ATLANTA — December 20, 2018 — Innovations in textile dyeing, sustainability, ethical solutions, tariffs and trends are among the many sessions offered on this year’s comprehensive educational platform at the largest fabric sourcing event for the North American market. Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA will take place January 21-23 at the Javits Convention Center in the New York City.

“We are pleased to announce an even greater educational offering this winter. Our attendees will be pleasantly surprised with the list of engaging speakers bringing fresh eyes to topics like the impact of sustainability on the industry and the development of China’s eco-friendly sourcing solutions,” stated Jennifer Bacon, Show Director for Texworld USA/Apparel Sourcing USA. “We are confident that our educational component will enhance the event as a whole, opening the door to more engaging discussions between the exhibitors and attendees while providing real-life solutions that can be applied now.”

This year’s program is designed to offer insightful and informative sessions for every role and level of experience across every segment of the industry.

Winter 2019 Texworld USA/Lenzing Innovation Seminar Series Highlights:

Advancing Textile Manufacturing Technology: How will it impact the supply chain?
 Technology is changing very fast; so is yarn and fabric technology. How will it impact fiber, fabric, costs, responsiveness, sourcing, and the consumer experience? This is your chance to interact with the experts which many brands and retailers don’t have the opportunity to do.

Trend Tales & Tribes Spring/Summer 2020 by MintModa
 Sharon Graubard will present MintModa’s compelling style narratives, providing clear direction for fabrics, prints, accessories and footwear for all fashion markets. This comprehensive talk features the MintModa color palettes referenced in Color Atlas by Archroma swatches. Each ‘Trend Tale’ is linked to consumer insights and influences from street fashion, art, film, technology and other cultural movements.

What’s Next in the World of Textiles for Recycled and Upcycled Materials?
 The concept of using recycled or upcycled materials, from plastic water bottles and mushroom roots to fabric remnants and used jeans, is helping to reinvent the textile industry. It’s well known that textiles are one of the worst contributors to landfills, various forms of pollution and usage of natural resources. The industry has come a long way in a short time and companies like the ones on this panel are doing their part to bring the sector into the circular economy.

Trade Wars, Tariffs and Strategic Sourcing — What you need to know to understand the risks and minimize your exposure 
From Section 301 tariffs and the resulting retaliation, to trade agreement re-negotiations; the US is involved in a myriad of complex and rapidly changing scenarios that can dramatically affect costs. With apparel tariffs as high as 32% and additional punitive tariffs possibly adding as much as 25% more, no apparel importer can afford to be uninformed or caught off guard. Come learn the latest strategies for anticipating and mitigating what’s happening on the trade front.

Textile Talks and Explore the Floor are educational opportunities presented on the show floor. These interactive sessions are created to address the current issues facing the industry, from supply chain changes to the impact of environmental textile trends.

Bacon continued, “We are creating sessions that will drive effective conversation as attendees walk the show floor discovering the latest fabrics, accessories and resources.”

Winter 2019 Textile Talks:

The Mostly True Adventures of an International Fashion Buyer
 In her first book ever, Mercedes Gonzalez relays her journey in the fashion industry; from retail to design; her best “how-to’s” and with a bit of intrigue that is sure to shock even a fashion insider. Hear it from an expert: The business of fashion — it’s ugliness and allure as survived by a true renaissance woman.

Sustainable Practices in the Chinese Textile & Apparel Industry 
Listen to a presentation from the director of the China Textile Information Center and Office for Social Responsibility to discover how China is working on developments for sustainable solutions in the textile industry.

Reformation: The Sustainable Journey 
Get the inside scoop on the sustainable journey of the womenswear brand, Reformation, and how it can impact others in the industry.

Innovation in Textile Dyeing & Finishing
 Learn how different textile dyers are working towards sustainability with dyestuff innovations including less water consumption.

Registration is open. The Texworld USA/Lenzing Innovation Seminar Series, along with the Textile Talk programming is open to all registered Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA attendees. Seating is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Get specific show details and the full seminar schedule at www.TexworldUSA.com or www.ApparelSourcingshow.com. The winter edition will be held in New York City at the Javits Convention Center, January 21-23, 2019.

Posted December 20, 2018

Source: Messe Frankfurt North America

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — December 19, 2018 — SURTEX®, the premier gathering for the surface design marketplace and the largest licensing forum in New York City, announced a slate of new webinars to support exhibitors in their upcoming trade show experience. The event is February 3-6, 2019, at the Javits Center in New York and will be co-located with both NY NOW® and the National Stationery Show®.

