TW Special Report

Textile industry associations want the textile industry to know they are talking. With a desire to work more collaboratively on industry initiatives and events that are beneficial to all their respective members, 11 associations — Advanced Textiles Association (ATA), American Textile Machinery Association (ATMA), Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN), American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), Association of the Nonwovens Fabrics Industry (INDA), the Nonwovens Institute (NWI), North American Linen Association (NALA), SEAMS – The Association & Voice of the U.S. Sewn Products Industry, Southern Textile Association (STA), Sewn Products Equipment and Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA), and Synthetic Yarn & Fabric Association (SYFA) — recently got together to discuss ways to benefit the industry.

“We all represent various segments of the textiles and sewn products industry,” said Maggie McDonald, vice president, Communications, SPESA. “But we all agree that collaboration and building on synergies is what will propel our industry into its next chapter.”

This “Alphabet Soup Collective,” as the group has affectionately named itself, was officially launched during Techtextil North America held in Raleigh August 20-22, 2024. One of the first ideas for the collective was to co-host a social event open to all members of the textile industry including current association members as well as non-members wanting to learn more. The result, the inaugural Alphabet Soup Shindig, was held at the Whiskey Kitchen in Raleigh, Wednesday, August 21, 2024. This first-of-its-kind, sold-out event gathered people from all aspects of the industry in one place at the same time to network, learn and collaborate. Attendance far exceeded expectations, illustrating a hunger for these types of cross-industry networking opportunities.

Twelve sponsors were instrumental in making the shindig happen, and the organizers are very grateful to these companies:

• American & Efird;
• Asheboro Elastics Corp. (AEC);
• Baxter Mill Archives;
• Better Than Found;
• Coker & Associates;
• Contempora Fabrics;
• Danbartex;
• Gribbin Strategic;
• Itema America Inc.;
• MajorSage Business Coaching;
• MMI Textiles; and
• North Carolina Textile Foundation at NC State University.

Ben Talbert, president and CEO of Greenville, S.C.-based Better Than Found Search Group, one of the event sponsors, said: “Better than Found Search Group (BTF) was proud to sponsor this event. A big thank you to Devin Steele with STA and Maggie McDonald with SPESA for putting together one of the best trade show social events I have attended. The textile community is a family, and this felt like our reunion.”

Organizers also shared the following event feedback posted on Linkedin by Graham Page, co-founder and president of iAtelier Corp. and principal at AlchemyX LLC. “That was hands down, the best industry networking event I have ever attended,” Page said. “Where else can you connect with the entire industry from start to finish, from fiber to retail? The energy was palpable. This sort of thinking is exactly what is needed in these difficult times in our broader industry. Innovation happens when you mix people and ideas to address big challenges. Kudos to the team that pulled this together.”

As McDonald noted: “Good people, good networking, good vibes, AND good weather. Doesn’t get much better.”

The Alphabet Soup Collective will continue its conversations as it looks for ways to collaborate, streamline events and gather the industry in productive, beneficial ways for all involved. Questions, suggestions, feedback and ideas all are welcomed.

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August 27, 2024

The conference will take place at the California Market Center (CMC), an iconic downtown Los Angeles hub for the fashion industry. Built in 1963 as the first wholesale fashion marketplace west of the Mississippi, the CMC has a proud history in the global fashion industry as the heartbeat of the Los Angeles Fashion District. Now comprising three towers than span more than 1.8 million square feet, the CMC is home to more than 300 designers and brands, including Adidas, Fendi, and Hugo Boss.

“We’re very excited about heading west for our next edition of the SPESA Advancements Conference,” said SPESA President Michael McDonald. “The value of the Advancements Conference isn’t just about the quality of content and information-sharing that is generated during the event. There’s also significant value in the locations that these events are held. It’s a priority of SPESA’s to host events in markets where innovation and positive change are not only being discussed, but are actually being implemented. Los Angeles fits this strategic bill for us.”

Recognizing its vast reach and understanding of the industry in California, and more notably the Los Angeles market, SPESA has tapped the California Fashion Association (CFA) and esteemed industry veteran Ilse Metchek to support the Advancements Conference by bringing together some of the city’s top industry leaders for the event. The California Fashion Association (CFA), which was established nearly 30 years ago, represents manufacturers, suppliers, educational institutions, allied associations, and all apparel-related businesses throughout the Golden State. The organization provides its members with forums for industry networking, updates impacting the industry such as global sourcing opportunities and labor law compliance, and education on industry advancements and technology.

