California Apparel News

After a launch earlier this year in Frankfurt, trade show producer Messe Frankfurt is bring its Texprocess show to the United States for an April 24–26 run at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

Running concurrently with the technical textile show Techtextil North America, Texprocess Americas is co-produced by industry organization SPESA (Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas) and will feature exhibitors representing every aspect of the entire apparel-industry supply chain—from design to sourcing to production.

Show organizers have lined up a seminar schedule that includes current issues in international sourcing and apparel technology, as well as new business opportunities.

Registration for the Texprocess Americas Symposium includes admission to the Techtextil North America Symposium based on the type of pass purchased. Attendees can purchase a half-day pass, one-day pass or three-day pass to the event. Additional details about symposium passes can be found at the Texprocess Americas website (www.texprocessusa.com).

April 24

Keynote address by Miguel Caballero, “The Armani of Bulletproof Clothing”
8:15 a.m.
Sidney Marcus Auditorium

“Sourcing to the European Market, Including Free-Trade Agreements and Other Trade Issues—How U.S. & Latin American Companies Can Take Advantage of the European Markets; European Market Sourcing/Sampling/Service Expectations; and Strategic Sourcing Opportunities From the Western Hemisphere for Europe.” Speakers include Mary O’Rourke, president, O’Rourke Group Partners; B.J. Shannon Sr., associate, Alston & Bird LLP; and Jeff Streader, operating partner, Marlin Equity Partners
9:30 a.m.
Room A403

“Product Development Technology,” a panel moderated by Kerry King, with [TC]2
9:30 a.m.
Room A404

“Sourcing in the Americas,” with speakers Mary O’Rourke, president, O’Rourke Group Partners; Mike Fralix, president, [TC]2; Tom Langdon, vice president, sourcing and purchasing, Encompass Group LLC;  and Alfonso Hernandez, Argus Group
1:30 p.m.
Room A403

“Sustainability,” including “What Does It Mean? And Where Are We Going?” “Sustainability—A Consultant’s Perspective”; “Sustainability–An Energy Perspective”; “Real Practice: What Happens in the Factory”; and “Industry Initiatives.” Speakers include Steve Jesseph, chief executive officer, The Jesseph Group; Tony Klabnick, vice president, Integrated Consulting Group; Bonnie Meck, chief operating officer and chief sustainability officer, Fessler USA; Frank Vasquez, director, corporate social responsibility, Hanesbrands International Inc.; and John Eapen, vice president EH&S, American & Efird
1:30 p.m.
Room A404

April 25

“Global Market Outlook for Apparel, Imagewear/Workwear and Home Furnishings,” with speakers Benton Gardner, president, SPESA; Mike Fralix, president, [TC]2; Mary O’Rourke, president, O’Rourke Group Partners; Jeff Streader, operating partner, Marlin Equity Partners; Stan Jewel, president, Bulwark; and Keith Sorgeloos, chief executive officer, HomeSource International. Plus, “How Non-Trade Legislation Impacts Trade: The Lacey Act, The CPSC, Conflict Minerals … Oh My!” presented by Nicole Bivens Collinson, president, International Trade and Government Relations, OC Member, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.
8:30 a.m.
Room A403

“Manufacturing Technology,” with speakers Mike Fralix, president, [TC]2; Mel Berzack, president, Sewn Products Equipment Co.; Michael Rabin, country manager, Morgan Tecnica s.p.a.; Trevor Stevenson, country manager, Morgan Tecnica s.p.a.; Frank Henderson, president, Henderson Sewing Machine Co.; and Rick Frye, director of engineering, Brother International
8:30 a.m.
Room A404

“Doing Business With the U.S. Government,” with speakers Daniel M. Pezold, senior vice president, military and government fabrics, Duro Textiles LLC; Brigadier General John McGuiness, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Research, Development & Engineering Command (RDECOM) and commanding general of Natick Soldier Systems Center; Daniel M. Pezold, senior vice president, military and government fabrics, Duro Textiles LLC; Kurt D. Wilson, vice president, government affairs, Americas Apparel Inc.; Kurt Courtney, director of government relations, American Apparel & Footwear Association; and Scott Williams, managing director, Neptune Strategy
1:30 p.m.
Room A403

“World Supply Chain,” including “Global Fibers—Where Do We Go Next?”; “U.S. Export Compliance”; and “Labor Outlook for Asia,” with speakers including  Kim Pettit, managing director, Synthetic Yarn and Fiber Association; Alasdair Carmichael, PCI Fibers; John McCarthy, manager of trade policy, C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc.; and Mary O’Rourke, president, O’Rourke Group Partners
1:30 p.m.
Room A404

April 26

“International Trade Update,” including country perspectives on Brazil, Nicaragua and Mexico; Obama-administration perspective; regulatory update; and successful sourcing and export strategies for the Americas. Speakers include Julie Hughes, president, USA-ITA;  Alfredo Bonduki, vice president, ABIT; Javier Chamorro, executive director, ProNicaragua; Julio A. Barea, chief executive officer and director general, Kaltex Apparel & Home; Kim Glas, deputy assistant secretary for textiles and apparel, U.S. Commerce Department; Nate Herman, vice president international trade, American Apparel & Footwear Association; Mike Hubbard, vice president, National Council of Textile Organization; Joseph P. Mohorovic, senior vice president, consumer goods, Intertek; Jerry Cook, vice president, government and trade relations, Hanesbrands Inc.; and Dan Feibus, president and chief executive officer, Zagis USA
8:30 a.m.
Room A403

On the cover:
Directives West runway photos by Norman Zeller
Port of Long Beach, Long Beach, Calif.