Posted September 20, 2017

 

WAKE FOREST, N.C. – SEAMS, the National Association and voice for the U.S. Sewn Products Industry for more than 50 years, announced the program lineup for its Fall Conference.

 

The event will take place in Hilton Head, S.C., at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa on October 18-20. The theme is “Empowering the Made in America Movement,” which will explore trends and opportunities through a combination of keynote and featured presentations, a panel discussion and networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers.

 

Jimmy Barnhardt of Unifi, Inc., an industry renowned authority for helping retailers and brands create a sustainability story and a sustainable lifestyle, will be the keynote speaker. He will discuss “Green Growth & the Expansion of Sustainability in the U.S. Apparel Industry."

 

He will outline how going “green” makes business sense in America, now more than ever, and why you should not wait on the customer or a new generation of consumers to "green" your company. He will explore new ideas, innovations and technologies that can reduce your environmental footprint right now and set the stage for the future.

 

Chunlian (Lian) Yang of Alston & Bird will present a timely talk entitled “Trump & Trade ­– What You Need to Know Now.” She will speak about recent developments in the renegotiation of NAFTA and potential impact that NAFTA reform may have on other free trade agreements such as CAFTA and KORUS.

 

Ron Houle of Pivot Step Consultants will share his insights in “Making Sense of the DoD 2018 Budget.” In this session, attendees will learn about the Defense Budget for FY 2018 and the new procurement and development priorities, with a degree of focus on the US Army budget.

 

Jerry Inman of Demand Worldwide will deliver “What's Your Brand's Digital & Door Index?” as this session explores a 12-Step Retail Readiness for the Connected Consumer, a New Generation and the Digital-to-Physical Mix. With the customer in charge for the first time, discover how to get the right marketing mix and mashup of stores, eCommerce and product offerings to produce right now.

 

A new addition to the annual SEAMS fall conference is the Technology Forum, which highlights American manufacturing innovation. Topics include “Advancements in Digital Textile Printing – The MicroFactory” from Andy Arkin of Nextwave.

 

He will talk about the latest advancements in digital textile printing technology, where it is today and how quickly it is impacting the entire textile industry in the U.S. and worldwide.

 

“Intelligence Inspires Innovation in Sewing Technology” will be delivered by Frank Henderson of Henderson Sewing Machine Company. He will demonstrate how leading the charge of using intelligent, collaborative robots are paving the way for fully autonomous custom industrial sewing systems.

 

“MADE IN AMERICA with Smart Cutting Room 4.0” will be presented by Rick Vizziello of Lectra. He will show how a Smart Cutting Room 4.0 can enable American manufacturing to increase operational efficiency Onshore.

 

The conference will be moderated by Will Duncan, executive director, SEAMS and CEO of Will Duncan and Associates. SEAMS Conference attendees will have the opportunity to introduce their company to all attendees, meet industry-focused benefits providers and visit special products/services displays throughout the conference.

 

A golf tournament, welcome reception and awards dinner will all be part of the three-day conference. Manufacturers, retailers/brands, textile providers, suppliers and technology providers may learn more by visiting SEAMS.org or calling +1.803.642.1111. To register, please click here.

 

SEAMS is dedicated to promoting sound economic growth for U.S. sewn products companies. It supports this resurging industry through relevant and timely educational programs, dissemination of information on government regulations and legislation impacting the industry, and by facilitating benefit and service offerings that enable our members to control costs and achieve business improvements.

 

Source: SEAMS