events of the year in the leather industry calendar.
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