WHO WE ARE
Learn about the history of UITIC
Founded in 1972, the International Union of Shoe Industry Technicians (UITIC) promotes technical knowledge and progress in the global footwear industry. Through international conferences and information exchange, UITIC supports innovation in footwear design, manufacturing technologies, and production processes.
Its international membership includes footwear associations, technology centres, universities, private companies, and individual specialists dedicated to advancing footwear technology.
70s
1972
EVIAN (France)
New materials and production methods for the footwear industry.
1975
ALICANTE (Spain)
Emerging technologies and future technical developments in footwear.
1977
MAYENCE (Germany)
European footwear industry trends, computer applications, automation, and flexible manufacturing.
1979
BRISTOL (Great Britain)
Strategies for successful footwear manufacturing in developed economies.
80s
1981
BELGRADE (Yugoslavia)
The influence of microelectronics on footwear production.
1983
MILAN (Italy)
Process automation to improve productivity and reduce handling time.
1985
BUDAPEST (Hungary)
Progress in computer-aided design and manufacturing systems (CAD/CAM).
1987
ALICANTE (Spain)
Exploring the future of the footwear manufacturing industry.
1989
NANTES (France)
Just-in-time production and shorter lead times to meet market demand.
90s
1991
MUNICH (Germany)
Building successful footwear enterprises for the future.
1993
ATHENS (Greece)
Industrial organisation, materials, quality management, professional training, and automation.
1996
PORTO (Portugal)
Improved materials, advanced production and marketing tools, quality systems, and environmental management.
1999
FERMO (Italy)
Recent advances in footwear technology and future opportunities for the industry.
00s
2002
BUDAPEST (Hungary)
Cross-border manufacturing of footwear and components in an increasingly global economy.
2005
TUNIS (Tunisia)
Globalisation and the relocation of footwear production.
2008
ELCHE (Spain)
Technology-driven improvements in footwear manufacturing and commercial operations.
10s
2010
LEON (Guanajuato, Mexico)
Innovative ideas and strategies for the footwear marketplace.
2013
GUANGZHOU (Dongguan, China)
Social responsibility and its challenges for the footwear sector.
2016
CHENNAI (India)
The next generation of footwear factories.
2018
PORTO (Portugal)
New technologies connecting footwear fashion and factory production.
20s
2023
MILAN (Italy)
Advancing sustainability through technological innovation.