Meeting Materials

Agenda

Attendee List

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Sponsors

Once again, we want to thank our event sponsors for helping make this and every SPESA event possible. Click the links below to learn more about these incredible SPESA members and industry suppliers. 

 

Aptean

Avantex

CreateMe Technologies

Henderson Sewing Machine Co.

Lectra

Zünd America + Mind Technology

 

We also want to give a shout out to the Columbus Fashion Alliance for their help bringing the local industry to the event! 

 

 

Speakers

Click on the names below to learn more about our amazing speakers.

 

Aditi Bhatiya, Passport 2 Fashion 

Ricardo Carranca, Mind Technology

Todd Corley, Carhartt 

Lisa Goldsand, Circular Thrift

Frank Henderson, Henderson Sewing Machine, Co.

Justin Hershoran, Aptean

Jackie Hutson, The Sourcing Gals

Carlos Jimenez, Lectra

Roberto Mangual, Avantex 

Michael Mayr, silana​

Jo Miller, South Central Ohio Workforce Partnership

Glenn Moore, Nordson Corporation

Cam Myers, CreateMe

James Ryan, H. B. Fuller Company

Erin Souder, The Sourcing Gals

Yohannan Terrell, Columbus Fashion Alliance

Lionel Vargas Cruz, Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC)

 

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Photos

You can check out event photos on Facebook and Instagram. We will continue to add to these as we collect more photos from attendees.

 

If you have any good ones, please send them to Marie@spesa.org.

 

 

Survey & Feedback

For attendees, if you haven't yet completed the event survey, please do so!

 

If anyone, attendees or prospective attendees, has ideas for future events or speakers or recommendations for the SPESA team, please email Marie@spesa.org.

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The LOOM

The 2026 Advancements Conference took place at The LOOM — a brand new creative space in Columbus. Located in the heart of the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD), The LOOM will soon 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.)

 

SPESA was the very first group to host an event in the space (it wasn’t actually open to the public yet). And, while any new operation has kinks to work out, it was probably the coolest place we have ever held an event. 

 

As one attendee explained: “It’s a strong concept, especially being close to textile and manufacturing ecosystems. Spaces like this can become important hubs as the industry shifts back toward domestic production. Continued focus on connecting people to real resources and infrastructure will make it even more impactful.”

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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.​

 

What’s Next?

So, where do we go from here? We're still deciding where to take the Advancements Conference next. In the meantime, we invite SPESA members and all industry stakeholders to join us at our next upcoming events!

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2026 SPESA Executive Conference - October 28-30, San Antonio, TX

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Texprocess Americas - May 11-13, 2027, Atlanta, GA