PCIAW® Summit, Exhibition & Awards
21 - 22 October 2026, De Vere Connaught Rooms, London, UK.
The World’s Premier Event for the Professional Clothing & PPE Value Chains
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The PCIAW® Summit 2026: Implementing Innovation
The Strategic Value of Attendance: Gaining a Competitive Advantage
Day 1 · Wednesday 21 October
Navigating the Mandate: Circularity Regulations, ESPR & Supply Chain Transparency
The PCIAW® Summit deconstructs the digital and commercial infrastructure required for compliance. The programme progresses from European policy analysis and circular eco-design into field-tested climate resilience, closed-loop inventory and sizing management, and active Digital Product Passport (DPP) pilot deployments.
Day 2 · Thursday 22 October
Fit-for-Purpose Professional Clothing: Protection, Performance & End-User Realities
The PCIAW® Summit evaluates material integrity, physiological ergonomics, and physical survivability in high-consequence environments. The programme deconstructs inclusive anthropometric fit and the non-fluorinated PFAS transition before driving into sectoral deep-dives across Emergency Services, Multi-Norm Utilities, and Defence, culminating in the live Professional Clothing Fashion Show.
Event timings
PCIAW® Summit Day 1
Registration
9:00am – 10:15am
Summit
10:15am – 5:25pm
Networking Drinks
5:25pm – 6:30pm
PCIAW® Summit Day 2
Registration
8:30am – 9:00am
Summit
9:00am – 1:45pm
Networking Lunch
1:45pm – 2:30pm
PCIAW® Awards
Champagne Reception
6:00pm – 7:00pm
PCIAW® Awards Dinner
7:00pm – 9:00pm
PCIAW® Awards Ceremony
9:00pm – 10:05pm
Networking Party
10:05pm – Late
PCIAW® Summit 2026 agenda
Implementing Innovation · 21–22 October 2026 · De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, London
Select a session to view its speakers and details. All times are local to London. Programme and speaker line-up are subject to change.
Day 1 · Wednesday 21 October 2026
Navigating the Mandate: Circularity Regulations, ESPR & Supply Chain Transparency
9:00am – 10:15am · PCIAW® Exhibition & Networking Breakfast
Collect your badge, connect with industry peers, and explore cutting-edge solutions across the exhibition floor ahead of the opening keynote.
10:15am – 10:30am · PCIAW® Summit: Opening Addresses
Ed Grigg
Chairman, PCIAW®
Yvette Ashby
CEO, PCIAW®
César Araújo
President, ANIVEC
PCIAW® senior leadership formally opens the 2026 Summit by establishing the mandate for cross-supply-chain collaboration amid shifting global regulations and digital transitions. Ed Grigg and Yvette Ashby frame the operational challenges facing the sector, while César Araújo provides key perspectives on European manufacturing resilience and international trade.
10:30am – 11:00am · The Professional Clothing Landscape: Industry Resilience & Collaborative Action with PCIAW®
Ed Grigg
Chairman, PCIAW®
Julian Bartholet
Business Development Director, TUFFKING
Yvette Ashby
CEO, PCIAW®
Julie Allen
Sales & Account Manager Thermal Apparel UK, Nordics & Ireland, Arclin
César Araújo
President, ANIVEC
Natalie Wilson
Managing Director, Workwear Solutions International
Oli Willson
Global Workwear Sales Manager, Avery Dennison
Andrew Maylor
Managing Director, Madeira UK
Rick van Es
Managing Partner & CFO, MEMBRYX
John Murphy
Technical Director Europe, Hohenstein Laboratories
Ryan McClintock
Head of Business Development, Cooneen Group
Drawing directly from front-line commercial intelligence across the international supply chain, the PCIAW® Board of Directors convenes to open the summit with a high-level review of the evolving professional clothing landscape. Bringing together diverse perspectives spanning corporate uniform, workwear, and PPE markets, this panel explores the overarching market dynamics, operational challenges, and strategic opportunities emerging across the sector. The session highlights how cross-industry collaboration and active association initiatives can help organisations stay agile, build resilience, and collaboratively navigate the changing demands of a dynamic global marketplace.
11:00am – 11:30am · The Regulatory Squeeze: EU Policy, EPR Directives & the Cost of Non-Compliance
Keynote presentation
Mauro Scalia
Director Sustainable Business, EURATEX
As European Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks and mandatory eco-design directives shift from legislative drafts into enforceable cross-border law, compliance is rapidly moving from an ESG aspiration to a core balance-sheet liability. In this keynote, EURATEX delivers an executive breakdown of impending textile waste directives, eco-modulation fee structures, and the ban on destroying unsold inventory. Attendees will gain clarity on legislative enforcement timelines, cross-border tax liabilities, and the concrete steps businesses must take to shield themselves from mounting regulatory penalties.
