By Devin Steele, eTextileCommunications

A massive thank you to Devin Steele from eTextileCommunications for helping SPESA capture its 2025 Executive Conference in Chicago (August 27-29. 2025). See below for a comprehensive recap of all August 28 educational sessions, courtesy of Devin.

Stay tuned for a What You Missed in Chicago article and a recap of the August 29 workshop, The First Stitch: Building a Future-Ready Manufacturing Business from Scratch.

Member Emeritus Recognition | Rolando Bohlemann

Presented by Michael McDonald, SPESA

Rolando Bohlemann, former president at Ferd. Schmetz Needle Corp., is named Member Emeritus of SPESA during the organization’s Executive Conference in Chicago by SPESA President Michael McDonald. "Bohlemann has been a cornerstone of our organization since joining the board in 2004, bringing deep industry knowledge, a global perspective and steady leadership through times of great change — from globalization and automation to the pandemic," shared McDonald.

Bohlemann’s passion for the industry and genuine care for people have made a lasting impact on everyone he’s worked with, according to McDonald. “Rolando cares about this industry deeply, and you can feel that when you talk to him,” McDonald said.

The Member Emeritus honor was created to recognize leaders like Rolando, whose wisdom and dedication are invaluable to the SPESA community, he added.

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.

Renowned designer Maria Pinto presents the opening keynote at the SPESA Executive Conference in Chicago. In a dynamic conversation with Nicole Ruiz of the Apparel Industry Board, Inc., Pinto shared her inspiring journey — from her Chicago roots and global design career to her commitment to quality, sustainability and building a brand that’s both innovative and resilient. She spoke about the importance of domestic manufacturing, supporting local talent and creating garments that last.

AI and the New Age of Sourcing

Anthony Sardain, Cavela

Liam Howlett, Western Welder Outfitting 

In conversation with Michael McDonald, SPESA 

Sourcing has long been one of the most time-consuming and fragmented processes in apparel production, but Anthony Sardain (center), founder and CEO of Cavela, San Francisco, is committed to changing that. During this panel session at the SPESA Executive Conference, Sardain shared how Cavela’s AI-powered sourcing platform is helping brands unlock new global supplier relationships without the usual stress. 

In the discussion moderated by SPESA Executive Director Michael McDonald (L), Sardain was joined by Liam Howlett, COO of Western Welder Outfitting, San Diego, an early adopter of Cavela’s technology. The workwear brand has used the platform to simplify and scale its sourcing operations. Together, they discussed how AI is reshaping sourcing strategies in real time.

Building a Brand with Local Roots

Robert McMillan, Dearborn Denim & Apparel​

In conversation with Xochil Herrera Scheer, The Chicago Pattern Maker 

Xochil Herrera Scheer, founder of The Chicago Pattern Maker, spoke with Robert McMillan, founder and CEO of Dearborn Denim & Apparel, in a fireside chat during SPESA's Executive Conference in Chicago. During the session, McMillan noted that his company isn’t just talking about domestic manufacturing – it’s building its entire business around it.

He shared 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.

Fun fact: Herrera Scheer and McMillan are both wearing Dearborn Denim jeans during the fireside chat.

A Retail Giant’s Commitment to Homegrown Supply Chains

Julie Rader, Walmart

Bayard Winthrop, American Giant

In conversation with Michael McDonald, SPESA 

During this session, SPESA President Michael McDonald (L) leads a conversation with Bayard Winthrop, founder & CEO of American Giant, and Julie Rader, sourcing director at Walmart. In the session they discuss a landmark partnership to bring 100% U.S.-made t-shirts to thousands of stores across the country. This collaboration is 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, according to Rader.

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Now, one year into the retail giant’s collaboration with American Giant, they are covering how the partnership is progressing and what it signals for the future of American-made apparel manufacturing. The discussion explored not only the progress of the partnership but also what it signals for the future of U.S. supply chains, job creation and reshoring initiatives.

Quantifying the Creative Process: Leveraging Data to Implement New Technologies, Advocate for Balance

A presentation by Tiffany Radon, Carhartt

Tiffany Radon, manager of Technical Design at Carhartt, a global premium workwear brand based in Dearborn, Michigan presented “Quantifying the Creative Process: Leveraging Data to Implement New Technologies, Advocate for Balance”. Radon shared how data-driven workload strategies can boost production efficiency and protect work-life balance for teams. She demonstrated how tools like workload calculators and metrics empower organizations to implement new technologies, advocate for resources and foster sustainable growth – without sacrificing quality or employee wellbeing.

The Skill of Adapting, Evolving, Transforming in the Face of Disruption

A presentation by Sarah Krasley, Shimmy Technologies 

Sarah Krasley, founder & CEO of Shimmy, a Brooklyn, N.Y.-based company whose mission is to prepare the apparel and sewn products industry for the future of work by delivering scalable upskilling and reskilling solutions delivered a powerful and timely presentation on what it means to be resilient in the rapidly changing sector.

Rather than viewing resilience as simply the ability to “bounce back,” Krasley challenged attendees to see it as the skill of adapting, evolving and transforming in the face of disruption. With the industry facing unprecedented challenges — from shifting tariffs and the rise of automation to workforce transitions — she emphasized that resilience is no longer just a nice-to-have, but the most critical competency for leaders and their teams. Her perspective inspired attendees to think beyond survival, encouraging them to embrace change, innovate and find new ways to thrive.

