On the 24th and 25th of November the footwear industry gathered in the Mexican city of León to discuss the thematic Keeping one step Ahead: Meeting the challenges of the Footwear sector. Participants from footwear associations, chambers and federations, businesses and companies, representants from trade fairs and technological centres and consultants had the opportunity to dedicate two days to a deep reflection centered on some of the pressing issues impacting the industry, strongly enhanced by the contribution of speakers from 18 countries.

Following the event, we have spoken with Miguel Plascencia, President of the Organising Committee of the 5th edition of the World Footwear Congress and General Director of Crocs Mexico.

What balance can be done about the recent edition of the World Footwear Congress?
In the organizing committee of the 5th World Footwear Congress we are very grateful for the trust and ongoing support placed in us by the European Confederation of the Footwear Industry to be the hosts of this event. We are also very grateful for the speakers’ generosity who donated their time to share their experiences and vision with all of us. We had the attendance of 682 participants from 32 countries, including 51 speakers. In addition, there were multiple business meetings between participants and visits to factories in our city. I think all of us involved in this industry, in one way or another, were enriched and strengthened with knowledge to improve our work in our companies.

In your view what were the fundamental topics in discussion in León that will have a major impact in the industry’s future development?
I think one of the most important approaches of this congress was on final consumers. In our companies, we must listen to the voice of the market, what consumers want, what the new trends of consumption are, which new shopping ways are out there and compare the products consumers want and how this will impact our industry. Likewise, the permanent importance of innovation and technology always hand by hand with social responsibility and towards the environment.

During the closing speech of the WF Congress, CEC’s President announced a new International Forum with all footwear associations and federations has been announced. What’s your view about this announcement?
Within the Congress program a meeting with all Chambers Presidents, Associations and National Federations present during this congress was held, it was an extraordinary opportunity to meet each other, exchange views and I think the CEC President's initiative, Mr Renaudin, was very well accepted and I am sure these meetings will help strengthen our sector. Communication and exchange of ideas and experiences personally, will help strengthen the sector

Mexico, the hosting country, is an important player in the footwear industry. In your view what will be the main challenges for the Mexican footwear industry in the near future?
Currently, Mexico is the ninth producer of footwear in the world; the country has a very important cluster of Footwear, people with a long shoemaking tradition but also with a strong commitment to the future. The industry in Mexico has been preparing for several years to be known internationally as a strong and competitive industry and with the desire to continue learning and improving. I hope this Congress has helped to appreciate our industry, which we are all proud of.