11:30am – 12:15pm · Delivering Circularity & Eco-Design Principles
Andrew Maylor
Managing Director, Madeira UK
Mark Sumner
Head of Textile Program, WRAP
Richard Wild
Head of Commodity Management – Commodity Support Services, Leidos
Steve Carmody
VP – Global SMB Sales & Customer Success, Centric Software
Oli Willson
Global Workwear Sales Manager, Avery Dennison
Circularity must be engineered into product specifications from day one, not treated as an afterthought at end-of-life. This panel connects digital design in PLM, mono-material engineering, and durable thread construction with real-world field tracking and large-scale public procurement tenders. Industry leaders demonstrate how to align garments with emerging eco-design regulations, balancing physical durability against recyclability without driving up total cost of ownership.
12:15pm – 1:05pm · PCIAW® Exhibitor Workshops
Step onto the exhibition floor for dedicated, interactive product and technology demonstrations led directly by industry suppliers. These two 25-minute practical sessions give attendees hands-on access to the latest textile innovations, digital tooling, and garment systems shaping modern professional clothing.
Explore the Summit exhibitors
The published exhibitor line-up brings together expertise in textiles, sizing and fit, digital product technology, healthcare apparel, tailoring and industry collaboration. Workshop hosts and demonstration topics for this time slot are to be confirmed.
1:05pm – 2:30pm · Networking Lunch
Networking Lunch.
2:30pm – 3:05pm · Climate Impacting Uniforms: Thermoregulation, UV Exposure & Lightweight Fibres
Eleonora Zaffaroni
Sales and Corporate Wear BU Manager, Eurojersey
Rising summer temperatures and prolonged solar radiation have made extreme heat stress and sun exposure critical occupational hazards for frontline outdoor workforces. This session evaluates the technical fibre and fabric innovations required to protect workers in volatile climates without sacrificing garment durability. Material experts explore the balance between active thermoregulation, certified UV protection, lightweight synthetic tenacity, and adaptive stretch, showing how climate-resilient engineering maintains worker comfort, safety, and operational longevity.
3:05pm – 3:50pm · Eliminating Waste: Tech-Driven Sizing, Inventory & Lifecycle Management
Host: Shyju Skariah
Global Affairs Lead Advisor, TRSA
Eduard Cojocea
Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer, Esenca Sizing
Michael Fernandez
Chief Wholesale & Business Development Officer, Brooks Brothers
Chris Jones
ESG Lead, CGS BlueCherry
Additional speaker to be confirmed.
Inaccurate sizing, over-ordering, deadstock, and poorly managed replacement cycles cost enterprise programs millions while driving up Scope 3 emissions and future disposal liabilities. Moderated through the commercial lens of textile rental and asset management, this panel deconstructs the digital tools revolutionizing uniform operations. Speakers examine the integration of mobile 3D sizing, automated wardrobe entitlement platforms, and advanced ERP forecasting, demonstrating how predictive data workflows eradicate speculative inventory bloat and transition workwear into a lean, closed-loop system.
3:50pm – 4:15pm · PCIAW® Exhibitor Workshops
Step onto the exhibition floor for dedicated, interactive product and technology demonstrations led directly by industry suppliers. This 25-minute practical session gives attendees hands-on access to the latest textile innovations, digital tooling, and garment systems shaping modern professional clothing.
Explore the Summit exhibitors
The published exhibitor line-up brings together expertise in textiles, sizing and fit, digital product technology, healthcare apparel, tailoring and industry collaboration. Workshop hosts and demonstration topics for this time slot are to be confirmed.
4:15pm – 4:55pm · From Theory to Pilot: Delivering an End-to-End Digital Product Passport in Airline Uniforms
Natalie Wilson
Managing Director, Workwear Solutions International
Austin Simms
CEO, Dayrize
Nisha Muire
Mgr, Uniform Program – Brand, Air Canada
Additional speakers to be confirmed (2).
Moving beyond high-level strategy decks and theoretical frameworks, this session examines an active enterprise deployment of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) within global airline uniform programs. The panel dissects the practical workflow required to capture environmental product data, aggregate multi-tier supply chain data, and execute a completed DPP deployment across 10 core garments from the airline’s active uniform wardrobe. Panellists share firsthand operational insights into overcoming supplier data collection hurdles, managing data governance across overseas manufacturers, and transforming compliance data into an engaging transparency asset for enterprise wearers.
4:55pm – 5:15pm · Data Transparency vs. IP Defence: Navigating the Digital Product Passport in Technical Workwear
Paul Defiez
Head of Product Management, Magellan
Additional speakers to be confirmed (2).
