The World Conference on Fabric and Home Care has grown to become the premier international event in the industry. Since 1977, the conference has been held every four years in Montreux, Switzerland. In 2012 it was deemed so essential, an additional conference was held in Singapore and now will be held every two years alternating between Montreux and Singapore.

The conference brings together top-level executives from around the world to discuss global research and perspectives on the technology, products, and business trends of the industry.

This year, the fabric and home care industry returns to the Montreux Music and Convention Center on October 6-9. The city features an expansive history and stunning views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Geneva. In this setting, the World Conference on Fabric and Home Care 2014 will feature some of the most influential leaders sharing their expertise and visions for the future.

Influential Leaders

Attendees can look forward to innovative ideas and presentations from experts in the fabric and home care industry and beyond. Six CEOs will give their perspectives on challenges facing the industry with keynote presentations from:

• Kasper Rorsted of Henkel
• Michitaka Sawada of Kao
• Itsuo Hama of Lion
• Peder Holk Nielsen of Novozymes
• Kurt Bock of BASF
• H. Fisk Johnson of SC Johnson

Montreux 2014 will also feature 19 executive speakers from Coca-Cola, DuPont, Facebook, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Walmart, and other international organizations. Sessions will focus on the new reality in the ever-changing industry landscape:

• Sustainability: Realize the balance of economic realities and environmental responsibility.
• Growth: Discover innovations to benefit society.
• Interaction: Harness the energy of the empowered customer and consumer.

New Features

For the first time, Montreux will offer a Technology Showcase. This virtual showcase will highlight the latest research and developments from global industry leaders, government organizations, and academic institutions, though web-based video presentations. Outstanding technical and consumer-led innovation from the industry will be presented with participation from senior technologists and managers. Video presentations are web-based, allowing registered delegates access before, during, and after the conference for viewing at any time.

Also making its debut is the Industry Innovations Incubator, which will feature small companies with cutting-edge ideas and products. Current Innovators include Amyris, Bigheads Network, Cosun Biobased Products, Deinove, Institute of Applied Surfactant Research, Revolymer, and Rivertop Renewables.

Exhibition and Networking

The three-day exhibition of supplies and services available to the fabric and home care industries is an integral part of the World Conference. It will feature more than 45 companies showcasing manufacturing and technological solutions and will be a centralized hub for networking.

Montreux 2014 will feature ample opportunities to network with peers, meet with fellow fabric and home care professionals, strengthen connections and make new contacts; for instance, an Oktoberfest-style reception on Monday, Oct. 6; a luncheon and a post-session reception on Tuesday, Oct. 7; and a dinner cruise on Lake Geneva on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014.