Posted October 22, 2017

 

RALEIGH, N.C. – SPESA will hold its 2017 Executive Conference at the Peabody Memphis Hotel in Memphis, Tenn., on November 7-9.

 

According to SPESA Chairman Sam Simpson, senior advisor to Gerber Technology, “The Executive Conference has been designed to inform, educate and update attendees on what the future holds for their businesses and the sewn products industry. Attendees will come from a variety of backgrounds, including senior management, product development, sales and marketing, consulting, academia and government.

 

“We have lined up experts on subjects critical to the textile and sewn products industry: ‘Executive Strategies to Improve Profits and Communications,’ ‘Trade Update and NAFTA Re-Negotiations,’ ‘Tax Reform: Preparing for the Future,’ ‘A Policy Roadmap to Renew U.S. Manufacturing,’ ‘Learning from the University Educators’ and ‘The Internet of Clothing,’ ” he added.

 

The “Trade Update and NAFTA Re-Negotiations” session will include perspectives from all the countries involved – U.S., Canada and Mexico.

 

And a trademark of all SPESA conferences, ample networking opportunities will be available so attendees can have some one-on-one time with their colleagues. Yes, attendees are going to Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion and Entertainment Complex for an evening of networking fun.

 

“Our 2017 Executive Conference is designed to provide industry executives with wide-ranging perspectives on how they can succeed and grow in a fast-changing marketplace,” said SPESA President Benton Gardner. “In addition to a great lineup of speakers and panelists, attendees will enjoy networking receptions, dinners and general session networking breaks. We encourage all industry stakeholders to attend and share in this special event.”

 

Registration is open to all sewn products industry professionals at its dedicated website www.spesaExecConference.com.

 

Presentation highlights

 

“State of the Sewn Products Industry”

• Sam Simpson, Gerber Technology, senior advisor & SPESA chairman

 

“Master Your World – Executive Strategies to Improve Profits & Communications”

• Mary Kelly, productive leader, CEO

 

“Trade Update and NAFTA Re-Negotiations”

• Auggie Tantillo, National Council of Textile Organizations, executive director

• Steve Lamar, American Apparel & Footwear Association, executive vice president

• Bob Kirke, Canadian Apparel Federation, executive director

• Manuel Molano, Méxican Institute for Competitiveness, deputy general director

 

“SPESA Global Partnership”

• Dennis Smith, Messe Frankfurt USA, president

• Dave Gardner, SPESA, managing director

 

“Tax Reform: Preparing for the Future”

• Warren Payne, Mayer Brown, LLP, legal professional & senior advisor

 

“Learning from the Educators”

• Dr. David Hinks, N.C. State College of Textiles, dean

• Steven Frumkin, Fashion Institute of Technology, dean

• Dr. Sundaresan Jayaraman, Georgia Tech College of Management & School of Polymer, Textile & Fiber Engineering, professor

 

“A Policy Roadmap to Renew U.S. Manufacturing”

• Marcelo Tau, Boston Consulting Group, principal

 

“The Internet of Clothing”

• Ben Cooper, IoClothes, managing director

 

Formed in 1990, SPESA is the largest trade association in the Americas solely devoted to the advancement of suppliers of machinery, technology, ancillary equipment, parts, services and other solutions for the development, manufacture and distribution of sewn products. SPESA members serve the apparel, upholstered furniture, home textiles, transportation interiors, leather goods, footwear, military, technical/industrial textiles and other sewn products segments.

 

SPESA promotes and coordinates business and social interaction and provides opportunities for the sharing of industry-specific and general business information for its members and their customers. Learn more at www.spesa.org.

 

Source: SPESA