The Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide (PCIAW®) is preparing to host the PCIAW® Summit & Awards in Portugal for the very first time on 7-9 November 2023.
The event will be held in the Customs House in Porto, bringing modern textile innovation and education into a traditional setting. Built in 1879, the iconic location was once a central hub of commerce and trade, transporting goods arriving by ship on the Douro River.
An event for education and collaboration in professional clothing and textiles
The PCIAW® Summit & Awards is a dedicated education and networking event for the uniform, workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) markets.
The annual event is organised by the professional clothing association, PCIAW® – unique in its global operation and membership base, spanning four continents: Europe, North America, Asia and Africa.
Hosting the PCIAW® Summit & Awards in Portugal
The decision to host the 2023 event in Portugal stems from the country’s integral role in the professional clothing supply chain and to develop the international nature of PCIAW®.
Whilst PCIAW® is a UK-domiciled organisation, its global representation is being leveraged by hosting the PCIAW® Summit & Awards in Portugal. It is the ambition of the professional clothing association to alternate the location of the annual event between the UK and other European or Worldwide destinations.
César Araújo, President of ANIVEC; CEO of Calvelex and PCIAW® Board Director commented: “This is a hugely important step for PCIAW® as it begins to act as a bridge for the supply chain, to share knowledge, expand the network and become the essential platform for the professional clothing industry.”
“Many of the PCIAW® Trusted Members currently manufacture in Portugal or are viewing the textiles ecosystem as a nearshore alternative. ANIVEC will be facilitating factory visits on the first day, 7 November 2023 to support this, providing greater business value, in addition to the opportunities for education, networking and celebration. Alternatively, golf days, boat tours and visits to the Port Wine Cellars who want to explore the tourist attractions.”
The PCIAW® Summit & Awards 2023
The event takes place over three days in November 2023. Day one will offer factory tours and networking activities.
Day two will host the PCIAW® Summit, starting with a networking lunch at 12pm with the conference running from 1pm to 5pm. The PCIAW® will continue into the third day from 10am until 1pm, whilst the PCIAW® Exhibition is open throughout days two and three.
The PCIAW® Awards will begin with a champagne reception at 6pm and include a three-course gala dinner. The PCIAW® Awards ceremony will begin at 7:30pm until 10pm, complete with an evening of entertainment and networking.
A look back at the PCIAW® Summit & Awards 2022
The 2022 event held in London on 18-19 October brought an incredible diversity of speakers from across the professional clothing industry, including the uniform manufacturers of the 2022 Commonwealth Games uniforms, through to decision makers in requirement setting for the military and fire and rescue services. Key players from the professional clothing industry won esteemed awards, including GORE-TEX Professional, Milliken & Company and Lameirinho.