“One thing I’ve learned over the years working in the fashion industry, is that success and growth are only possible when we identify ways to work together. This is what the CFA is working to accomplish in its partnership with SPESA,” said Ilse Metcheck, founder and president of CFA. “We’re thrilled to welcome SPESA and its members to Los Angeles for the Advancements Conference — I’m confident that this event will serve as a launchpad for future collaboration between our two groups.”

The SPESA Advancements Conference is known for providing a unique platform for speakers and attendees to engage in an open dialogue and learn about new ideas, solutions, and technologies available for the sewn products industry. The 2024 Advancements Conference will aim to tackle efforts being made in the space of sustainability, while also focusing on the always popular themes of automation and on-demand manufacturing.

Registration for the conference is open now. A discounted early bird rate of $250 will be available until February 16, 2024, after which registration will be $300 per attendee. The CMC has partnered with six area hotels, offering 20 to 25 percent discounted room rates. A complete list of the available hotels  — all within walking distance of the CMC — can be found here.

To learn more and register for the Advancements Conference, visit www.SPESA.org.

Posted January 4, 2024

Source: SPESA

“Puerto Rico is a fascinating place for the sewn products industry. It represents both a strong Made in America manufacturing base while, in many ways, also serving as the gateway to the Latin America and Caribbean regions,” said SPESA President Michael McDonald. “It is one of the most dynamic economies for the sewn products industry, and we’re looking forward to seeing firsthand how Puerto Rico continues to thrive even during challenging times.”

The conference will kick off with a keynote address from Jonathan Fantini Porter, Executive Director and CEO of the Partnership for Central America (PCA). PCA is the coordinating body of the White House public-private partnership launched by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in 2021. In its first six months, the partnership mobilized $1.2 billion in foreign direct investment and launched programs supporting 20 million people, including nearshoring more than $150 million in manufacturing supply chains to the Americas.

The 2023 Executive Conference will feature a combination of keynote addresses and panel discussions that focus on challenges and opportunities facing the sewn products industry today, while also blending in topics specific to the region. These topics include advancing the manufacturing base in both Puerto Rico and the surrounding Latin American markets; shifting supply chains and the regionalization of the industry; sustainability and circularity.

In addition to education sessions, SPESA will also be hosting an offsite tour to local manufacturing facilities. This optional activity is a value-add for all registrants interested in attending. More information to come on where the offsite tour will be held.

Early bird registration for the Executive Conference is currently open. The SPESA member early bird registration rate is $625. The non-member registration rate is $675. The early bird registration deadline is Friday, February 17, at which point rates will increase by $50 per registration. Registration for both members and non-members includes all education, the offsite tour, and networking events on the evenings of March 30 and 31. A spouse rate of $275 is also available, which includes access to both networking events on the evenings of March 30 and 31.

An agenda for the 2023 Executive Conference will be available soon. Visit www.spesa.org to learn more and register for the Executive Conference.

Posted February 7, 2023

Source: SPESA

This year’s Executive Conference will take place at an important time in history for the sewn products industry. The industry has experienced a surge of momentum over the past two years as it adopted new technologies, mended supply chains, and developed more flexible manufacturing strategies — much of which was done in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Through a combination of keynote addresses and panel discussions, the conference will aim to discuss how the industry landscape has shifted over the past few years, while also doing a deep dive into where the industry is headed next.

“I’ve watched the industry get knocked down, build itself back up, and turn challenge into opportunity,” said SPESA President Michael McDonald. “During this year’s Executive Conference, we will take time to reflect on the past, but devote most of the event to discussing how we can maintain momentum looking ahead to the future.”

As a new feature this year, SPESA will be hosting an offsite tour to a local manufacturing facility on Thursday, October 29. This optional activity is a value-add for member and non-member registrants interested in attending.

Registration for the Executive Conference is currently open. As an added member benefit this year, SPESA members are being offered a discounted registration rate of $645. The non-member registration rate is $695. Registration for both members and non-members includes all education, the offsite tour, and networking events on the evenings of October 27 and 28. A spouse rate of $245 is also available, which includes access to both networking events on the evenings of October 27 and 28.

