Next year, from September 24 to 28, the city of Porto will host IAF’s (International Apparel Federation) 28th annual world conference, which will coincide with the 20th anniversary of Portuguese trade fair Modtissimo.

Harry van Dalfsen, president of IAF, at IAF's 27th conference in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (Photo: AIF)

Paulo Paz, the president of ATP (Associação Têxtil e Vestuário de Portugal/Textile and Clothing Association of Portugal) declared: “It is an honour for Portugal and for our association (ATP) to have been chosen as the hosts for the next IAF conference. We regard this as a great sign of recognition for the Portuguese textile and manufacturing industry, which is today one of the most important industries on a European and international scale. It stands out thanks to its high-quality, innovative spirit, creativity and services. This will be an opportunity for us to further promote our assets and to reinforce Portugal’s presence in the global fashion trade”.

All business meetings will take place at the Sheraton Porto Hotel, while the gala dinner will be held at the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, located in the historical centre of Guimarães. The latter was voted the European Capital of Culture 2012. Furthermore, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Portuguese trade fair Modtissimo, designers from all four corners of the world will present their collections during the catwalk show at the Alfândega exhibition centre in Porto, where the IAF International Award 2012 will also be taking place.

The two previous IAF conferences were held in Hong Kong in 2010 and then in Puerto Vallarta (Mexico) this past October.