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Our Story
It’s our mission at SPESA to provide members with the highest quality networking, education, and advocacy for advancing their businesses within the global sewn products industry.
About SPESA
SPESA (Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas) is the industry association for suppliers to the sewn products industry. These suppliers are manufacturers and distributors of machinery, systems, technology, supply chain solutions, equipment, and parts, along with other products and services used for the development, manufacture, or distribution of soft goods.
The organization was founded in 1990 by a group of industry leaders who recognized that the companies supplying machinery, technology, and production systems to the sewn products industry needed a stronger collective voice. While much of the apparel conversation focused on brands and retailers, these changemakers understood that the innovation driving the industry — from cutting and sewing equipment to automation and software — came from the suppliers enabling production behind the scenes.
SPESA was created to bring these companies together, offering a forum for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advocacy while helping ensure that the technologies shaping the future of sewn product manufacturing had a platform within the broader industry dialogue.
Today, the association continues to champion innovation and collaboration across the sewn products industry, ensuring that the tools and technologies powering manufacturing remain central to the industry's future.
For the majority of its history, SPESA was managed by Benton and Dave Gardner, without whom the association's success would not have been possible.
As the Gardners looked toward retirement in 2018, their search for a successor led them, by fate and a love of North Carolina State University, to Maggie and Michael McDonald. After a transition period, and with the Gardners' incredible support, guidance, and leadership, the McDonald Textile Group team — Maggie, Michael, and their colleague Marie D'Avignon — officially took over leadership of SPESA on January 1, 2019. In 2025, the SPESA team expanded with the addition of Ambar Campos.
Texprocess Americas
SPESA is the co-producer of the Texprocess Americas trade show, along with Messe Frankfurt, one of the largest and most influential trade show producers in the world.
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Texprocess Americas exemplifies the massive manufacturing ecosystem that exists in the Western Hemisphere and how it differentiates itself from other global markets. Be it through automated machinery, shopfloor technology, AI-driven design systems (and so much more), exhibitors of Texprocess Americas demonstrate their unique strengths and how they’re all vital players in the ever-evolving world of soft goods manufacturing.
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Those who have been in the industry for a long time likely remember the Bobbin Show, the premier trade show for the apparel, textile, and sewn product industries which began back in the 1970s. With the evolution of the industry, the increased focus on technology, and the support of SPESA members, the SPESA Expo replaced the Bobbin Show in 2004. The success of the SPESA Expo quickly caught the eye of large global players, and the strategic partnership between SPESA and Messe Frankfurt came to life in 2010 with the official debut of Texprocess Americas taking place in April 2012 (incorporating the SPESA Expo into the show and eventually joining forces as one industry behemoth).
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For the past 15 years, SPESA and Messe Frankfurt have been committed to creating a trade show experience that prioritizes networking, education, and industry advancement.
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Did you know? SPESA’s Industry Leader members receive a substantial discount and priority access to Texprocess Americas exhibit space. Click here to learn more about SPESA’s Industry Leader membership and other membership levels.
Behind the Seams
SPESA produces Behind the Seams, a free biweekly online news service, with a readership of 13k+, offering perspective on the current issues and trends impacting the sewn products industry, highlights of current news, information on upcoming events, and much more. With more than 20 years of history, Behind the Seams has become a leading resource for both SPESA members and the broader sewn products industry. It is distributed on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
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Did you know? A dedicated section of Behind the Seams highlights the news, products, events, and achievements of SPESA members. SPESA members also receive one free month of advertising in Behind the Seams. Click here to learn more about SPESA’s membership levels and benefits.