​Wednesday, August 27, 2025

 

6:00 - 7:30 p.m. | SPESA Board Meeting

Sofitel - Marseille, 2nd Floor

SPESA Board Members Only

 

6:00 - 7:30 p.m. | Welcome Reception

Maria Pinto Boutique

710 N Wabash Ave.​

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Join us Wednesday, August 27 for an exclusive evening reception at the flagship boutique of iconic Chicago designer Maria Pinto. This unique event is your chance to mingle with fellow conference attendees in a one-of-a-kind setting, surrounded by the artistry and energy of one of the city’s most celebrated fashion minds. Step out of the classroom and into the heart of Chicago design!​​​​​

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Thursday, August 28, 2025

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​8:15 - 8:45 a.m. | Registration

Sofitel - Chicago Ballroom, 3rd Floor
Pastries & Coffee will be available.

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8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Morning Sessions
Sofitel - Chicago Ballroom, 3rd Floor 

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8:45 - 9:00 a.m. | Welcome

Michael McDonald, SPESA 

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9:00 - 9:30 a.m. | Opening Keynote | Maria Pinto on Design, Resilience, and Building a Global Brand in Chicago

Featuring Maria Pinto

In conversation with Nicole Ruiz, Apparel Industry Board, Inc.

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Join us for a fireside chat with renowned designer Maria Pinto whose work has redefined what it means to blend artistry, innovation, and sustainability in American-made fashion. 

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During this conversation, Maria — who has dressed icons like Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Brooke Shields — will share the story behind her enduring career; her early influences in fine art and minimalist tailoring; and the path from Geoffrey Beene’s New York atelier to her own flagship boutique in the heart of Chicago. We’ll explore how she has navigated the ever-changing retail landscape, stayed true to her values, and embraced sustainability not just as a trend, but as a brand cornerstone. Attendees will gain insight into the mindset of a designer who’s committed to quality craftsmanship and who proves that fashion’s future can be just as powerful as its past.

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9:30 - 10:00 a.m. | AI and the New Age of Sourcing

Anthony Sardain, Cavela

Liam Howlett, Western Welder Outfitting 

In conversation with Michael McDonald, SPESA 

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Sourcing has long been one of the most time-consuming and fragmented processes in apparel production, but Anthony Sardain, Founder and CEO of Cavela, is committed to changing that. In this session, Sardain will share how Cavela’s AI-powered sourcing platform is helping brands unlock new global supplier relationships without the usual stress. 

Joining Sardain is Liam Howlett from Western Welder Outfitters, an early adopter of Cavela’s technology. The workwear brand has used the platform to simplify and scale its sourcing operations. Together, they’ll discuss how AI is reshaping sourcing strategies in real time.

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10:00 - 10:30 a.m. | Making in America, Part 1 | Building a Brand with Local Roots

Robert McMillan, Dearborn Denim & Apparel​

In conversation with Xochil Herrera Scheer, The Chicago Pattern Maker 

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We’ll be spending a lot of time in Chicago talking about the value of “Made-in-America”. But what does it truly mean to make locally? During this conversation, we’ll highlight a company that isn’t just talking about domestic manufacturing — it’s building its entire business around it. 

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Robert McMillan, Founder and CEO of Dearborn Denim & Apparel, will join us to share the story behind his Chicago-based, made-to-order brand that has been committed to U.S. production from day one. From an unconventional career pivot into apparel manufacturing to a strategic production shift during the Covid-19 pandemic, McMillan has navigated challenge and change with a firm belief in local resilience. This conversation will explore what it takes to keep a supply chain close to home, and why doing so still matters.

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10:30 - 11:00 a.m. | Networking Break

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11:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Making in America, Part 2 | A Retail Giant’s Commitment to Homegrown Supply Chains

Julie Rader, Walmart

Bayard Winthrop, American Giant

In conversation with Michael McDonald, SPESA 

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In 2024, Walmart and American Giant, the largest American-made apparel brand, announced a landmark partnership to bring 100% U.S.-made t-shirts to thousands of stores across the country. This collaboration is just one example of Walmart’s ongoing commitment to supporting U.S. manufacturing, part of a broader $350 billion investment to build and source more products domestically.

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Now, one year into the retail giant’s collaboration with American Giant, we’ll hear from Julie Rader, Director of Sourcing at Walmart, and Bayard Winthrop, Founder & CEO of American Giant, on how the partnership is progressing and what it signals for the future of American-made apparel manufacturing. The session will also touch on what it takes to build a supply chain that supports quality, transparency, and resilience, while offering insight into what’s possible when two industry leaders align on a shared vision for a homegrown supply chain. 

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11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Quantifying the Creative Process: Leveraging Data to Implement New Technologies, Advocate for Balance

A presentation by Tiffany Radon, Carhartt

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If you’ve been to a SPESA event, you know we talk a lot about production efficiencies. During this presentation, we’ll be taking one step back to look, specifically, at the people behind the production. How can we prioritize efficiency while simultaneously protecting work-life balance for our teams? During this conversation, Tiffany Radon, Manager of Technical Design at Carhartt, will dive into the importance of having a workload strategy. 

 

She’ll share insights and guidance about how organizations can leverage data-driven tools like metrics and workload calculators to balance demands, foster productivity, and promote sustainable growth.​​​

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12:15 - 1:00 p.m. | Lunch
Sofitel - Le Bar, 1st Floor

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1:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. | Afternoon Sessions 
Sofitel - Chicago Ballroom, 3rd Floor 

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1:00 p.m. - 1:20 p.m. | The Skill of Adapting, Evolving, Transforming in the Face of Disruption

A presentation by Sarah Krasley, Shimmy Technologies 

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SPESA Board Member Sarah Krasley offers a fresh perspective on resilience — not as the ability to “bounce back,” but as the skill of adapting, evolving, and transforming in the face of disruption. As the sewn products industry navigates rapid change — from tariffs, automation, and climate shifts to workforce transitions — resilience skills are emerging as the critical competency for leaders and their teams.

