SEAMS 2017 Fall Conference Speakers

Speaker Lineup Announced for SEAMS Fall 2017 Conference
Can’t-­miss event tackles the “Made in America” movement and delivers access
to people, processes and technology to ensure optimized production in the U.S.
WAKE FOREST, NC – September 21, 2017 – 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 fall conference taking place in Hilton Head, SC at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort
and Spa on October 18-­20, 2017. The theme of the event is “Empowering the Made in America
Movement” which will explore trends and opportunities through a combination of keynote and
featured presentations, a panel discussion, and networking opportunities with industry leaders
and peers.
Jimmy Barnhardt of Unifi Manufacturing, an industry renowned authority for helping retailers and
brands create a sustainability story and a sustainable lifestyle, will be the keynote speaker. Mr.
Barnhardt will discuss “Green Growth & the Expansion of Sustainability in the U.S. Apparel
Industry.” He will outline how going “green” makes business sense in America, now more than
ever, and why you should not wait on the customer or a new generation of consumers to “green”
your company. He will explore new ideas, innovations and technologies that can reduce your
environmental footprint right now and set the stage for the future.
Chunlian (Lian) Yang of Alston & Bird will present a timely talk entitled “Trump & Trade – What
You Need to Know Now.” She will speak about recent developments in the renegotiation of
NAFTA and potential impact that NAFTA reform may have on other free trade agreements such
as CAFTA and KORUS.
Ron Houle of Pivot Step Consultants will share his insights in “Making Sense of the DoD 2018
Budget.” In this session, attendees will learn about the Defense Budget for FY 2018 and the new
procurement and development priorities, with a degree of focus on the US Army budget.
Jerry Inman of Demand Worldwide will deliver “What’s Your Brand’s Digital & Door Index?” as this
session explores a 12 Step Retail Readiness for the Connected Consumer, a New Generation
and the Digital-­to-­Physical Mix. With the customer in charge for the first time, discover how to get
the right marketing mix and mashup of stores, eCommerce and product offerings to produce right
now.
A new addition to the annual SEAMS fall conference is the Technology Forum, which highlights
American manufacturing innovation. Topics include “Advancements in Digital Textile Printing –
The MicroFactory” from Andy Arkin of Nextwave. He will talk about the latest advancements in
digital textile printing technology, where it is today and how quickly it is impacting the entire textile
industry in the U.S. and worldwide. “Intelligence Inspires Innovation in Sewing Technology” will be
delivered by Frank Henderson of Henderson Sewing Machine Company. He will demonstrate
how leading the charge of using intelligent, collaborative robots are paving the way for fully
autonomous custom industrial sewing systems. “MADE IN AMERICA with Smart Cutting Room
4.0” will be presented by Rick Vizziello of Lectra. He will show how a Smart Cutting Room 4.0
can enable American Manufacturing to increase operational efficiency Onshore.
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, the National Association for the Sewn Products and Textile Industries, promotes the continued
growth of the USA fashion, sewn products and textiles industries through educational programs, networking
opportunities, business opportunity matchmaking, industry collaboration and special member benefits
packages. SEAMS members comprise textiles providers, contract manufacturers, brands, vertical retailers
and their suppliers and service providers to collectively represent the complete concept-­to-­consumer supply
chain. Soft goods industry executives, managers, professionals and entrepreneurs leverage their SEAMS
membership to gain new business, stay informed of industry issues and trends, find solutions to productivity
and operational challenges, manage costs and increase productivity. For more information, visit us at
SEAMS.org