SPESA is offering a limited-time discount of $50 on all event registration through September 15, 2021. Registrants will be asked to use code “Boston” at checkout to receive the discount.

An agenda for the Executive Conference will be available soon. Visit www.spesa.org to learn more.

Posted September 7, 2021

Source: SPESA

For more than a decade, the Advancements Conference has served as a unique opportunity for industry professionals to hear from leaders on the frontline of sewn products manufacturing and engage in productive dialogue on how to best tackle the changing landscape of the industry. This year’s event is especially important as it will touch on how the industry will operate in a post-Covid-19 world.

Specifically, the one-day event will be organized into four panel discussions that will cover how supply chains have shifted over the past few years; how new innovations in customization and flexible manufacturing are changing the production landscape; what new technologies and trends are on the horizon beyond traditional sewing; and, the current landscape of workforce development. The conference will feature speakers from CGS; DAP America Inc.; Gerber Technology, a Lectra Company; Morgan Tecnica America Inc.; Henderson Sewing Machine Co.; Mitsubishi Electric Industrial Sewing Machines; Brother International Corp.; Shima Seiki; Shimmy Technologies; Motif; and the Zeis Textiles Extension at North Carolina State University.

“We’re thrilled for the opportunity to finally gather in-person,” said SPESA President Michael McDonald. “More than anything, we’re looking forward to hearing from some of the industry’s key players on how they have adapted and pivoted over the past eighteen months. I’ve been in awe to see the industry continue to evolve and innovate during a time that saw historic global disruption caused by the pandemic. This will truly be a time to reflect, learn, and grow.”

Registration to the Advancements Conference includes access to the full-day event with lunch. Each attendee will also receive a Techtextil North America exhibit hall pass ($115 value) and access to an evening reception following the conference. This year’s Techtextil North America will feature a Texprocess Americas Pavilion and a chance for attendees to meet with machinery, equipment, and technology suppliers.

Posted July 29, 2021

Source: The Sewn Products Equipment and Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA)

This is the first time SPESA will host an event in Detroit, a city with a rich history in American manufacturing. Coined the automotive capital of the world in the early 20th century because of its home to pioneers like Ford, Dodge, and Chrysler, Detroit has recently made way for new manufacturing initiatives in fashion and design. Notable brands like Carhartt, Shinola, and Tracy Reese are at the forefront of this charge, exploring new opportunities to combine traditional skills in sewing with industry innovations like automation and on-demand manufacturing.

“Detroit is a market that has been on our minds for a while now,” said SPESA’s President Michael McDonald. “It is a region that felt the full effects of offshoring and the economic crisis, but has demonstrated remarkable resilience in recent years. Because of its history, the city and its surrounding areas have the infrastructure to support a fully operating supply chain. Stakeholders, from automotive to apparel, are recognizing this and turning to Detroit as a new manufacturing hub.”

The Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference provides a unique platform for speakers and attendees to engage in an open dialogue and learn about new ideas, solutions, and technologies available for the sewn products industry. Beyond that, attendees will have an opportunity to address the current challenges facing their specific operations and identify solutions that support their business objectives. This year’s conference will continue to focus on the always-in-demand themes of automation and on-demand manufacturing, while also exploring what’s on the horizon for the new American factory and what the sewn products industry is doing beyond just traditional apparel.

“This is the 10^th Advancements Conference for SPESA, signifying a very important milestone,” said SPESA Board Chairwoman Nina McCormack. “The sewn products industry has seen some remarkable change over the past several years — from new accomplishments in automation, to software offerings, and on-demand manufacturing. This Conference brings together leaders in the industry to highlight how these changes and innovations are impacting the work we do every day.”

The conference will be held at the historic Dearborn Inn, just ten minutes from downtown Detroit. Built in 1931, the hotel sits on the former grounds of the Ford Motor Company. A discounted room rate will be available for conference attendees until Monday, March 16 or until space runs out. Reservations can be completed here.

Registration for the conference is open now. A discounted early bird rate of $195 will be available until March 13, 2020, after which registration will be $235 per attendee. Registration includes a full day of education, breakfast, lunch, and an evening networking reception.

Posted March 3, 2020

Source: SPESA

“This industry is moving a million miles a minute,” said Michael McDonald, SPESA’s president. “Our goal as an association is to equip our members and prospective members with the education and insights they need to move their businesses in the right direction. We also want to offer a platform for them to connect with both new and familiar networks. This is a great event to do that.”

