Registration is now open for the most celebrated event in the global cotton calendar – the ICA trade event, which is taking place on the 1st and 2nd of October 2009 in Liverpool, UK in the magnificent surroundings of St George’s Hall and the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

This international gathering is one of the highlights of the world’s ‘cotton calendar’ and marks the culmination of one of the busiest times in the year for the cotton trade.
With over 500 guests expected to attend – including eminent figures from the world of cotton – the two-day programme will include:

• Engaging presentations and open forum sessions – including a look at cotton price evolution with Joe Nicosia, CEO of Allenberg Cotton and an inside perspective on the economics of Brazilian cotton and competing crops with Adrian Moguel y Anza, CEO of Libero Commodities SA.
• Dinner and drinks at St George’s Hall – with a menu prepared by Master Chef of Great Britain, Darren Wynn and an after-dinner speech from Gerald Ratner. Following a ‘PR’ blunder, Gerald was forced to sell his multi million pound jewellery business and survived to tell the tale.
• A post dinner reception at the Crowne Plaza – with drinks and live entertainment from soul group Vibetown.
• A chance for guests to focus on the international business of cotton with leading industry professionals.

The cost of attending the event has been capped at the 2008 price of £220 (plus £33 GBP VAT) and there is a £20 discount for ICA Full Members.
Speaking before the event, ICA President and Director of Louis Dreyfus Commodities Suisse SA, David Adcroft explains:  “The ICA Trade Dinner Event has always been the highlight of the cotton calendar.  I attended my first one 27 years ago.  Back then, it was a very different event, focusing almost entirely on the UK trade.  Since then, I’m happy to say that the focus is very much international.  For instance, we’ve embarked on a new campaign to host a range of open forum sessions at key locations across the world.  We held our first session in Switzerland and more recently in China.  Both were considered a great success and, as part of this year’s trade dinner event, we’ll be holding another forum in Liverpool and look forward to a large participation. 
“As you can imagine, it’s a great honour for me to host this year’s event.  It’s been a very difficult year for the cotton trade.  We’ve all been affected by what’s happening in the global economy and our industry has changed in an unprecedented way.  Now, more than ever, there has never been a more important time for the industry to seek solidarity and we hope that this event takes us a step closer to achieving that.  We aim to provide an engaging and inspiring two days for delegates as well as providing an ideal opportunity to discuss business and socialise.   I look forward to welcoming you in Liverpool.”