This press release is submitted and shown here in its original form, unedited by Furniture Today.
WAKE FOREST, NC – July 31, 2018 – SEAMS, the National Association and Voice for the U.S. Sewn Products Industry for over 50 years, today announced the program lineup for its upcoming annual conference taking place in Nashville, TN at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center on AugU.S.t 1-3, 2018. The theme of the event is “Building the Bridge for a Stronger U.S. Supply Chain” which will explore trends and opportunities through a combination of keynote and featured presentations, concurrent breakout sessions, and networking with industry leaders and peers.
During the Keynote Presentation Up Close and Personal, John Martynec, VP Manufacturing of Brooks Brothers, will share his vision for manufacturing in the U.S. during this conversational interview moderated by Will Duncan, CEO – WDA and Executive Director – SEAMS. Attendees can count on Will’s unique, relaxed approach to foster an open discussion detailing what allows Brooks Brothers domestic manufacturing to be successful, the challenges encountered, and their vision for the future. Topics will include the importance of getting back to basics, the role of automation and Lean manufacturing, Unions, hiring/training/retaining and empowering employees, challenges of being a Retailer, Brand, and Manufacturer, among many other topics.
Lisa Marie Vivino, Chief, Field Clothing Division – Defense Logistics Agency, will present on “Supporting the U.S. Warfighter” focused on the needs of our Military and how they are constantly evolving. During this informative session, Lisa Marie will provide an in-depth look into: DLA’s development and procurement process, Direction of the Agency, supplier expectations, and the role of the industry.
Representing the largest concentration per capita of independent fashion industry companies outside of LA and NYC, the Nashville Fashion Alliance mission is to amplify emerging fashion companies by networking resources and infrastructure. NFA CEO Van Tucker will share their vision for the future of the industry as she presents “Nashville Fashion Scene: What’s New?”
Harry Moser, President and Founder of the Reshoring Initiative, will present “Reshoring Sewn Products – It’s for Real”. During this thought-provoking session, participants will learn how and why to use free tools by the Reshoring Initiative including: TCO Estimator for sourcing decisions and selling vs. offshore competitors, Library for seeking customers and competitors that are reshoring, Summary of surveys on consumer preferences for Made in U.S.A. In addition, SEAMS and the Reshoring Initiative will also announce a joint initiative regarding a first for the SEWN Products Industry.
Lloyd Wood, Director of Public Affairs for National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) will present a timely talk entitled “State of the U.S. Textile Industry: Numbers & Policy”. Mr. Wood will brief conference attendees on key U.S. textile industry statistics and trends. He will also outline the U.S. textile industry’s policy priorities on NAFTA, China 301 tariffs, and government procurement before closing with an update on NCTO’s American Textiles: We Make Amazing™ public relations campaign to promote the U.S. textile industry.
Rounding out the SEAMS conference will be three concurrent Breakout and Learn Sessions. Session I: “Affordable Care Act: Potential Rise of Association Plans, ACA Employer Penalty Notices, Repeal of the Individual Mandate” will be moderated by Thomas Yearian, Vice President and Director of Estate & Business Planning Services for J. Smith Lanier & Company.
Session II: “Launching New Textile Products: Checking All the Boxes to Meet Customer Requirements” will be moderated by Harrie Shoots, Business Manager of Specialty Fabrics, Ascend Performance Materials.
Session IIl: “Modern Demand Meets Domestic Manufacturing: Meeting Customer Needs of Today, Workforce Recruitment and Retention, Small vs Large Production Runs, Impact of Rush Orders, and much more” will be moderated by Tanya Wade, Entrepreneur Intake Administrator at the Manufacturing Solutions Center in Conover, NC.
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 SEAMS Golf Tournament, Welcome Reception and Awards Dinner will all be part of the 3-day conference. Manufacturers, Retailers/Brands, Textile Providers, Suppliers and Technology Providers may learn more and register to attend by visiting SEAMS.org or calling +1.803.642.1111.
About SEAMS
SEAMS is the Association and Voice of the U.S. Sewn Products Industry for over 50 years consisting of more than 200 of America’s foremost fashion brands, retailers, manufacturers and textile providers. Supercharging the American Supply Chain, SEAMS is the most relevant force and go-to resource shaping the growth and resurgence of MADE IN AMERICA. By providing access to people, processes and products to move production back to the U.S., SEAMS serves as the hub for networking, inspiration, innovation, and intelligence to enhance members’ competitiveness, productivity and profitability in the new global economy.
