SPESA conference to explore future of apparel manufacturing in US

Fibre2Fashion, the knowledge partner for this event, will release a knowledge paper on 'Efficiency and Innovation: Navigating Waste Management in the Fashion and Textile Industries'.

The event is set to bring together a diverse group of panellists and attendees, including US manufacturers, technology suppliers, designers, academia, and government representatives. SPESA emphasises the importance of audience participation and hopes to spark ongoing conversations beyond the event itself.

“SPESA members provide solutions to some of the fashion and sewn products industries’ greatest challenges. That’s why my predecessors created this event—as a way to effectively share these solutions with manufacturers, brands, and retailers,” explained SPESA president Michael McDonald. “However, there is no one person or one company that has all the answers. It is imperative that we continue to come together as a group, as an industry, to communicate, to learn from one another, and to collectively work toward a better future for our industry, our customers, and our planet.”

The conference will commence with a welcome message, immediately followed by a session titled ‘Growing, Sustaining, and Advocating for Local Workforces.’ This discussion, involving representatives from The Garment Worker Center, will delve into the challenges and strategies for building a resilient domestic workforce in the garment manufacturing sector, highlighting Los Angeles's unique position in this industry, SPESA said in a press release.

Following this, the ‘Conversation on Industry Evolution Part I: Automation & Advanced Manufacturing’ segment will provide an in-depth look at the advancements in sewing automation. Panellists will discuss how these technologies enhance human productivity and foster innovation within the soft goods industry, sharing relevant case studies and successes.

After a networking break, the conference will resume with ‘A Conversation on Industry Evolution Part II: Artificial Intelligence,’ where experts will explore the various applications of AI in fashion, from design to retail. This session aims to shed light on the transformative impact of AI and 3D technology on the industry.

Discussions will then pivot to ‘Supply Chain Efficiency Across the Board,’ highlighting innovative tools and technologies that are revolutionising efficiency from the factory floor to the global supply chain. The focus will be on manufacturing versus supply chain efficiency and the essential connectivity between factories to achieve these goals.

The conference will then address ‘Sustainability in Garment Manufacturing: Navigating Overproduction & Waste Management’. This crucial discussion will tackle the strategies for reducing waste in the production process and managing waste post-production, in light of impending global regulations.

The day's sessions will conclude with ‘Establishing a Successful Innovation Pilot for Domestic Textile Manufacturing,’ a dialogue on the importance of scaling and adopting innovative technologies to reduce the fashion industry's carbon footprint. This will be followed by a discussion on the future of garment manufacturing in Los Angeles and beyond, considering the local challenges, opportunities, and necessary investments to support the domestic industry.

The conference will wrap up with closing remarks and a networking reception sponsored by Lectra, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect and discuss the day's topics further.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)