2025 John Arthur Wilson Memorial Lecturer

 Marc Smit, CEO Royal Smit & Zoon

Title: Honoring Our Legacy. Building Our Future: an urgent call for collaboration.

The 64th John Arthur Wilson Memorial Lecture will be presented at the 119th ALCA Annual Convention by Marc Smit of Royal Smit & Zoon at 9:00 am on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.  The convention will be held at Hershey Lodge, Hershey Pennsylvania, May 13-16, 2025

Abstract:

For over two centuries, Royal Smit & Zoon has led the leather industry with innovation, craftsmanship, and responsibility. Our legacy is not just about the past—it’s about shaping the future.

As a company with a proud legacy spanning 204 years, we stand at a pivotal moment in the leather industry.
The challenges we face today demand a unified approach, where collaboration among all stakeholders is essential. In this speech, we honor our rich history and the values that have guided us through centuries.
We emphasize the importance of leveraging our legacy as a strong foundation to build a sustainable and innovative future for the leather industry. Together, we can navigate the pressures and opportunities ahead, ensuring that our industry thrives for generations to come.

Bio: