NFC 2026 Conference Schedule


1 – 5 June 2026

Actively participate and connect with like-minded individuals and organisations during the in-person Natural Fibre Connect (NFC) 2026 Conference, hosted in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), South Africa, with deep roots in the natural fibre sector. Listen to live speakers and panel discussions, and participate in workshops and breakout sessions, followed by mill tours taking place in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and Graaff Reinet. 

If you are planning to attend the conference in person, please be sure to book your travel and accommodation ahead of time . More information can be found here.

Hourly Schedule

Please note that the agenda below is subject to changes as we get closer to the event date, and session topics and speakers will be announced on our social media channels.

Day 1 – Boardwalk Convention Centre

 

09:00-09:30

Registration and Welcome

 

09:30 – 09:50

Day 1 Opening Remarks

 

09:50 – 10:50

Growers’ & Herders’ Perspective Session –   Panel Discussion with Expert Moderator, focussing on regen farming practices

 

10:50 – 11:20

Morning Refreshments & Networking in the Foyer

 

11:20 – 12:20

Policy & Legislation   – Panel Discussion with Expert Moderator

 

12:20 – 13:10 

Lunch and Networking

 

13:10 – 14:10

Education   – Panel Discussion with Expert Moderator

 

14:10 – 14:40

Afternoon Refreshments & Networking

 

14:40 – 15:10

Life cycle assessments – Natural Fibres

Panel Discussion with Expert Moderator

 

15:10 – 16:10

Traceability & Certifications

Panel Discussion with Expert Moderator

 

16:10 – 16:40

Animal Welfare Updates

 

16:40 – 17:00

Day 1 Closing Remarks

 

 

 

Day 2 – Boardwalk Convention Centre – Breakaway Rooms

09:00-09:30

Registration and Welcome

 

09:30 – 09:50

Day 2 Opening Remarks

 

09:50 – 11:20

Market Trends & Consumer Expectations

 

11:20 – 11:50

Morning Refreshments and Networking

 

11:50 – 12:20

Regenerative Agriculture

 

12:20 – 13:10

Lunch and Networking in the Foyer      

 

13:10 – 14:10

Traceability

 

14:10 – 14:40

Natural Fibres Empowering Communities

 

14:40 – 15:10

Afternoon Refreshments & Networking in the Foyer

 

15:10 – 16:40

Decarbonising the Natural Fibre Sector: Innovations & Upcoming Initiatives

Speakers with Presentations

 

16:40 – 17:00

Day 2 Closing Remarks

 

Natural Fibre Connect