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2026 SPESA Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference
April 13-14, 2026 | Columbus, OH
The Basics
WHO
The SPESA Advancements Conference is the right choice for manufacturers, brands, retailers, suppliers, and other industry stakeholders interested in learning about new innovations and advancements for the manufacturing of sewn products.
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WHAT
One of SPESA's keystone events, this annual conference is designed to both showcase the technology that currently exists for our industry and serve as a forum to discuss what we need to succeed in the future.
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WHEN
We will kick off with a networking reception on April 13th, followed by a full day of education and another networking reception on the 14th.
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WHERE
The LOOM | Columbus, Ohio
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WHY
We believe this event serves the critical purpose of ensuring manufacturers and suppliers understand one another's needs, capabilities, challenges, and points of view when it comes to the production of sewn products. To do so is absolutely vital in supporting our domestic industry.
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Now, see below for all the details!
Registration
Regular registration for this event is $425, which includes all networking and education.
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Click here to register now.​
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Agenda
This year’s SPESA Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference focuses on AI, Automation, Accessibility, and Beyond. See below to see what we have in store!
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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
You can’t have a technology discussion in 2026, without including AI. We will be breaking the topic down into two critical functions for sewn products manufacturers:
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AI from your desk: Taking a look at tools and resources that can be utilized to streamline and improve administrative functions like drafting emails and marketing; sales force; employee retention and empowerment; logistics, and more.
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AI from the factory floor: Learn more about AI applications to improve efficiency, sustainability, and profitability in manufacturing operations. Examples include AI tools for pattern making; software for sourcing raw materials and suppliers; and vision systems used to see your workflow, identify defects, and maximize quality control.
AUTOMATION
Speakers in Columbus hope to provide attendees with “a roadmap for the future” when it comes to building automation into your manufacturing processes. We will discuss the physical tools that can be integrated to maximize the potential of your workforce and operations, focusing on robotics, NextGen process technology, and lean manufacturing.
ACCESSIBILITY
For those companies maybe just starting out on their technology journey as well as those looking to grow, we are excited to include a discussion on scalability and accessibility for small businesses and young entrepreneurs.
BEYOND
One of SPESA’s biggest pet peeves is when our industry discussions accidentally get too focused on sewing and apparel. “Sewn products” might be in our name, but we all know that the industry now includes so much more! So, we are putting in extra effort this year to look “beyond” what we already know.
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Beyond Sewing: We will discuss innovations and technologies created for the factory floor that don’t include sewing machines such as digital adhesives for bonding and robotic material handling systems.
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Beyond Apparel: We hope to bring in local voices from non-apparel sectors like footwear and aerospace to share insights from across the industry.
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Beyond Traditional Manufacturing: Looking at ways that U.S. manufacturing can be most efficient, we will dive into the possibilities of replenishment manufacturing in the Midwest region.
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*Topics subject to change. A detailed agenda will be available soon!
Schedule
To take advantage of everything the 2026 Advancements Conference has to offer, we suggest you plan to arrive in Columbus by the afternoon of April 13th, and stay through the 15th.
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As we continue to finalize our event agenda, we will confirm exact times, but a rough outline of activities is available below.
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Monday, April 13, 2026
2-5 p.m. SPESA Board Meeting (SPESA Board Members Only)
6-7:30 p.m. Advancements Conference Welcome Networking Reception
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Tuesday, April 14, 2026
8 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Advancement Conference Educational Sessions
5:30-7 p.m. Networking Reception​​​
Travel & Logistics
EVENT LOCATION
The 2026 Advancements Conference will take place at The LOOM — a brand new creative space opening this year in Columbus. Located in the heart of the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD), The LOOM will serve as headquarters for the Columbus Fashion Alliance and as a fashion incubator and cultural hub, offering everything from office and coworking space to creative studios, new equipment, and vibrant event spaces. (Read more about it here.)
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The LOOM does not officially open to the public until May, so SPESA attendees are gaining exclusive early access to the space!
