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What You Missed in Columbus!
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
SPESA Event Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Columbus for the 2026 SPESA Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference! This was our first time hosting the event in Columbus (more info on why we chose it below), and we are very happy that we did. You are all a big part of our success, and we look forward to hosting you again soon!
For those of you who weren't able to attend in person, check out the links below to see what you missed!
2026 Advancements Conference Info
Meeting Materials
Sponsors
Once again, we want to thank our event sponsors for helping make this and every SPESA event possible. Click the links below to learn more about these incredible SPESA members and industry suppliers.
We also want to give a shout out to the Columbus Fashion Alliance for their help bringing the local industry to the event!
Speakers
Click on the names below to learn more about our wonderful speakers.
Aditi Bhatiya, Passport 2 Fashion
Ricardo Carranca, Mind Technology
Todd Corley, Carhartt
Lisa Goldsand, Circular Thrift
Frank Henderson, Henderson Sewing Machine, Co.
Justin Hershoran, Aptean
Jackie Hutson, The Sourcing Gals
Carlos Jimenez, Lectra
Roberto Mangual, Avantex
Michael Mayr, silana
Jo Miller, South Central Ohio Workforce Partnership
Glenn Moore, Nordson Corporation
Cam Myers, CreateMe
James Ryan, H. B. Fuller Company
Erin Souder, The Sourcing Gals
Yohannan Terrell, Columbus Fashion Alliance
Lionel Vargas Cruz, Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC)
Photos
If you have any good ones to share, please send them to Marie@spesa.org!
Survey & Feedback
For attendees, if you haven't yet completed the event survey, please do so!
If anyone, attendees or prospective attendees, has ideas for future events or speakers or recommendations for the SPESA team, please email Marie@spesa.org.
The LOOM
The 2026 Advancements Conference took place at The LOOM — a brand new creative space in Columbus. Located in the heart of the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD), The LOOM will soon serve as headquarters for the Columbus Fashion Alliance and as a fashion incubator and cultural hub, offering everything from office and coworking space to creative studios, new equipment, and vibrant event spaces. (Read more about it here.)
SPESA was the very first group to host an event in the space (it wasn’t actually open to the public yet). And, while any new operation has kinks to work out, it was probably the coolest place we have ever held an event.
As one attendee explained: “It’s a strong concept, especially being close to textile and manufacturing ecosystems. Spaces like this can become important hubs as the industry shifts back toward domestic production. Continued focus on connecting people to real resources and infrastructure will make it even more impactful.”
Why Columbus?
As its name implies, the SPESA Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference looks to explore the new and exciting ways that manufacturing is developing throughout the country. We have always chosen strategic locations — Texas, Detroit, and Los Angeles, for example — as our host cities for the event to allow us to not only discuss the industry as a whole, but to really dive into the challenges and initiatives taking place within specific manufacturing hubs. And, as we continue to hear chatter throughout the industry that Columbus and its neighboring region may just be the "future of manufacturing," we couldn't miss the chance to learn more about it in person!
The region's accessible location, established infrastructure, and skilled workforce have long been an attraction for manufacturing for consumer goods industries — including apparel and footwear — as well as advanced materials, defense, and aerospace. It is a hub for both traditional manufacturing models and emerging tech.
"Columbus is anchored by numerous retail giants, emerging brands and distribution hubs. The city is a hub for skilled professionals in merchandising, logistics, manufacturing and design. Ohio State University, the Columbus College of Art & Design, Kent State University and others pump out emerging talent in the fashion industry." - The Columbus Dispatch
While the fashion industry in Columbus hasn't yet caught up with the powerhouses of New York and Los Angeles, tremendous effort has been made to unify the region's various creative silos into a central hub that both supports new ventures and provides resources for growth. The construction of The LOOM, led by the Columbus Fashion Alliance, is a big part of that effort, creating a physical place that can be strategically utilized by industry leaders and newcomers alike.
What's Next?
So, where do we go from here? We're still deciding where to take the Advancements Conference next. In the meantime, we invite SPESA members and all industry stakeholders to join us at our next upcoming events!