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, ollowed by mill tours taking place in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Farm Tours in Graaff Reinet. On Day 1 and 2, Delegates will enjoy two days of in-person conferencing at the Boardwalk Hotel Convention Centre. On Day 3, the programme offers a choice of experiences: remain in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to attend Mill Tours OR embark on a journey to Graaff-Reinet for Farm Tours set in the breathtaking Karoo. For those selecting the Karoo experience, the journey continues with further farm visits on Day 4, followed by a return to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) on Day 5, which will include a Safari along the return journey.
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
