This is the UK’s only conference dedicated exclusively to innovation, technology and productivity in weaving manufacturing.
The weaving sector stands at a pivotal moment. Rising operational costs, global competition, changing customer expectations and rapid advances in automation, digitisation and AI are redefining what competitive manufacturing looks like.
UKFT Weaving Conference 2026 – Innovating for Productivity – brings together industry leaders, technology experts, researchers and manufacturers for a full day of insight, innovation and practical solutions designed to help weaving businesses improve efficiency, strengthen competitiveness and prepare for the future.
This flagship event will unite delegates from across apparel and technical textiles, in defence, fashion, medical, interior, automotive, aerospace, construction, leisure and advanced manufacturing sectors, creating a unique forum for knowledge sharing, strategic discussion and meaningful industry connections.
Speakers and Sessions
- Opening: The productivity imperative - securing the future of UK weaving
- Session 1: Technology in action - machinery driving productivity today
- Session 2: Innovation applied - solving manufacturing challenges through bespoke technology
- Session 3: From labs to looms - research driving industrial transformation
- Session 4: The productivity ecosystem - powering growth on and beyond the factory floor
Please note the conference agenda is subject to change.
Why attend? Discover:
- The economic, policy and market forces shaping the future of UK manufacturing
- The latest weaving machinery, automation and smart factory technologies
- How AI, robotics and digitisation can improve operational productivity
- Cross-sector manufacturing innovations that can be adapted for textile production
- Emerging research and breakthrough technologies shaping the mills and manufacturers of tomorrow
- Funding, energy and operational expertise available to support business transformation
- What brands and buyers will expect from suppliers in the years ahead
- Real-world case studies from pioneering textile manufacturers embracing innovation
- Hear from pioneers and early adopters across the UK supply chain.
- Hear from experts at the forefront of textile innovation to understand what's coming next.
- Identify practical steps to integrate innovation into your own business.
- Connect with peers, experts and innovators shaping the future of the UK fashion and textile supply chain.
Key themes: emerging sustainable materials, low-impact dyes, advanced manufacturing, recycling infrastructure.
The UKFT Weaving Conference is attended by:
- Manufacturers & mill owners
- CEOs & senior leadership teams
- Technical directors & innovation leads
- Production & operations managers
- SMEs and large-scale manufacturers
- Supply chain partners, researchers and sector stakeholders
The event is designed for senior leadership, management, technical, operational, commercial,sustainability, academic, administrative, and sales roles..
Sessions include:
- UK weaving’s productivity conversation comes to Huddersfield
- What can today’s weaving machinery do for productivity?
- From production data to better factory decisions
- How research and skills move from the lab to the loom
- What will brands expect from a future-ready woven supply chain?
- One day in Huddersfield. A year’s worth of useful conversations
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