November/December 2019

The first day of the event kicked off with industry remarks from SPESA Chairman Nina McCormack, followed by an opening keynote with Chris Pilkerton, acting administrator and general counsel to the U.S. Small Business Administration. The day also featured a panel discussion about reshoring efforts and the importance of U.S.-based manufacturing as well as a conversation on workforce development. Day two launched with an interactive Q&A with renowned political commentator James Carville, followed by sessions on automation, enterprise risk management, emerging sourcing destinations, and the impact of tariffs on the sewn products industry.

“I’ve had the opportunity to attend thirteen SPESA Executive Conferences in the past,” said Nina McCormack, SPESA’s chairman of the board. “Every year is different and every year is special. This event was no exception. Introducing keynote James Carville is a memory I will never forget. More importantly though, I had the opportunity to meet new people and hear from new speakers. These are the highlights I look forward to at every SPESA Executive Conference.”

The SPESA Executive Conference is held every year as an opportunity to gather with industry professionals and learn about current trends and issues impacting their day-to-day operations and business. The 2019 conference theme was focused on how the sewn products industry is becoming “Better, Faster, and Closer”. The 2020 SPESA Executive Conference will be held in Boston, Massachusetts.

“This industry is moving a million miles a minute,” said Michael McDonald, SPESA’s president. “Our goal as an association is to equip our members and prospective members with the education and insights they need to move their businesses in the right direction. We also want to offer a platform for them to connect with both new and familiar networks. This is a great event to do that.”

In addition to the annual Executive Conference, SPESA organizes and supports other events each year, including co-producing Texprocess Americas with Messe Frankfurt, being held May 12-14, 2020, in Atlanta. SPESA will host the Texprocess Americas Opening Night Reception at World of Coca-Cola on the evening of May 12. Registration for this event is open now.

Posted November 13, 2019

Source: SPESA

James “The Ragin’ Cajun” Carville gained significant notoriety in the late 1980s and early 1990s when he managed the gubernatorial victory of Robert Casey in Pennsylvania in 1986, helped guide Wallace Wilkinson to the governor’s seat in Kentucky in 1987, managed the successful 1990 gubernatorial campaign of Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor Zell Miller, including a tough primary win over Atlanta mayor Andrew Young, and in 1991 drew national attention when he led Senator Harris Wofford from 40 points behind in the polls to an upset landslide victory over former Pennsylvania Governor and U.S. Attorney General Richard Thornburgh. His most prominent victory was in 1992 when he helped William Jefferson Clinton win the Presidency. Carville is also a best-selling author, actor, producer, talk-show host, speaker, restaurateur, and professor of Practice at Tulane University in New Orleans.

“We’re thrilled to have James Carville as the Executive Conference keynote this year,” said Michael McDonald, President of SPESA. “Mr. Carville brings to the table a unique perspective and personality that we hope our attendees will be able to enjoy. For us, he was the perfect fit. A lively keynote in a lively American city.”

For years, SPESA has hosted its Executive Conference as an opportunity to gather like-minded industry professionals for two days of networking and professional development that touches on the key challenges and opportunities facing the sewn products equipment industry today. Held annually in notable cities across the U.S. this year’s event will take place in the Big Easy and feature a series of fun and unique opportunities to explore the historic southern city in an authentic way.

The two-day event will focus on how the sewn products industry is becoming Better, Faster, and Closer. In addition to James Carville as keynote, this year’s conference will feature three panels of industry experts focusing on current and future manufacturing trends:

• Reshoring, Near-shoring, and What it Means to be “Made in U.S.A.” – Today’s consumers want customization, made-to-order products, and a good story. Speakers on this panel will discuss whether or not reshoring is right for your company and how to make it work.
• Sewn Products Equipment and Suppliers of the Americas – That’s what SPESA is all about, and this panel is all about the opportunities and challenges that come with manufacturing sewn products in North, Central, and South America.
• Mitigating Your China Exposure – Whether it’s high labor costs, tariff wars, or other concerns, mass production in China is becoming an increasingly challenging option for many manufacturers and suppliers. Learn how other companies are dealing with this issue and explore alternative strategies for your business.

Posted August 5, 2019

Source: The Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA)