2025 SPESA Executive Conference
August 27-29, 2025 | Chicago, IL

2025 Executive Conference Event Info

We look forward to seeing you all soon in Chicago! All the details you need for the event are listed below.

Conference Materials
Here are the links to help you prepare to network.

Wednesday Reception
The first activity of this year’s conference is our welcome reception on Wednesday evening (August 27th, 6-7:30 p.m.). This will be off-site at the Maria Pinto Boutique. Address below. For those of you staying at the Sofitel, it is just a 5-minute walk. We are not planning to walk over as a group, but please let me know if you need any assistance getting there.

710 N Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
Feel free to do some shopping while you’re there!

Please note, this is not a dinner. We encourage you to use this reception as a jumping off point for your evening and make dinner plans with your fellow attendees.

Thursday Activities
The educational sessions on Thursday and Friday are taking place at the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile. Here is the address and phone number for the hotel:

20 East Chestnut St.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-324-4000
(Note, the hotel offers valet parking only. But it looks like there are a few public garages nearby as well.)

On Thursday, we will be in the Chicago Ballroom on the 3rd floor of the hotel. We will have coffee and a light continental breakfast (pastries, yogurt, cereal) available in the ballroom beginning at 8:15 a.m. The educational sessions will begin promptly at 8:45 a.m.

We will also have an off-site reception on Thursday evening (6-8:30 p.m.) at AMBAR, a 10-12 minute walk from the Sofitel. After, for anyone not receptioned-out, we are going to head over to the Howl at the Moon piano bar. Drinks here are on you, but the networking is on SPESA! Give Marie D’Avignon’s name at the door for a wristband to get your 1st drink for $1, and discounts after that.

If you prefer to arrive on your own, the address and details for both stops are listed on the agenda. If you have any concerns about the walk, please let me know.

SPESA Business Meeting
You may have noticed on Thursday’s agenda we have listed the SPESA Business Meeting. 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 (it’s only 15 minutes). The agenda and materials for this meeting are available here.

Friday Workshop
On Friday, we are trying out something new! Conference attendees are invited to participate in a game simulation focused on building resilience in the industry. Not only will it be fun, but it will provide an opportunity for you to take what you learn on Thursday and put it to use and thought right away.

To get everyone energized for the game, we will start the day with a big breakfast at 8:15 a.m. in Le Bar on the 1st floor of the Sofitel, and then we will start playing at 9 a.m. in Cigale (right off the bar).

What To Wear

Conference: Business casual.
Receptions: Whatever puts you in the best mood to network and make friends!

Newcomers
If this is your first time at a SPESA event, the SPESA team would be happy to help make introductions for you. Just take a look at the attendee list and let us know who you want to meet!

Who To Thank
This week would not be possible without the support of our Executive Conference sponsors! We encourage attendees to connect with our sponsors during this week’s events and to learn more about them at the links below.

Some People (and Organizations) You Should Know
We’ve been incredibly grateful for the support and assistance of the Chicago community while planning this event. We especially want to thank Xochil Herrera Scheer – the Chicago Patternmaker and Nicole Ruiz from the Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI).

Health & Safety

Masks are not required at next week’s events. However, attendees are welcome to wear masks based on your own comfort level. We ask all attendees to be kind and courteous to one another at all times.
Please do not attend the conference or evening events if you are ill or have recently tested positive for Covid-19.

Who To Contact
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to the SPESA team via email, call, or text.