While standard commercial apparel focuses on open consumer storytelling, personal protective equipment (PPE) and tactical gear depend on proprietary technologies and confidential supply chains. This session tackles the central dilemma of complex PPE products: how to comply with statutory DPP disclosure mandates without compromising trade secrets, intellectual property, or sensitive defence procurement operations. The discussion examines tiered access controls, zero-knowledge verification frameworks, and secure data architectures designed to prove life-safety compliance (CE/UKCA standards) to auditors while strictly safeguarding proprietary commercial formulas.
5:15pm – 5:25pm · Closing the PCIAW Summit
Ed Grigg
Chairman, PCIAW®
Bringing Day 1 to a formal close, the PCIAW® Chairman reflects on the day’s core themes, from shifting European eco-design regulations and Extended Producer Responsibility to hands-on circularity and Digital Product Passport pilots. Ed Grigg summarizes the practical steps needed to turn legislative compliance into commercial advantage, connects these macro systems to Day 2’s focus on frontline ergonomic safety and life-critical protection, and invites delegates to transition into the evening networking reception.
5:25pm – 6:30pm · Drinks Reception & Networking
Sponsored by Brooks Brothers
Conclude Day 1 of the summit by unwinding and connecting with fellow delegates, speakers, and exhibitors across the show floor. Generously sponsored by Brooks Brothers, this evening drinks reception provides an informal, high-level networking environment to discuss the day’s regulatory and digital takeaways, forge new commercial partnerships, and celebrate cross-industry collaboration ahead of Day 2.
Day 2 · Thursday 22 October 2026
Fit-for-Purpose Professional Clothing: Protection, Performance & End-User Realities
8:30am – 9:00am · PCIAW® Exhibition & Networking Breakfast
Connect with industry peers and explore cutting-edge solutions across the exhibition floor ahead of the opening keynote.
9:00am – 9:15am · Chairman Welcome Back & Overview of Summit Day 1
Ed Grigg
Chairman, PCIAW®
Opening the second day, the PCIAW® Chairman reflects on Day 1’s discussions on functional approaches to circular professional clothing and transparent supply chains, bridging them directly into Day 2’s core theme of ‘Fit-for-Purpose Professional Clothing’.
9:15am – 9:50am · Inclusivity for Human Ergonomics: Anthropometrics & Modern Workwear Standards
Natalie Wilson
Managing Director, Workwear Solutions International
Sophie Perkins
Associate Director – Head of Building Surveying Bristol, AtkinsRéalis
Marion Baudet
Customer Service Delivery Manager – Contracts & Services, Eurostar
Amy Beams
Director, Women in the Fire Service UK
Following the legislative momentum to mandate the provision of inclusive PPE into public sector procurement, the launch of the new British Standard (BS 30417) has shifted inclusive fit-for-form discussions into a tender requirement with tangible detail. Digital sizing specialists and end-users organisation examine how public and private buyers can actively embed the standard into upcoming tenders.
9:50am – 10:30am · A Chemical Barrier to Performance? Navigating the PFAS-Free Transition
John Murphy
Technical Director Europe, Hohenstein Laboratories
Dr Louise Anderson
Chief Technology Officer, Amphitex
Klaas Nuttbohm
Implementation Director, ZDHC
Hubert Veluire
Sales Engineer EMEA, Emergency Services Specialist, Alpex
The impending regulatory phase-out of PFAS represents an unprecedented material science challenge for life-safety workwear and PPE. This panel convenes testing bodies, chemical innovators, and technical membrane specialists to evaluate the commercial and technical viability of non-fluorinated alternatives. The discussion examines if and how industry can replace “forever chemicals”, based on what performances can be achieved without PFAS and how this compares to the required performances specified by product standards.
10:30am – 10:55am · PCIAW® Exhibitor Workshop
Step onto the exhibition floor for a dedicated, interactive product and technology demonstration led directly by industry suppliers. This 25-minute practical session provides delegates with hands-on access to advanced protective fabric systems and next-generation equipment.
Explore the Summit exhibitors
The published exhibitor line-up brings together expertise in textiles, sizing and fit, digital product technology, healthcare apparel, tailoring and industry collaboration. Workshop hosts and demonstration topics for this time slot are to be confirmed.
10:55am – 11:15am · Networking Break
Networking Break.
11:15am – 11:55am · Emergency Services
Ryan McClintock
Head of Business Development, Cooneen Group
Julian Bartholet
Business Development Director, TUFFKING
Dr. Camilla De Camargo
Joint Independent Ethics Committee Member, Office of Police & Crime Commissioner for Lancashire
Brett Egan-Briers
PPE & Clothing Committee – Chair – National Fire Chief Council
Additional speaker to be confirmed.
First responders face an evolving operational challenge: while structural turnout gear guards against flash thermal events, personnel spend far more time exposed to chronic outdoor heat strain, intense UV radiation, and severe physical fatigue. Anchored by physiological field data from Dr. Camilla and chaired by PCIAW® Steering Group leaders, this panel unites fire, police and ambulance services. The discussion examines the gap between procurement frameworks and technical specifications and the textile solutions available.
