Over 600 delegates from the global cotton community gathered in Hong Kong’s Grand Hyatt hotel from 17-18 October for this year’s annual trade event and gala dinner.
Hosted by the ICA’s outgoing President, Salman Ispahani, delegates came together to take part in the two-day event, which saw a variety of top industry speakers take to the stage.
With keynote sessions from Joe Nicosia (Louis Dreyfus Company), Bruce Atherley (Cotton Council International) and Madam Gao Fang (China Cotton Association), as well as a Sustainability Panel Session chaired by Bill Ballenden (Dragontree), there was also plenty of opportunity for delegates to network and do business, one of the main event attractions.
At the closing gala dinner, in a humble and honest speech that saw Salman Ispahani hand over the ICA presidency to Bill Ballenden, Salman reflected on the challenging yet rewarding journey of being a Spinner serving as ICA President: “Being a Spinner leading an Association always regarded as the domain of the merchants and shippers was a very daunting prospect, one I hope I have been able to navigate successfully. Today, I stand here before you which goes to prove that I have survived in one piece and can hand over the mantle to my successor.”
Next year’s event will take place in Liverpool on 9-10 October. Full details will be posted on the ICA website soon.
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