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2008 Global Conference and Marketplace
New Growth Opportunities: Using Organic to Strengthen Sustainability, Resource, and Investment Strategies
October 14-17, 2008
Porto Palacio Congress Hotel and Spa
Porto, Portugal
Sponsored by: Esquel, Internet Tekstil San. Ve Tic.A.S.,
Quick Feat international and Thai Alliance Textile Co. Ltd.
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| Registration opens the week of June 8th |
| Logistics |
| Sponsorship Opportunities |
Conference Overview |
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In the midst of a rapidly changing world economy, increasing energy costs, environmental uncertainty, and mounting demands for sustainable practices, organic cotton is emerging as a clear choice for successful businesses around the globe. More than a simple marketing tactic or a small aspect of corporate social responsibility, businesses are discovering that organic cotton is both a tool for increasing the bottom line today, and a critical investment in the value chain of tomorrow.
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Join us in Portugal as we explore the role of organic cotton in the current and future business landscape. The conference will bring together all members of the cotton value chain to learn about and discuss best practices, emerging issues, and strategies to maximize the return on investment from organic cotton. The 2008 Organic Exchange Global Conference and Marketplace is the premier event for anyone involved in the organic fiber value chain – we hope to see you there.
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Organic Fiber: The Basics, October 14
The Basics workshop is a broad introduction to organic cotton. It will cover everything you need to know to get started. Topics include: production, processing, sourcing, online tracking, labeling, certification and more. This is a must-attend event for companies just beginning their organic fiber programs.
Special Note: The Basics is not included in the cost of the conference. However, those attending both The Basics and the Global Conference will receive a discount on the price listed below. |
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| Price: $750 |
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2008 Organic Exchange Global Conference, October 15 - 16
Organic cotton is recognized worldwide as an important tool to build brand loyalty and value for customers, while helping to protect farming communities and the environment. In addition, organic cotton is fast becoming a means to support broader business initiatives. As climate change, resource utilization, social development, and other issues move to the forefront of the business mindset, it’s becoming clear that organic cotton is more than a materials strategy, but an investment strategy – in the future of business and of the planet.
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This year’s conference will examine investment in organic cotton with four lenses: intelligent growth, innovation, integration, and transparency. In the shadow of the bottom line and the traditional necessity of consumption, how will brands and producers shift their thinking about the concept of growth in the future? What innovation will drive intelligent growth, and what will it look like? Further, how will we ensure that our strategies are legitimate and sustainable options?
The 2008 Global Conference will bring together the entire cotton value chain – brands, retailers, manufacturers, farmers, non-profit organizations, foundations, government agencies, and others – to learn about and maximize the return on investment from organic cotton.
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Non-Members |
OE Members |
NGO/Small Business* |
Farmers |
| Conference: |
$1300 |
$1000 |
$925 |
Free |
Conference PLUS
Organic Fiber: The Basics: |
$2000 |
$1700 |
$1625 |
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| One-day Rate: |
$750 |
$750 |
$750 |
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Conference Marketplace, October 15 - 16
The 2008 Marketplace, held each day of the conference, is the premier opportunity to connect buyers with every member of the organic cotton value chain. Whether you want to do business or get a sense of new fabric trends and dyeing technologies, the Marketplace will connect you with the innovators in the organic fiber sector. Year after year, the feedback we receive on the Conference Marketplace is the same: this is the most targeted customer base available for organic cotton products. The Marketplace will open prior to the Conference each morning and will remain open throughout the day. A list of exhibitors will be posted online prior to the conference. We recommend booking appointments in advance.
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| Price: $750 |
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Certified Mill Tour, October 17
Porto is an historic city founded in the 5th century. It is the home of Port wine and one of the oldest European textile manufacturing hubs. As a special opportunity, conference attendees are invited on a tour of a certified mill in the surrounding region. The mill tour will give participants a chance to witness the operation of and explore a spinning and fabric mill certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard.
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| Free to conference participants |
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Port Wine Dinner, October 15
Attendees will also be treated to a special dinner in the Taylor Port Cellar on Wednesday evening. You will learn about and taste port wine, enjoy wonderful food, and leisurely discuss the day’s events.
Taylor's is one of the only independent family owned wineries in Port Country, and controls the Fladgate Partnership which also encompasses the other prestigious Port Wine Houses of Fonseca, Croft and Delaforce. Now well into its fourth century, Taylor's is one of the very oldest of the Port houses.
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| Free to conference participants, Additional guests: $125 |
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| Organic Fiber: The Basics |
October 14 |
$750 |
| Global Conference and Marketplace |
October 14 – 17 |
$1300 - Non Member Fee
$1000 - OE Member Fee
$925 - NGO's, Small Businesses*
Free to Farmers
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| Organic Fiber: The Basics PLUS Global Conference |
October 14 - 17 |
$2000 - Non Member Fee
$1700 - OE Member Fee
$1625 - NGO’s, Small Businesses*
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| One-day conference rate |
Either October
15 or 16 |
$750
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| Marketplace display table |
October 14 – 17 |
$750 |
| Certifiers Mill Tour |
October 17 |
FREE to those attending conference |
| Port Wine Dinner |
October 15 |
FREE to those attending conference
Bring a guest for $125 |
| *Less than 2 Million in Sales |
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