11:55am – 12:35pm · Multi-Norm PPE: Engineering Protection Against Converging Hazards
Host: Julie Allen
Sales & Account Manager UK, Ireland and Scandinavia, Arclin
Gokhan Duman
EMEA Technology Leader, Arclin
Additional speakers to be confirmed (2).
Field engineers and utility workers face disparate on-site hazards, from electric arc flashes and electrostatic discharges to sudden flash fires and extreme weather. This session deconstructs the essential role of job-specific risk assessments to identify appropriate protection profiles match the day-to-day realities of frontline roles. This panel will address best practices for educating procurement teams on how to specify garments that balance life-safety protection with critical wearer priorities: true ergonomic fit, all-day comfort, and unrestricted physical mobility.
12:35pm – 1:15pm · Defence & Law Enforcement: Evolving Operational Risks, Sovereign Resilience & Accelerating Innovation in Rigid Tenders
Rick van Es
Managing Partner & CFO, MEMBRYX
Clara Sorel
Global Market Development Leader, Arclin
Michael Smith
President, Unisync
Additional speaker to be confirmed.
Tactical operating environments are transforming rapidly, exposing frontline military and law enforcement personnel to new operational risks. Yet institutional tender specifications remain rigidly anchored to legacy requirements, with multi-year contract cycles lagging years behind battlefield realities. This session addresses the vital need for agile European supply chains to protect strategic autonomy, while confronting the structural inertia of public procurement.
1:15pm – 1:25pm · PCIAW® Summit Conclusion
Ed Grigg
Chairman, PCIAW®
Marking the conclusion of the stage proceedings, the PCIAW® Chairman synthesizes the overarching outcomes of the two-day summit. The address honours the cross-industry collaboration demonstrated across the supply chain, highlights strategic action points for the coming year, and invites delegates to take their seats for the live runway finale.
1:25pm – 1:45pm · PCIAW® Professional Clothing Fashion Show
The summit culminates in a visual celebration of functional design, engineering, and style. The live runway catwalk showcases the latest breakthroughs in the professional clothing industry. This live showcase brings the summit’s central themes to life, demonstrating how modern workwear unites certified life-safety protection with contemporary fit and design.
1:45pm – 2:30pm · Networking Lunch & Exhibition Floor Access
Conclude the summit with lunch across the exhibition floor, using the final dedicated networking window to meet exhibitors, follow up on commercial discussions, and finalise cross-supply-chain partnerships.
PCIAW® Exhibition & Innovation Workshops
MODAPORTUGAL joins PCIAW® as Premier Sponsor of the 2026 Summit, Exhibition & Awards, bringing the strength and innovation of Portugal’s textile and clothing sector to London. Meet the MODAPORTUGAL showcase on the exhibition floor and discover Portuguese capabilities across responsible manufacturing, technology and international collaboration.
Centric Software joins the PCIAW® Summit, Exhibition & Awards 2026 as an event sponsor and exhibitor, bringing digital product lifecycle, planning and AI-powered technology expertise to the professional clothing and PPE value chain.
Brooks Brothers joins the PCIAW® Summit, Exhibition & Awards 2026 as an event sponsor and exhibitor, bringing its heritage in tailoring, apparel design and business uniform programmes to the global professional clothing community.
Meet our exhibitors
Meet MODAPORTUGAL, Bodd, Centric Software, Esenca Sizing, Careismatic Brands, Brooks Brothers, Magellan and PCIAW® at the PCIAW® Summit & EXPO 2026.
Professional Clothing Fashion Show
Featured on both the PCIAW® Summit and Awards events, the Professional Clothing Fashion Show will showcase the collaboration between design team and buyers, highlighting the latest style trends and provide entrants with high quality marketing collateral for post-event use.
PCIAW® Awards
PCIAW® Awards Application Index
"Every nomination is audited by an independent panel of industry experts against four core pillars of industrial realism and technical innovation."
Professional Clothing
Design Awards
- Hospitality & Retail Uniform Design Award
- Luxury Brand Uniform Design Award
- Public Service Uniform Design Award
- Major Event Uniform Design Award
- Inclusive Professional Clothing Design Award
- Circular Professional Clothing Design Award
- Functional Workwear Design Award
- Best Professional Clothing Catalogue Award
- Health & Beauty Uniform Design Award
- Passenger Transport Uniform Design Award
PPE Innovation Awards
- Hi-Vis PPE Innovation Award
- Multi-Norm PPE Innovation Award
- Thermal Protection PPE Innovation Award
- Footwear PPE Innovation Award
- Extreme Weather PPE Innovation Award 2026
- Fire & Rescue PPE Innovation Award
- Defence & Security PPE Innovation Award
- Healthcare & Medical PPE Innovation Award
- PPE Accessory Head-to-Toe Innovation Award
