IAF and SPESA Prepare Speaker Line-Up for 38th World Fashion Convention

Press Release

The International Apparel Federation (IAF) and the Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) are preparing a very strong speaker line-up for the 38th World Fashion Convention to be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 22-25.

While several events cover the challenges that our industry faces, the World Fashion Convention is unique in its consistent and rigorous global supply chain perspective. Every year, the IAF brings together brands, retailers and their suppliers from across the world, to work towards joint, actionable strategies — more than just pledges and predictions. It holds the strong conviction that solutions that don’t involve collaboration across the supply chain are doomed to fail.

At this year’s World Fashion Convention in Philadelphia, brands, retailers, manufacturers and solution providers will debate the best solutions on and off the stage for a number of important industry issues, including sustainability and circularity. IAF President Cem Altan: “A greener, more profitable apparel industry that is able to take better care of this planet and of our people is very achievable. But it requires investments in change, in people, machines and processes. The heavy burden of these investments must be shared across the supply chain or they won’t happen.”

Additional topics include digitalization, transparency, consumer market development, legislation, and sourcing models based on shared risk and reward. Educational sessions will feature major brands and retailers mostly from the U.S. and manufacturers from numerous countries including Turkey, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as well as from Central America.

“The World Fashion Convention pulls the double duty of bringing global perspectives to the issues facing our industry, while also educating the world about the unique challenges and opportunities within each host country,” said Michael McDonald, President of SPESA. “With that in mind, the agenda for this year’s Convention will include topics that are currently top of mind for U.S. suppliers, brands, and retailers, such as regionalized supply chains and sourcing in the Western Hemisphere.”

The 38th World Fashion Convention’s education offerings will consist of panel discussion, case studies, and keynote presentations, kicked off with an address by Tom Glaser, the well-respected former VF Corporation and Tapestry executive. The event will also feature numerous networking opportunities and activities for attendees and guests.

For more information, please visit https://conventionphiladelphia.com/.