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1:20 - 1:50 p.m. | Rethinking Succession Planning: A Strategy for Continuity and Growth

A presentation by Miguel Montero, in2track Solutions

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Succession planning isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about people. In this session, we’ll hear from Miguel Montero, Founder and CEO of in2track Solutions, who’s redefining how we approach business transitions by shifting the conversation from transactions to transformation. 

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Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of what truly drives a smooth transition, why succession efforts often fail, and the strategic questions every leader should be asking now to ensure their business not only survives the handoff, but grows from it.​

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1:50 - 2:15 p.m. | Networking Break

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2:15 - 3:00 p.m. | Circularity Reimagined | Building & Tailoring a Product Meant To Last

Nancy Rhodes, Alternew

Mitch Gambert, Gambert Manufacturing ​

Katina Boutis, Everlane

Led by Anne Warren, Alternew 

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Circularity is often discussed in generalizations — but in this session, we’re cutting through the buzzwords and showcasing what it looks like in practice. During this session, our speakers will discuss how industry collaboration and technology are helping extend the life of garments and create new value for both brands and consumers.

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3:00 - 3:30 p.m. | An Update on Trade & Tariffs for the Sewn Products Industry

A presentation by Sheng Lu, Ph.D., University of Delaware 

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Our favorite professor is coming to Chicago! You know him. You love him. We’re talking about Dr. Sheng Lu, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware.

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As we all know, tariffs have become one of the most complex and consequential forces shaping the global sewn products industry. But fear not! Because Professor Lu will help us better understand the current trade landscape. 

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Drawing on the latest research and trade data, Professor Lu will offer an in-depth analysis of how recent and ongoing tariff policies are impacting sourcing strategies, trade, and manufacturing strategies — both local and global. 

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You can get a headstart on the learning by checking out Professor Lu’s latest research here.  

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3:30 - 3:50 p.m. | Smarter, Faster, Stronger | A Discussion on Automation & Efficiency

Leonard Marano, Lectra (Presenting Sponsor) 

In conversation with Michael McDonald, SPESA

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Automation is no longer a future goal, it’s a present-day imperative for manufacturers navigating labor shortages, rising costs, and increasing demand for speed and flexibility. 

 

In this session, SPESA Board Member Lenny Marano, President of the Americas at Lectra, will lead a conversation on how soft goods manufacturers are implementing automation across their production lines to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and build more agile supply chains. The conversation will also highlight the importance of collaboration between suppliers and manufacturers, offering insights into how strong partnerships can drive innovation in a rapidly evolving industry.

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3:50 - 4:35 p.m. | Training Trailblazers & the Future of Building (and Sustaining) a Workforce

Eugenio Fonts, Atlanta Attachment Company

Caleb Doty, Americas 21st

Shailah Maynard, Sew Valley 

Led by Lionel Vargas Cruz, ISAIC

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With the 2025 SPESA Executive Conference taking place the week before Labor Day, we want to spend some time in Chicago celebrating the incredible work being done across the U.S. to strengthen our industry's workforce.

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From the Midwest (Detroit and Cincinnati) to the Southeast (Georgia and South Carolina), we’ll bring to the stage some of our "training trailblazers" who have devoted their careers to building better workforce development programs. We'll hear from them on how training & educational efforts, strategic partnerships, and community engagement are helping to close the talent gap and build a more resilient sewn products industry across the U.S. We'll also spend some time talking about how major shifts in manufacturing processes — notably in automation, MES integration, and AI adoption — have impacted training curriculums and workforce strategies.​

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4:35 - 4:50 p.m. | SPESA Board Elections & Annual Business Meeting 

Led by SPESA President Michael McDonald. 

This annual meeting provides SPESA members an opportunity to receive updates about the association and the industry from SPESA’s staff and leadership; recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our members; and elect SPESA's Board of Directors. While only SPESA members are eligible to vote in the Board elections, all attendees will benefit from the updates provided during the meeting and are welcome to stick around for it. The meeting agenda and materials are available here.

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4:50 - 5:00 p.m. | Day 1 Closing Remarks

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6:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Networking Reception

AMBAR Restaurant

700 N Clark St.

Join us at Ambar Restaurant to round out the day with some final networking, good food, and great cocktails. 

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8:30 p.m. - 'til | After Party
Howl at the Moon Chicago
26 W Hubbard St.

Give Marie's name at the door ​for your wristband!

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Friday, August 29, 2025

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8:15 - 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast
Sofitel - Le Bar, 1st Floor 

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9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Workshop Session  The First Stitch: Building a Future-Ready Manufacturing Business from Scratch
Sofitel - Cigale, 1st Floor

A first for the SPESA Executive Conference! We wanted to go beyond presentations and create an environment for attendees to take what they learned during Thursday’s session, combined with their own industry knowledge, and put it to use in an interactive workshop-style session. Participants will work together in groups to discuss and address industry challenges in a simulation of visionary entrepreneurship and bold partnerships during times of upheaval.

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*Our speakers provide an incredible wealth of knowledge to the sewn products industry, and thus, are very busy. Speakers and topics are subject to change.

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For any questions about the agenda or event, please contact Marie@spesa.org or Maggie@spesa.org.​​​

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