ICOVACS (International Conference on Value Chain Sustainability) conferences aim to bring academia, professionals, decision-makers and practitioners together, who work in various fields of business and strive for creating and maintaining sustainable value chains. The first conference was organized and hosted Izmir University of Economics, Turkey in 2008.

The theme of ICOVACS 2008 was identified as "Integrating Design, Logistics and Branding for Sustainable Value Creation", with the belief that the founding stone for today’s value chains is the integration of three key areas namely; design, logistics and branding. These activities not only constitute the most solid grounds for differentiation, but in an integrated framework they also lead to a better management of other processes. ICOVACS2008 welcomed guests from 14 different countries including Turkey, the USA, the Netherlands, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Iran, Brazil, South Korea, Poland, the Republic of South Africa, Denmark, Romania, Spain and Switzerland. Several reputable organizations also have supported the conference including The University of Tennessee from USA, Tilburg University from The Netherlands, University of Texas at Dallas from USA, the Department of Industrial Product Design of Istanbul Technical University, and the Department of Industrial Design of Middle East Technical University, both from Turkey.

During the conference a total 49 paper were presented along with 3 plenary talks. Participants from the Netherlands received the best paper award with their work titled as "A Packaging Supplier’s Contribution To Branding And Sustainability”. Participants also found time to enjoy the a tour to Mother Mary's House, Ephesus, Sirince and Kusadasi.

ICOVACS 2009 was held in America’s sixteenth largest city – Louisville - between October 19-21, 2009 at the Kentucky International Convention center, with the theme "Product Design, Branding and Logistics as a Leadership Strategy in a Global Market". Thanks to the efforts of many, the organization was able to put together a great program including 42 presentations, 3 plenary talks, 2 factory tours, and a dinner awards ceremony aboard the Belle of Louisville on the Ohio river. The speakers came from academe, industry and government and many countries in Europe, Asia and of course, the United States. We were pleased to have Ann Taylor, GE Consumer & Industrial, and CGN Associates, sponsor awards to recognize three best papers published and presented at the conference. Participants from the US (Oregon State University and University of Kentucky) and Korea (Pohang Institute of Technology) received the three awards.

The conference provided a platform for researchers to share their ideas and learn about the latest research their colleagues are embarking on in their respective countries and organizations. Participants also found time to enjoy the sights, sounds and hospitality of bluegrass country and a vibrant metropolis we call Louisville.

  Click here for ICOVACS 2008 Proceedings Book in PDF.
  Click here for ICOVACS 2009 Proceedings Book in PDF.