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The LOOM Address
161 N. Grant Avenue
Columbus, OH 43215
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HOTEL
There is no official hotel room block for this event. However, if you want to hang out with the SPESA team, we will be staying at The Junto Hotel. This will also likely be the location for the April 13th evening reception. The Junto is a 5-minute drive from The LOOM.
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Alternatively, there are lots of hotels in downtown Columbus that are within a 15 minute walk of The LOOM.
Why Columbus?
As its name implies, the SPESA Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference, looks to explore the new and exciting ways that manufacturing is developing throughout the country. We have always chosen strategic locations — Texas, Detroit, and Los Angeles, for example — as our host cities for the event to allow us to not only discuss the industry as a whole, but to really dive into the challenges and initiatives taking place within specific manufacturing hubs. And, as we continue to hear chatter throughout the industry that Columbus and its neighboring region may just be the "future of manufacturing," we couldn't miss the chance to learn more about it in person!
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The region's accessible location, established infrastructure, and skilled workforce have long been an attraction for manufacturing for consumer goods industries — including apparel and footwear — as well as advanced materials, defense, and aerospace. It is a hub for both traditional manufacturing models and emerging tech.
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"Columbus is anchored by numerous retail giants, emerging brands and distribution hubs. The city is a hub for skilled professionals in merchandising, logistics, manufacturing and design. Ohio State University, the Columbus College of Art & Design, Kent State University and others pump out emerging talent in the fashion industry." - The Columbus Dispatch
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While the fashion industry in Columbus hasn't yet caught up with the powerhouses of New York and Los Angeles, tremendous effort has been made to unify the region's various creative silos into a central hub that both supports new ventures and provides resources for growth. The construction of The LOOM, led by the Columbus Fashion Alliance, is a big part of that effort, creating a physical place that can be strategically utilized by industry leaders and newcomers alike.
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And that's not the only investment the industry is seeing. There are more than 132,000 people who work in the creative economy in Columbus, and Franklin County, where Columbus is located, sees the value in investing in and expanding this workforce. In the past three years, Franklin County has invested more than $5 million in the fashion industry.
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THE COLUMBUS FASHION ALLIANCE
While our global footprint is vast, one of our favorite things to do at SPESA is support local organizations who are doing the work at home to support their community and the individuals at the heart of a region's industry. For 2026, we are thrilled to partner with the Columbus Fashion Alliance!
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The Columbus Fashion Alliance (CFA) is a collective of creatives passionate about the fashion industry in Columbus. The organization's goal is to support the creation and growth of creatives and fashion-based business through multiple facets. It looks to educate its members and the community with skills that add value to their brands and increase their knowledge as a professional. CFA constructs facilities that house industrial-grade equipment, such as sewing machines, sergers, DTG, fabric etc., which its members can access in order to build a business without the overhead. CFA also coaches its members and community on how to go from conception to production and all the areas in between. Lastly, it looks to create opportunities to connect artists with retail professionals and find opportunities that are mutually beneficial.
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"In Columbus, fashion is our business as we are one of the top cities in the nation equipped with the means and opportunity with which to grow a fashion based business. We have record numbers of production houses, distribution centers and retail headquarters which allows a new and emerging brand to have their desired resources at the end of their street. CFA is so excited to help move fashion forward and enhance the culture of Columbus into one that fosters and supports emerging artists and brands." - Columbus Fashion Alliance
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SPESA is pleased to offer discounted event registration to CFA members. Please email Marie@spesa.org or Maggie@spesa.org for more information.
Call for Speakers
If you missed the Call for Speakers for this event, but are still interested in participating, we might be able to squeeze you in. Please email Maggie@spesa.org to discuss!
Contact Us!
We will continue to update this page as more details for the event are confirmed, including a detailed agenda and info about our speakers. In the meantime, if you have any questions, or need assistance registering for the event, please reach out to Marie@spesa.org or Maggie@spesa.org for more information.