“Companies participate in SURTEX because of the many opportunities they have by doing so,” said Meg Estevez, Emerald Expositions vice president of Marketing. “We take that very seriously and work diligently to provide as many resources as possible to help our exhibitors take full advantage of the exposure that participation in SURTEX provides.”

New this year is the ability for exhibitors to have access to the full line up of webinar recordings, “on demand”. A simple registration allows them access to all the recordings whenever it is convenient. The topics are:

Put PR to Work for Your Company

SURTEX media relations consultant Dianna Smoljan of The Write Concepts, provides tips for show participants to create their show PR plan and use the PR resources available to them to obtain the most exposure. The presentation outlines what exhibitors need to do to before, during and after the Show to make the most of their show experience.

HELP! I’m Exhibiting at SURTEX. Now What?

Brenda Manley, of Brenda Manley Designs and Julie Newman, of Jewel Branding & Licensing offer this program developed especially for new designers, illustrators, photographers and others making the decision to participate in SURTEX for the first time. The material covers and answers the basics in preparing to license and sell designs at SURTEX.

Tradeshow Sales Success

Rob Fortier, of RobFortier.com shares with exhibitors what it takes to have the show of their dreams — writing lots of orders, signing up an enthusiastic sales force and making a name for themselves. He talks about the key to success-planning and preparation.

Tradeshow Sales Success Follow-up

Fortier offers exhibitors details about what to do when the show is over. His insight is aimed to help exhibitors extend their experience and get all the bang for their buck by following through.

Operations and Booth Logistics

Operations managers present this webinar to assist with all things operations — from shipping and move-in, to electrical, labor, furniture and furnishings, they will share how to get things done easily and efficiently.

The colocation of SURTEX with the NSS and NY NOW expands the opportunities and exposure for the exhibitors and buyers attending all events. Just one badge makes visiting all shows easy, with a great deal if crossover interest across the design, stationery, lifestyle and spectrum.

Posted December 19, 2018

Source: SURTEX

SUMMIT, N.J. — December 19, 2018 — Direct-to-consumer startups are all trying to make a mark, but Boll & Branch is truly being celebrated for changing the world. In just five years, the luxury bedding brand has emerged as the world’s largest consumer of Organic Fair Trade Certified™ cotton, ranked number one in the 2018 Textile Exchange Preferred Fiber and Materials Benchmark. The socially and environmentally conscious startup has used millions of pounds of raw organic cotton to make its luxury bedding products, and further holds itself to rigorous Fair Trade practices. The brand’s commitment is not only shaping the industry, it’s resonating with consumers, who have propelled the startup to exceed a $100 million run rate in less than five years.

“Before selling a single product, we spent a year and a half ensuring we built out a transparent and ethical supply chain,” said Boll & Branch CEO and Co-Founder Scott Tannen. “From the very beginning, we made the conscious choice to use only 100% organic cotton and worked very hard to ensure Fair Trade — meaning safer working conditions, no child labor, and fair treatment and pay for all of our workers. I am humbled and proud to be recognized amongst brands I admire, such as Patagonia and Nike.”

By setting the benchmark and encouraging others in the industry, Boll & Branch is committed to helping the Earth and humanity by leading the industry in the use of not only organic, but Fair Trade cotton. The luxury brand is steadfast in its commitment to its farmers, who earn premiums that can be allocated as cash, used for a collective social investment, or both. In a region of the world where the inhumane treatment of workers, unsafe work environments, forced/bonded laborers and unfair wages have become hallmarks of the conventional cotton supply chain, Boll & Branch supports the livelihoods of thousands of textile workers by mandating fair wages and business practices.

Standard farming practices have made cotton farming one of the most dangerous crops in the world. Cotton accounts for 2.4 percent of the world’s cultivated land, but uses 6 percent of the world’s pesticides, more than any other single major crop. And, according to the World Health Organization, up to 20,000 deaths each year are caused by pesticide poisoning in developed countries, as chemicals from pesticides used to protect cotton fields seep into run-off water — poisoning rivers, lakes and waterways.

“With the disastrous effects of climate change becoming more and more prevalent, it’s more important than ever to be conscious of our impact on the planet,” Tannen said. “We are meticulous in regard to our production process, ensuring we are doing right by the world, every step of the way.”

Boll & Branch has built its brand and staked its reputation in part on the elimination of harmful toxins from its products and from its entire manufacturing process. The company is careful to make sure its cotton is grown in ways that develop healthier soil and protect natural resources by being watered with rain and fertilized with manure, and by using marigolds as pest deterrents. This creates a safer alternative for farmers, factory workers and the environment as a whole — not to mention the end product, which is free of pesticides, insecticides and GMOs.

Posted December 19, 2018

Source: Boll & Branch