Rethinking Succession Planning: A Strategy for Continuity and Growth

A presentation by Miguel Montero, in2track Solutions

In his session, Miguel Montero, founder & CEO of in2track Solutions, challenged event attendees to rethink succession planning — not as a checklist, but as a people-first strategy for true business continuity and growth. Montero broke down the four dimensions of succession (exit, managerial, leadership and ownership) and shared real-world stories that highlight why so many transitions falter.

His message: Succession isn’t just about preparing for retirement or filling a role — it’s about empowering your team, preserving culture and ensuring your company thrives through every change. Key takeaway: Succession planning is always on. Start early, communicate clearly and focus on people, not just processes.

Circularity Reimagined | Building & Tailoring a Product Meant To Last

Nancy Rhodes, Alternew

Mitch Gambert, Gambert Manufacturing ​

Katina Boutis, Everlane

Led by Anne Warren, Alternew 

Moderated by Anne Warren (L) of Alternew, New York City. Panelists included Mitch Gambert of Gambert Manufacturing, Newark, N.J.; Nancy Rhodes of Alternew; and Katina Boutis of Everlane, San Francisco (virtually). The panel discussed how industry collaboration and technology are helping extend the life of garments and create new value for both brands and consumers.

An Update on Trade & Tariffs for the Sewn Products Industry

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

Oft-cited fashion, apparel and textile trade expert Dr. Sheng Lu, professor and director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies the University of Delaware, delivered a timely, data-driven update on how tariffs are reshaping the apparel, textile and sewn products industries. He broke down the latest research and trade numbers, helping attendees navigate the ever-changing landscape of tariffs and their impact on sourcing, manufacturing and global supply chains.

Dr. Lu noted that while sourcing diversification is a major trend, there is only “modest interest” among brands and retailers in expanding sourcing of U.S.-made products. Despite higher tariffs on imports, most companies are not prioritizing reshoring or nearshoring to the U.S. or Western Hemisphere, he said. Instead, they continue to rely heavily on Asian suppliers due to their competitiveness in cost, flexibility and product variety.

Dr. Lu also pointed out that, so far, current tariff policies have not led to a significant increase in U.S. textile and apparel production. The main barriers include limited product variety, lack of raw material options and the inability of Western Hemisphere suppliers to match the flexibility and scale offered by Asian manufacturers. In short, he said, reshoring to the U.S. remains limited, with most companies focusing on diversification within Asia rather than bringing production back home.

Smarter, Faster, Stronger | A Discussion on Automation & Efficiency

Leonard Marano, Lectra (Presenting Sponsor) 

In conversation with Michael McDonald, SPESA

SPESA board member Lenny Marano (R), president of the Americas at Lectra, joined SPESA President Michael McDonald for a dynamic discussion on automation and efficiency in the sewn products industry.

Marano broke down how automation has shifted from a future aspiration to a present-day necessity, especially as manufacturers face labor shortages, rising costs and the need for greater speed and flexibility. He highlighted how Industry 4.0 technologies – big data, IoT, cloud computing and AI — are transforming production lines, driving efficiency and enabling smarter, more agile supply chains.

Marano noted that success in automation isn’t just about technology — it’s about leadership, benchmarking and strong collaboration between suppliers and manufacturers. Companies that embrace change, invest in continuous improvement and leverage digital tools are seeing real ROI and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving market, Marano said.

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

The SPESA Executive Conference concluded with a panel of “training trailblazers” who spoke to the incredible work happening in the U.S. sewn products industry to strengthen the workforce. Led by Lionel Vargas Cruz (L), director of operations at ISAIC (Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center), Detroit, the panel included Caleb Doty, owner and process engineer at Americas 21^st, Greenville, S.C.; Shailah Maynard, co-founder & CEO of Sew Valley., Cincinnati; and Eugenio Fonts, vice president of international sales at Atlanta Attachment Company, Lawrenceville, Ga.

They shared real-world insights on how training, strategic partnerships and community engagement are helping to close the talent gap and build a more resilient sewn products industry. The discussion highlighted how automation, MES integration and AI adoption are reshaping training programs and workforce strategies. Panelists emphasized the importance of investing in people, improving communication and creating clear career pathways to ensure the future success of U.S. manufacturing.

SPESA Board Elections & Annual Business Meeting 

Led by SPESA President Michael McDonald

Following a day of educational sessions, SPESA hosted its annual business meeting. During the meeting, Daniella Ambrogi (L) was introduced as the new SPESA Chairwoman. She succeeds Mark Hatton, managing director — Threads Americas at American & Efird. In her remarks, she acknowledged the unprecedented shifts facing our industry — from supply chain disruptions and labor challenges to sustainability demands and rapid technological change.

"I feel very encouraged when I see the industry come together as a community in events like this,” she said. “I’m passionate about this industry, and as I step into the role of chairwoman of SPESA, I’m looking forward to working with the executive team, our members and our board of directors to grow this community and strengthen our industry."

You can find a release about the SPESA Business Meeting here.