Press Release 12-04-2018

Representatives from the Leather Industries of America (LIA), the U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association (USHSLA) and the International Council of Tanners (ICT) met in Shanghai during the All China Leather Exhibition in August 2018 to continue planning for the Fourth Edition of the World Leather Congress (4^th WLC) to be presented in New York City, on Tuesday, July 16, 2019. LIA and USHSLA jointly will host the 4^th WLC with support from Lineapelle (one of the most important leather exhibition networks worldwide) and the Italian Tanners Association (UNIC).

The 4^th WLC will take place at the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18^th Street in New York City) and focus on the story and value of leather under the theme: “Leather in Everyday Life”. Speakers will highlight the cultural relevance, significance and sustainability of leather to an expected audience of fashion and leather product buyers, designers, retailers and students. “Leather 101” will describe how leather is made and the uses and properties of leather. The morning program will conclude with a panel discussion on sustainability and modern leather production. The afternoon program will feature speakers from producers and designers of leather fashions, accessories, footwear, athletic goods and furniture to explain the appeal and value of leather in products that consumers use every day. The program will conclude with a cocktail reception and fashion show featuring designs provided by students from renowned fashion schools. Static displays of leather fashions will also be featured from designers around the world.

The Congress will occur the day before the Lineapelle New York Leather Show (in its 38^th edition in July 2019) at a venue convenient to the location of the show. Further details and other arrangements for the Congress will be developed over the next several months.

12 April 2018

For further information, please contact Paul Pearson, Secretary, International Council of Tanners, at: PaulPearson@uklf.org

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LIA is the national trade association representing companies that tan, process, import or sell leather in the United States and the companies that provide goods and services to the industry. LIA and its predecessor, the Tanners Council of America, celebrated a Centennial in 2017 and serve the leather industry as one of the oldest established trade associations in the US. LIA provides assistance to its members on environmental, health and safety, consumer protection, international trade, trade facilitation and other policy and critical business issues. Lisa Howlett, the Chairwoman of LIA currently serves as the President of the International Council of Tanners and the host of the 4^th WLC.

About USHSLA. The United States Hide, Skin and Leather Association (USHSLA) is a full service industry trade organization devoted to the U.S. hides, skins and wet blue leather products industry. Founded in 1979, the association provides its members with government, public relations, and international trade assistance and support. The USHSLA is a co-operator organization under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s foreign market development programs, assisting U.S. firms develop new markets for U.S. agricultural exports. USHSLA is at the forefront of the industry’s needs, providing members with service, information, and opportunities to compete in today’s global marketplace.