TV Style Expert Michelle Washington To Emcee 2026 SPESA Executive Conference

Press Release

The annual SPESA Executive Conference is a key education and networking event for SPESA members, their customers, and anyone interested in learning more about the current issues, trends, and policies impacting the global sewn products industry.

August 17, 2026 - Raleigh, NC - The Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) welcomes fashion stylist, GQ Insider, and tv personality Michelle Washington as the emcee for its upcoming 2026 SPESA Executive Conference, taking place October 28-30 in San Antonio, TX.

“With every new region we explore, SPESA’s goal is always to bring as many local voices into the conversation as possible,” SPESA President Michael McDonald explains. “Michelle Washington is not only an outspoken advocate for the Texas fashion industry, she serves as an incredible representative of the passion that has kept it going for centuries. As we considered who we wanted in the room as we discussed the trends, capabilities, challenges, and growing opportunities surrounding the sewn products industry in Texas, Michelle was an obvious choice to lead the charge.”

With decades of experience in fashion production and design, Washington now focuses on sharing her knowledge with others as a stylist, educator, business consultant, and media professional. Washington's vibrant fashion TV presence and commentary has gained recognition by FOX, CBS, CBSNews.com, NBC, ABC, Spectrum News, and The CW. Her fashion styling tips have been published by The Zoe Report, InStyle Magazine, Bustle Magazine, Best Life, Static Media, and The Huffington Post. 

Washington is also the dynamic host of “Behind the SEAMS®” (Follow on Instagram) — a hosted TV show that brings viewers closer to the stories of Texas-based fashion designers, fashion industry professionals, supply chains, and apparel manufactures through in-depth sit down conversations for a deeper look at the journeys, successes, and failures of what it takes to make it as a brand — as well as the the 3X award-winning fashion podcast “The Color of Fashion™.”

“One of the things I enjoy most, whether hosting Behind the SEAMS® or emceeing a conference, is creating meaningful fashion industry conversations that connect people, ideas, and innovation,” shares Washington. “I'm honored to partner with SPESA and I look forward to helping create an engaging conference experience.”

SPESA was first introduced to Washington in 2025 through the Texas Fashion Industry Initiative which supported a previous SPESA conference in Austin. SPESA chose to return to Texas in 2026 in large part due to the wonderful industry connections developed from that event.

Please visit www.stylistmichellewashington.com & www.linkedin.com/in/tvstyleexpert to learn more about Washington’s experience and credentials.

About the 2026 SPESA Executive Conference 

The annual SPESA Executive Conference is a key education and networking event for SPESA members, their customers, and anyone interested in learning more about the sewn products industry. 

The 2026 SPESA Executive Conference will include two evening networking receptions and a day and a half of education focusing on the key issues, policies, and trends impacting sewn product businesses today. SPESA events center heavily on group discussions — often favoring panels, fireside chats, and interactive sessions over slide decks — and this one is designed to bring together suppliers, manufacturers, brands, and other stakeholders to work through challenges together as an industry and community. 

The 2026 SPESA Executive Conference will take place October 28-30 at the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX. 

Click here to register for the conference.

Click here to reserve a discounted room at Hotel Valencia.

More information about the SPESA Executive Conference, including a look at past iterations, is available here.

For press or sponsorship inquiries, please contact Maggie@spesa.org. For any additional questions about the event, please contact Marie@spesa.org. 

About SPESA

SPESA 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. SPESA’s mission as an organization is to provide its members with the highest quality networking, education, and advocacy for advancing their businesses and the sewn products industry in the Western Hemisphere. 

Please visit www.spesa.org for more info.

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