Conference Program IAF - IAF Conventions

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

This convention is a unique fashion industry event bringing together the entire global industry ecosystem to hear high level industry insights and to jointly discuss concrete actions involving the entire industry ecosystem to create faster industry transition.

The conference program consists of a combination of keynote speakers, panel discussions, interviews and audiovisual presentations that all will elaborate on the various aspects relating to the convention theme ‘Our industry in transition: Building stronger, smarter and more sustainable supply chains’.

Day 1 - Monday, October 23

Time	Session
13:00 - 14:00	Registration
14:00 - 14:30	Welcome & Inauguration Speeches Ed Gribbin, SPESA Board Chairman Cem Altan, IAF President
14:30 - 15:00	Keynote: Tom Glaser Well-known and respected industry veteran Tom Glaser, former VF Corporation and Tapestry executive, will kick us off with a brand perspective, sharing his vision for the global apparel industry.
15:00 - 15:15	U.S. Textiles and Apparel Industry Update Jennifer Knight, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods, Materials Industries, Critical Minerals and Metals Industry and Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce
15:15 - 16:00	Panel Discussion: Made in America Manufacturing The World Fashion Convention has brought the global industry to the United States! We are excited to share a bit about the current capabilities of and opportunities for growth in the domestic market. On this panel, U.S. manufacturers will share their experiences working within the U.S. and the Western Hemisphere. Cindy DiPietrantonio, Boathouse Sports Moderated by Michael McDonald, SPESA
16:00 - 16:15	Coffee Break
16:15 - 17:00	Manufacturing in Emerging Markets Emerging sourcing destinations for brands equate to emerging markets for suppliers. Panelists will discuss the investment and manufacturing growth in burgeoning regions like Türkiye, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central America. Jessica Ramey, Mercantilia Consulting; lemlem Karin De León, VESTEX
17:00 - 17:10	Conclusions and Reflections
17:10 - 17:30	SPESA Business Meeting In the association’s annual Business Meeting, SPESA members will vote on candidates for the SPESA Board of Directors, hear updates on the state of the association, and honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the association and sewn products industry. All convention attendees are welcome to attend. SPESA members will be provided additional information on Board election voting.
17:30 - 19:00	Welcome Reception The Bellevue Hotel, XIX Restaurant & Lounge

THEME

SCHEDULE

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

SPEAKERS

TICKETS

Day 2 - Tuesday, October 24

Time	Overview
08:00 - 09:15	Breakfast
09:15 - 09:30	Opening Remarks
09:30 - 10:00	Fireside Chat: Bringing Sustainable Business to Fragile Economies SPESA Board Chairman Ed Gribbin, sits down for an exclusive and intimate fireside chat with successful businessman, entrepreneur, and investor, Yusuf Amdani. Mr. Amdani’s experience in Pakistan, Central America, and around the world spans textiles, real estate, lifestyle, technology, and agriculture. Yusuf Amdani, GK Foundation, with Ed Gribbin, SPESA Board Chairman
10:00 - 10:45	Panel Discussion: Creating More Effective, Productive, and Resilient Supply Chains Bringing together investor, manufacturer, brand, and technology partners, this panel will explore how to change sourcing models for a changing world. The speakers will pitch a new type of industry collaboration allowing brands and their suppliers to jointly achieve better results by sharing risks and rewards. Brad Ballentine, MAS ACME USA Miran Ali, Bitopi Group, BGMEA, STTI John Thorbeck, Chainge Capital
10:45 - 11:00	Coffee Break
11:00 - 11:45	Panel Discussion: Digitalization in the Global Fashion Industry Why is a more digitalized supply chain so important for creating a better industry? What practical barriers do we face? And what do we need to do as an industry to move forward? Panelists will discuss these questions and more as they relate to our collective future as an industry. Sandra Gagnon, Target Mehmet Kaya, TYH TEKSTİL A.S Dominic Sluiter, 3D Adoption Partner at EnhanceThat
11:45 - 12:30	Panel Discussion: Legislating Good Behavior Everyone can agree that eliminating forced labor, improving workforce conditions, and decreasing environmental impact are good things for our industry, our planet, and future generations. Speakers on this panel will address matching these industry goals with imposed regulatory requirements, touching on the due diligence laws popping up on both sides of the Atlantic and the impact they may have on supply chain processes. Sarah Dadush, Rutgers University Avedis Seferian, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) Alexander Kohnstamm, Fair Wear Foundation Moderated by Steve Lamar, American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)
12:30 - 13:45	Lunch
13:45 - 14:00	Industry Insight: Global Market Perspectives
14:00 - 14:45	Panel Discussion: Accountability and Transparency — Putting Words into Actions Creating a more transparent supply chain takes joint efforts from brands, retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers. Serving as brief case studies, our panelists will share how they are each “making it work” — how brands and retailers are implementing strategies to increase transparency in supply chains to meet regulations and improve overall accountability.
14:45 - 15:15	Coffee Break
15:15 - 16:00	Panel Discussion: Climate Action and Circularity — What Really Works? The challenge of actually cutting GHG emissions comes with questions: Who is paying for it? What is the role of circular textiles? How can we make progress through supply chain collaboration? With a focus on the U.S. market and the financial aspect of getting started, speakers will share what they believe is needed to find success. Bryant LaPres, Apparel Impact Institute Han Hamers, Circularity B.V. Julie Willoughby, Circ
16:00 - 16:15	Conclusions and Reflections
16:15 - 16:45	Presentation: 39th IAF World Fashion Convention
16:45 - 17:00	Closing of the 38th IAF World Fashion Convention
18:30 - 22:00	Closing Reception & Dinner The National Constitution Center